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A new metal-free and water-soluble molecule that can produce florescence and used as MRI contrast material

Researchers at Kyushu University have developed a novel molecule that can produce fluorescence and serve as an MRI contrast agent, addressing limitations of current imaging techniques. The molecule, a water-soluble and metal-free compound, demonstrates improved imaging depth and reduced toxicity compared to existing agents.

SourceKyushu University·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2026

Understanding unusual chirality-driven anomalous Hall effect via first-principles calculations

Researchers present novel theoretical framework explaining non-monotonic temperature dependence and sign reversal of chirality-related AHE in highly conductive metals. The study reveals clear picture of unusual transport phenomena, forming foundation for rational design of next-generation spintronic devices and magnetic quantum materials.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 20, 2026

An ‘illuminating’ design sheds light on cholesterol

A team of researchers at the University of Pennsylvania has designed a new light-controlled cholesterol molecule that selectively targets two poorly understood sterol transport proteins, ORP1 and ORP2. This breakthrough enables precise spatiotemporal control over cholesterol's biological activity, paving the way for advanced therapeutics.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2025

Cooling paint harvests water from thin air

Researchers developed a nanoengineered polymer coating that reflects sunlight and radiates heat, capturing atmospheric water vapour to create a sustainable source of fresh water. The technology can be integrated into paint-like materials for large-scale use, complementing existing systems and addressing global challenges.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 2, 2025

Creating carbon-capturing cement

A team of Penn engineers and materials scientists have developed a biomineral-infused concrete that captures up to 142% more CO2 than conventional mixes while using less cement. The new material is stronger, lighter, and uses fewer materials like cement.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 9, 2025

Modeling electric response of materials, a million atoms at a time

Researchers developed a machine learning framework that can predict how materials respond to electric fields up to a million atoms, accelerating simulations beyond quantum mechanical methods. This allows for accurate, large-scale simulations of material responses to various external stimuli.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 9, 2025

Texas A&M chemist wins NSF CAREER Award

Dr. Alison Altman, a Texas A&M chemist, has received the NSF CAREER Award to support her research on underexplored elements of the periodic table and their applications in technology. She aims to expand chemistry education at all levels, emphasizing its impact on everyday life.

In major materials breakthrough, UVA team solves a nearly 200-year-old challenge in polymers

Researchers at UVA have developed a new polymer design that decouples stiffness and stretchability, allowing materials to be both strong and flexible. The 'foldable bottlebrush polymer networks' can store extra length within their structure, enabling them to elongate up to 40 times more than standard polymers without weakening.

Paving the way for diagnostics

Researchers at the University of Jena have developed a method to functionalise graphene without interference, allowing for ultrasensitive detection of biomarkers. This breakthrough enables rapid, cost-effective diagnostics using graphene-based field-effect transistors.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 27, 2024

The heaviest element ever chemically studied — Experiments at GSI/FAIR succeed in determining properties of moscovium and nihonium

Researchers have determined the chemical properties of moscovium and nihonium, which are more reactive than flerovium. The study uses a newly developed setup for chemical separation and detection to observe the very short-lived moscovium-288 and its daughter nihonium-284.

SourceGSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH·JournalFrontiers in Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 5, 2024

Chestnut tannin: A sustainable bioresource for diverse applications

Recent research highlights the multifaceted potential of chestnut tannin in various sectors, including its use as a replacement for antibiotics in animal feed and as a biostimulant and biofertilizer in agriculture. The compound's high biological activity is attributed to its ortho-phenolic groups.

SourceJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·JournalJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 5, 2024

Building better solar cells: assembly of 2D molecular structures with triptycene scaffold

Scientists developed a streamlined approach to assemble 2D molecular structures using a supramolecular scaffold, enhancing the efficiency of singlet fission and paving the way for advancements in solar cells. The new method created two distinct 2D self-assembling structures with high quantum yields, outperforming previous designs.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 1, 2024

New study shows how organic molecules impact gold nanoparticles

A new study by Prof. Daniel Mandler and his team found that organic molecules can significantly influence the electrical properties of gold nanoparticles, up to 71 mV. The research highlights the importance of capping agents in controlling nanoparticle behavior and provides insights for customizing their interactions.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2024

Physical and chemical properties of boiled oil: A traditional method of extracting oil from boiled olive fruits

Researchers found that bubbling olive products before oil extraction decreases oil quality. The study measured absolute phenolic compounds, antioxidant capacity, and acidity levels in bubbled oil (BO) compared to virgin olive oil (VOO). BO had lower antioxidant properties and higher acidity levels than VOO.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Agriculture Journal·DateMay 30, 2024

Toxic chemicals can be detected with new AI method

A new AI method developed by Swedish researchers can identify toxic substances based on their chemical structure, potentially replacing animal testing. The method has been shown to be more accurate and broadly applicable than existing computational tools, offering a promising alternative for environmental research and authorities.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 2, 2024

Protecting brain cells with cannabinol

Scientists at Salk Institute explore the clinical potential of cannabinol (CBN) in treating traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. They identify four CBN analogs with improved neuroprotective ability and drug-like efficacy.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalRedox Biology·DateApr 17, 2024

Insilico Medicine develops novel PTPN2/N1 inhibitor for cancer immunotherapy using generative AI

Researchers at Insilico Medicine have developed a novel PTPN2/N1 inhibitor with improved oral absorption and robust antitumor efficacy using the company's generative AI engine. The new compound demonstrates enhanced biological activities compared to existing inhibitors, offering new treatment possibilities for cancer patients.

SourceInSilico Medicine·JournalEuropean Journal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateApr 11, 2024

Lipids with potential health benefits in herbal teas

Researchers at Hokkaido University identified 341 different molecular species of lipids in four types of herbal tea, which may contribute to the teas' health benefits. The study reveals significant variations in lipids among the teas, with some containing novel short-chain fatty acid esters and polyunsaturated fatty acids.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalFood Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 29, 2024

Metamaterials and AI converge, igniting innovative breakthroughs

Researchers have made significant breakthroughs by harnessing AI in metamaterials research, leading to faster device development and more precise data analysis. This convergence of AI and metaphotonics has the potential to transform various domains, including diagnosis, environmental monitoring, and security.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalCurrent Opinion in Solid State and Materials Science·DateMar 19, 2024

Restoration of degraded areas in semi-arid region contributes to ‘return’ of soil microorganisms, study shows

A study reveals that restoration strategies in the semi-arid region of Brazil have led to a return of native ecosystem services by improving soil microbial properties. The techniques, including removal of cattle and cultivation of cover crops, have resulted in higher biodiversity and crop yields.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Environmental Management·DateMar 5, 2024

A new “metal swap” method for creating lateral heterostructures of 2D materials

A team of researchers from Tokyo University of Science employed a new 'transmetallation' technique to synthesize lateral heterojunctions of 2D coordination nanosheets. The method enables the creation of ultrathin electronic devices with unique properties, paving the way for innovative devices.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 8, 2024