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Tracking a protein’s fleeting shape changes

Researchers developed a powerful new technique to generate dynamic structural data of proteins. They applied it to Glt Ph, revealing previously unseen structural states and uncovering the basis of wanderlust kinetics. The approach opens up possibilities to track protein structure in real-time.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateApr 17, 2024

Artificial reef designed by MIT engineers could protect marine life, reduce storm damage

The MIT-designed 'architected' reef could dissipate more than 95% of incoming wave energy using a fraction of the material needed, reducing erosion and flooding. The cylindrical structure's unique design leverages turbulence to efficiently break waves, making it a potential solution for coastal protection in various water conditions.

Filming ultrafast molecular motions in single crystal

Scientists have applied time-resolved serial femtosecond crystallography (TR-SFX) to study molecular motion in real-time with atomic resolution, revealing three pathways of structural change in a porous coordination network sample. This breakthrough unlocks new opportunities for investigating chemical systems and material science.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2024

Fast folding for synthetic peptides and microproteins

Researchers at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University developed a new method that enables the efficient production of cysteine-rich peptides and microproteins in their naturally folded 3D structure. The approach uses organic solvents to mimic nature's oxidative folding process, resulting in speeds of over 100,000 times faster than aqueous...

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 21, 2024

A simple and robust method to add functional molecules to peptides

Researchers from Tohoku University developed a unique chemical reaction to attach two distinct functional molecules to the N-terminus of peptides with a glycine amino acid, achieving site-selective modification and stable carbon-carbon bonds. The method shows potential for labeling diverse peptides and larger proteins for purification,...

SourceTohoku University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 11, 2024

Diamonds are a chip's best friend

Researchers at Kyoto University have determined the magnitude of spin-orbit interaction in acceptor-bound excitons in a semiconductor. The study revealed two triplets separated by a spin-orbit splitting of 14.3 meV, supporting the hypothesis that two positively charged holes are more strongly bound than an electron-and-hole pair.

SourceKyoto University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 27, 2024

Efficiently moving urea out of polluted water is coming to reality

Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute have developed a material to selectively oxidize urea in water, producing hydrogen gas. The material, made of nickel and cobalt atoms with tailored electronic structures, enables the efficient conversion of urea into hydrogen through an electrochemical reaction.

SourceWorcester Polytechnic Institute·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 18, 2024

Discovery of structural regularity hidden in silica glass

Researchers discovered a mixture of ring shapes unique to glass and those resembling crystals, with specific areas showing degree of order or regularity despite apparent disorder. The findings contribute to understanding phase-transitions and provide mathematical descriptions for controlling material structures and properties.

SourceTohoku University·JournalCommunications Materials·DateNov 21, 2023

Novel lateral data storage: Two-dimensional ferroelectric semiconductor memory with a bottom contact 100 nm channel using in-plane polarization

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have developed a novel ferroelectric semiconductor memory device with a 100 nm channel length, enabling high-density storage and seamless integration with existing semiconductor technologies. The device exhibits typical resistive switching, high on/off ratio, large memory window, and good re...

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 2023

Study reveals long-debated makeup of the molecules that help organize your cells

A new study from the University of Chicago has laid out the internal structure of polyelectrolyte complexes, a special kind of molecular assembly that helps cells keep themselves organized. The researchers used a combination of simulations and neutron scattering to determine the precise structure of these molecules, which could lead to...

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 31, 2023

Researchers reveal a powerful platform for studying high-entropy alloy electrocatalysis

A collaborative research team created an experimental platform to control the atomic-level structure of high-entropy alloy surfaces and test their catalytic properties. Their study found that the surfaces performed better in oxygen reduction reactions compared to other materials, indicating a 'pseudo-core-shell-like structure' contribu...

SourceTohoku University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 28, 2023

Successful structure search: Construction of monoatomic lead layers with specially developed method unveiled for the first time

A team of scientists from Chemnitz University of Technology has successfully synthesized two-dimensional lead layers using a novel method. The researchers were able to comprehensively describe the structures of these layers, which could become relevant in the development of novel electronic systems and quantum materials.

SourceChemnitz University of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 24, 2023

WVU researchers capture atomic view of synthetic DNA, revealing ‘molecular scissors’ that could treat disease

Researchers at WVU have developed a way to view synthetic DNA at the atomic level, enabling them to understand how to change its structure for enhanced scissor-like function. This breakthrough could lead to new technology for medical diagnoses and treatments, including potential therapies for diseases like retinal degeneration and cancer.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalCommunications Chemistry·DateJul 24, 2023

Front cover highlights "innovative approach" of research into 2D materials

Lancaster University researchers have developed a novel scanning thermal microscopy approach to directly measure the heat conductivity of two-dimensional materials. This breakthrough enables the creation of efficient waste heat scavengers generating cheap electricity, new compact fridges, and advanced optical and microwave sensors and ...

SourceLancaster University·JournalAdvanced Materials Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2023

A glimpse into the hexasome: 40 years on

A recent study by the Eustermann group at EMBL Heidelberg reveals that DNA packaging into hexasomes impacts the function of enzymes involved in gene regulation. The researchers used cryo-electron microscopy to visualize the molecular processes of how this packaging regulates genome expression and maintenance.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 12, 2023

The problems with coal ash start smaller than anyone thought

A new study by Duke University researchers reveals that the amount of toxic elements leaching out of coal ash depends largely on its nanoscale structure. The discovery highlights the complexity of coal ash as a material and emphasizes the need for closer examination of fine details within the ash to understand environmental risks.

SourceDuke University·JournalEnvironmental Science Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 6, 2023

Clarity with tiny drug crystals

A team of researchers used 3D-electron diffraction/micro-crystal diffraction to determine the structure of Levocetirizine dihydrochloride, an over-the-counter oral antihistamine. This breakthrough allows for a better understanding of its properties and potential applications.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 22, 2023