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KAIST research team proves how a neurotransmitter may be the key in controlling Alzheimer’s toxicity​

A KAIST research team has discovered a new role for somatostatin, a protein-based neurotransmitter, in reducing the toxicity caused by Alzheimers disease. When somatostatin is met with copper and Aβ proteins, it attenuates the toxicity and agglomeration of metal-Aβ complexes.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 29, 2022

Caught in the act: Key chemical intermediates in pollutant-to-fuel reaction identified

Scientists from the University of Tsukuba have experimentally measured hydrogenation of copper-adsorbed formate, a crucial step in converting carbon dioxide into methanol fuel. The study found that at temperatures above 200K, atomic hydrogen can catalyze the reaction, producing a product that decomposes back into gaseous formaldehyde.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJul 6, 2022

Fast and facile synthesis of antibacterial amino acid Schiff base copper complexes

Researchers at Tokyo University of Science have developed a fast and facile synthesis method for antibacterial amino acid Schiff base copper complexes using microwave irradiation. The new technique produces high-purity products with promising antimicrobial activity, overcoming the challenge of long synthesis times.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalApplied Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 4, 2022

Failed eruptions are at the origin of copper deposits

Scientists from the University of Geneva discover that copper deposits are formed by mechanisms similar to those causing large volcanic eruptions. The 'porphyry' deposits, containing copper, form when hot fluids release from cooling magmas and develop under the earth's surface.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeNews article·DateMay 9, 2022

Rice process aims to strip ammonia from wastewater

Researchers create high-performance catalyst to pull ammonia and solid fertilizer from low-level nitrates in industrial wastewater, reducing carbon dioxide emissions. The process works at room temperature and under ambient pressure, with potential for decentralized ammonia production.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 2, 2022

Existing infrastructure will be unable to support future demand for high-speed internet

Researchers have found that the UK's existing copper network cables can support faster internet speeds, but only up to a certain frequency, and will not be able to support high-speed internet in the longer term. The study highlights the importance of investing in future technologies to make high-speed internet available to all.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 26, 2022

New sorbent removes maximum copper and zinc from water

Researchers have created a novel sorbent that effectively removes copper and zinc from water solutions, with the ability to be reused for efficient treatment of industrial wastewater and drinking water. The sorbent's adsorption properties were enhanced through modification, allowing for up to 60% removal of heavy metals within minutes.

SourceUral Federal University·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·DateMar 22, 2022

Office buildings with infrequent water use may have poor water quality

A study published in PLOS Water found that office buildings with low-consumption plumbing may experience chemical and microbiological safety issues due to weekend stagnation. The research highlights the need for regular water testing in commercial buildings, even those designed as 'green' to reduce water consumption.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Water·TypeObservational study·DateMar 9, 2022

Metal mix and match: An unexpected discovery could improve the crystallinity of coordination nanosheets

Researchers at Tokyo University of Science have discovered a method to improve the crystallinity of coordination nanosheets by mixing two metal ion solutions. This approach results in higher crystallinity and improved performance in devices such as electronics and batteries. The findings open a new pathway for tuning the functional pro...

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2022

Precious metal commodities can enhance investment portfolio performance, say Pusan National University researchers

A study published in Applied Economics analyzed the relationship between precious metal commodities and equity markets, revealing that gold and aluminum are the most desirable metals for investment. The research also found that copper and zinc have the largest spillovers on global equity indices.

SourcePusan National University·JournalApplied Economics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 3, 2022

3D printing approaches atomic dimensions

Researchers have developed a new electrochemical technique for printing metal objects at the nanoscale, achieving resolutions of up to 25 nanometres in diameter. This technology has vast potential applications in fields like microelectronics, sensor technology, and battery production.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalNano Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2021

New technique improves conversion of carbon dioxide into liquid fuels

Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have developed a new approach to modify the surface of copper catalysts, improving the conversion of carbon dioxide into useful fuels. The technique involves coating the copper with thin films of ionomers, which steer the reaction towards generating carbon-rich products.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2021

Liquid fuels from carbon dioxide

A team of Chinese researchers has developed an electrocatalyst that efficiently converts CO2 into liquid fuels with multiple carbon atoms. The primary products are ethanol, acetone, and n-butanol, which have high energy density and are safe to store and transport.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 15, 2021

Light in, sound out: photoacoustic probe helps find and fight Wilson's disease and other maladies

Researchers developed a non-toxic, small-molecule probe that provides real-time visualization of disease progression, overcoming limitations of MRI and PET imaging. The probe binds copper ions and detects dysregulated levels, accurately identifying Wilson's disease and other maladies.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 30, 2021

Copper and PTFE stick together to support better 5G

Osaka University researchers have created an adhesive-free method to strongly combine copper foil with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), reducing transmission losses in electronic circuits. The heat-assisted plasma treatment technique improves adhesion strength without adding intermediate layers.

SourceOsaka University·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 2, 2021

UMD associate professor awarded $1.5 million to examine the role of copper in heat generation and fat burning, with implications for human health

The University of Maryland associate professor will use genetics, cell biology, and pharmacology to examine the mechanisms of copper transport and its connection to thermogenesis and fat burning. The research aims to improve human health by understanding how copper relates to hypothermia, obesity, and diabetes.

New strategy for drug design: Keeping copper atoms closer to keep bacteria away

Scientists at Tokyo University of Science developed a copper-containing polymer that greatly enhances the antibacterial activity of hydrogen peroxide. The use of these tailored polymers resulted in higher catalytic activity and more effective killing of bacteria, opening up new design avenues for antimicrobial drugs.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalMacromolecular Rapid Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 27, 2021

Copper transporter potential new treatment target for cardiovascular disease

Researchers at Medical College of Georgia discover that copper transporter ATP7A plays a crucial role in new blood vessel formation and restoring blood flow in ischemic cardiovascular disease. The study suggests that increasing and stabilizing ATP7A levels could lead to the development of new treatments for heart attack, peripheral art...

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 20, 2021

From toxic ions to single-atom copper

Researchers have discovered a new method for converting toxic copper ions into stable single-atom copper using bacteria found in copper mines. This process is safer and more efficient than current methods, which often require harsh chemicals and labor-intensive processes.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 23, 2021