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Discovery of near-infrared light that absorbs and emits antiaromatic molecules potentially applicable to next-generation medical devices

Scientists develop antiaromatic molecules that exhibit absorption and fluorescence bands in the near-infrared region, enabling deep biological imaging and photothermal therapy. This breakthrough holds potential for diverse NIR luminescent materials and applications in fields like healthcare, optoelectronics, and materials science.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 14, 2023

The little things matter: Chemists develop new sensor for microvolume pH detection

Researchers at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University have developed a sensitive and robust pH sensor that can detect pH variation in just a few microliters of samples. The new sensor uses novel materials and methods to overcome the current method's limitations, which are not sensitive enough or fragile for commercial-scale use.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalMicrochimica Acta·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 3, 2023

Evaluating the shear viscosity of different water models

Associate Professor Tadashi Ando from Tokyo University of Science conducted a study to test the performance of OPC and OPC3 water models, evaluating their shear viscosities and comparing values to experimental calculations. The calculated viscosities for both models were very close, with notable accuracy at temperatures above 310 K.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 21, 2023

Multicyclic molecular wheels with polymer potential

Scientists have successfully created macro-rotaxanes with multicyclic wheels, which hold long molecular chains together to modify the properties of soft polymers. These new structures offer improved damping efficiency and potential applications in next-generation polymers and molecular computing.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 1, 2023

Nature's nutcracker can crush pesticide residue

Researchers at Aarhus University have found an enzyme, C-P lyase, in E. coli bacteria that can degrade highly stable chemicals, including pesticides like RoundUp. The enzyme uses energy from ATP to open and close a 'nutcracker' mechanism that traps and breaks down troublesome chemicals.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 1, 2023

Seeing clearly into a new realm – researchers prototype a new generation of quantum microscopy

A team of researchers has developed a prototype of a quantum microscope that can see electric currents, detect fluctuating magnetic fields, and even see single molecules on a surface. The microscope uses atomic impurities and van der Waals materials to achieve high resolution sensitivity and simultaneous imaging of magnetic fields and ...

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 7, 2022

Singapore scientists crack the genome of Singapore's national flower

The genome of Singapore's National Flower, Papilionanthe Miss Joaquim, has been decoded by a collaboration between A*STAR and SingHealth Duke-NUS Institute of Biodiversity Medicine. The study reveals the presence of natural products with antioxidant properties, flavonols, and anthocyanins, which could be used for healthcare purposes.

Novel multi-proton carrier complex as efficient proton conductor at high temperatures

A team of researchers from Tokyo University of Science has developed a novel multi-proton carrier complex that shows efficient proton conductivity even at high temperatures. The resulting starburst-type metal complex acts as a proton transmitter, making it 6 times more potent than individual imidazole molecules.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2022

Chemists design chemical probe for detecting minute temperature shifts in the body

Researchers at Colorado State University have developed a cobalt-based molecule that can detect extremely subtle temperature shifts inside the body, opening up new possibilities for medical imaging and therapy. The noninvasive probe uses radiofrequency waves to read out temperature signals from the body.

SourceColorado State University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 6, 2022

An ultrafast X-ray glance into photoacid electronic structure

Researchers have provided direct insight into the electronic structure of a proton donating group in an amine aromatic photoacid using ultrafast X-ray spectroscopy. The study reveals major electronic structure changes occur on the base side of the Förster cycle, resolving the long-standing open question.

SourceMax Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy (MBI)·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2022

‘Self-driving’ lab speeds up research, synthesis of energy materials

Researchers at NC State University have developed a 'self-driving lab' that uses artificial intelligence and fluidic systems to advance our understanding of metal halide perovskite nanocrystals. The technology can autonomously dope MHP nanocrystals, adding manganese atoms on demand, allowing for faster control over properties.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAdvanced Intelligent Systems·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 16, 2022

Discovered: An easier way to create "flexible diamonds"

A team of scientists led by Samuel Dunning has developed an original technique to predict and guide the ordered creation of strong, yet flexible, diamond nanothreads. The innovation allows for easier synthesis of the material, which has potential applications in space elevators, ultra-strong fabrics, and other fields.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 2, 2022

Live wire: new research on nanoelectronics

A study by Arizona State University shows that certain proteins can act as efficient electrical conductors, outperforming DNA-based nanowires in conductance. The protein nanowires display better performance over long distances, enabling potential applications for medical sensing and diagnostics.

SourceArizona State University·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 24, 2022

Why the world needs a better LED light bulb

Researchers have developed a new light-emitting material that doubles the intensity of existing LEDs while also being more energy-efficient. The material, cerium-doped zinc oxide, has the potential to be used in commercial LED lighting applications and could make lighting more affordable for households and businesses worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Johannesburg·JournalJournal of Luminescence·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 8, 2021

Pyrrole chemistry: Good things come in threes

Researchers have successfully formed rings made of three pyrroles for the first time, which could be used to produce compounds with unique properties. The discovery explains why tripyrrolic macrocycles were not observed before due to strain issues.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 16, 2021

Polymer enables tougher recyclable thermoplastics

Cornell researchers created a chemically recyclable thermoplastic by synthesizing long polymer chains using a special catalyst. The resulting material, poly(1,3-dioxolane) or PDXL, has high tensile strength and can be easily depolymerized back to its monomer state, making it suitable for large-scale applications like packaging products.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·DateAug 13, 2021

Coiling them up: Synthesizing organic molecules with a long helical structure

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology produced and characterized novel organic molecules with a long helical structure, revealing special interactions between coils that can exhibit interesting optical and chemical properties. The longer compounds also displayed face-to-face stabilizing interactions between different helical lay...

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·DateJan 29, 2021

'Edited' plant-based toxin possesses anti-tumor characteristics

Researchers at Shinshu University discovered that editing fusicoccins, a toxic organic compound, can transform them into chemicals with anti-tumor properties. The study suggests that the compound works as a stabilizer for protein-protein interactions, which could lead to the development of new clinically relevant anti-cancer agents.

SourceShinshu University·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·DateNov 15, 2018

A new 'periodic table' for nanomaterials

Researchers created a machine learning technique to categorize different molecules based on the nano-sized shapes they form. The approach could help materials scientists identify suitable precursor molecules for synthesizing target nanomaterials.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 23, 2018

Research shows how DNA molecules cross nanopores

A new study published in Nature Communications reveals that DNA molecules move faster as they enter a nanopore and slower when exiting, due to buckling under compressive forces. This finding could inform the design of biosensors and have real-world applications in polymer properties measurement.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 5, 2017

Researchers identify characteristic chemical signature for chronic fatigue syndrome

A study published in PNAS identifies a unique chemical signature for chronic fatigue syndrome, revealing an unexpected connection to hypometabolic syndromes like dauer. The findings show that CFS has a characteristic metabolic response, with 80% of diagnostic metabolites decreased, and provide a basis for personalized therapies.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 29, 2016