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“Blanket-covered” single-molecules: a breakthrough in revealing the origin of life

Researchers at POSTECH have developed a method to observe single molecules at room temperature, revealing their structural dynamics and conformational heterogeneity. This breakthrough has significant implications for understanding the origin of life, identifying causes of incurable diseases, and developing treatments.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 15, 2022

Less risk, less costs: Portable spectroscopy devices could soon become real

Researchers at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz have developed a new method for detecting alcohols using zero- to ultralow-field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) combined with the SABRE-Relay hyperpolarization technique. This innovative approach enables measurements without strong magnetic fields, reducing device size and potential ...

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 1, 2022

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

Electrons in alcohol – concerted molecule and charge motions at terahertz frequencies

Researchers observed a novel type of excitation, called a polaron, where collective oscillations of the electron and its screening cloud arise at terahertz frequencies. These oscillations persist for tens of picoseconds and are impulsively triggered by ultrafast electron localization.

Chung-Ang university researchers pioneer new way to manipulate microdroplets

Scientists at Chung-Ang University have pioneered a novel method for controlling microdroplet motion on solid surfaces using near-infrared light. This approach allows for more precise control than traditional thermal techniques and opens up new possibilities for applications in microfluidics, drug delivery, and self-cleaning surfaces.

SourceChung Ang University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 21, 2022

Using sound to control enzymatic reactions

A team of scientists successfully controlled multistep enzyme reactions using audible sound, creating a new method for spatiotemporal regulation. The researchers used standing waves generated by sound to separate and compartmentalize solutions, allowing for the precise control of chemical reactions.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 2, 2022

Revolutionary images of the birth of crystals

Researchers have successfully visualized crystal nucleation, a crucial stage in crystallization, using Raman microspectroscopy and optical trapping. This breakthrough enables better understanding of molecular dynamics and may lead to the development of purer and more stable crystals for pharmaceuticals and other industries.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeNews article·DateApr 21, 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

The opto-ionic effect: Light may increase performance of fuel cells and lithium-ion batteries

Researchers have discovered the opto-ionic effect, where light increases the mobility of ions in ceramic materials, improving the performance of devices such as solid-state electrolytes in fuel cells and lithium-ion batteries. This effect could lead to higher charging speeds and more efficient energy conversion technologies.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 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

(Bio)sensing protein interactions

The study reveals new details about the conditions under which WDR5 starts and stops interacting with other proteins, allowing researchers to better understand its multitasking role in cancer. The biosensor's ability to recognize different types of protein connections will help develop more effective drugs to target WDR5.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 23, 2022

Molecule snapshot by explosion

Researchers at the European XFEL facility have taken pictures of gas-phase iodopyridine molecules at atomic resolution using ultra-bright X-ray pulses. The images were reconstructed from the fragments caused by a Coulomb explosion, providing unprecedented clarity for this method and molecule size.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2022

Coral skeleton formation rate determines resilience to acidifying oceans

Researchers found that coral species with faster skeletal crystallization rates are more resilient to ocean acidification. A team of UW-Madison students contributed to the analysis and were co-authors on the study. The findings have significant implications for developing mitigation strategies against ocean acidification.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 2022

Suiting up with Al-Mg-Si: New protective coating for steel to resist corrosion in ships and marine and coastal facilities and structures

Scientists have created a new protective coating using Al-Mg-Si alloy to resist corrosion in ships and marine facilities. The coating demonstrates improved corrosion resistance through a 'shielding effect', increasing the economic life of steel machinery.

SourceNational Korea Maritime and Ocean University·JournalCorrosion Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 2022

Biomolecular explosion

Scientists have observed that ionizing radiation can cause intermolecular Coulombic decay in organic molecules, leading to damage in DNA and proteins. This new understanding could lead to the development of more effective substances for radiation therapy and improve knowledge of how radiation damages healthy tissue.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Chemistry·DateDec 27, 2021

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

New Bayesian quantum algorithm directly calculates the energy difference of an atom and molecule

Researchers from Osaka City University have developed a Bayesian phase difference estimation (BPDE) algorithm that directly calculates the energy difference between two relevant quantum states. This breakthrough enables precise accuracy in chemistry problems and overcomes limitations of conventional full-CI calculations.

SourceOsaka City University·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 2, 2021

Polymer electrolytes for all-solid-state batteries without dead zones

Researchers developed a novel block copolymer electrolyte that controls structure through electrostatic interactions, enhancing ionic conductivity. The new nanostructure enables significant enhancement in conductivity compared to typical two-dimensional structures, paving the way for safer all-solid-state batteries.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 20, 2021

A charge-density-wave topological semimetal

Researchers have discovered a new material that exhibits both charge density wave and topological metal properties, featuring Weyl points and immense chiral charges. The discovery reveals an intimate connection between topology and electron correlations, opening up avenues for observing axion electrodynamics in condensed matter systems.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Physics·DateJan 9, 2021