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Visualizing diffusive dynamics beyond tracking limit with standard optical microscope

Researchers at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology developed a new approach to detect crystallization signs without fluorescent labeling or tracking. They used particle image diffusometry to analyze microscopy movie data, revealing the collective motion of molecular clusters before nucleation.

SourceTokyo University of Agriculture and Technology·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateFeb 17, 2020

Liquid-liquid transitions crystallize new ideas for molecular liquids

Researchers have discovered a significant coupling between crystallization and liquid-liquid transition (LLT) in molecular liquids, leading to drastic enhancements of crystal formation. This finding has implications for understanding and controlling crystallization in various fields, including materials science and disease research.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 25, 2019

Proteins for making tough rubber

Researchers at Sichuan University developed a synthetic analogue to vulcanized natural rubber by attaching short protein chains to the polymer backbone. This results in a self-reinforcing effect under strain, making the material tougher and more recyclable. The new rubber's properties closely resemble those of vulcanized natural rubber.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateDec 10, 2018

The shapes of water

Researchers at Arizona State University have observed a previously unseen property of water, where it changes from one liquid to another under super-cooling and specific conditions. This phenomenon, known as a liquid-liquid phase transition, was only seen in computer simulations until now.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScience·DateMar 8, 2018

Man versus (synthesis) machine

Researchers used active machine learning to discover new conditions for synthesizing gigantic polyoxometalate molecules. The algorithm outperformed human experimenters, covering a broader range of the 'crystallization space' and discovering unexpected crystals.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateAug 3, 2017

Control of material crystallization by agitation

A team at Osaka University found that agitating amorphous materials at a certain frequency accelerates crystallization, indicating a new method for controlling the formation of crystalline materials. The study used colloidal systems to model atomic materials and identified a specific vibrational mode facilitating crystallization.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 8, 2017

Why do mushrooms turn brown?

Scientists from the University of Vienna have identified the enzyme responsible for mushroom browning, which has implications for food spoilage prevention and medical treatment. The study's findings provide a new understanding of the mechanisms behind tyrosinase pigmentation.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalPhytochemistry·DateSep 9, 2014

How do your crystals grow?

Scientists used fluorescence correlation spectroscopy to investigate the processes at the surface of growing crystals. They found that when single tetragonal crystals formed, there was no concentration gradient between the solution and the crystal surface. However, in formation of clumps of needle-like branched crystals, called spherul...

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateSep 14, 2010

A crystal clear view of chalk formation

Researchers found that stable nanoclusters of calcium carbonate form in water with a small quantity of dissolved calcium carbonate, not as previously thought. This discovery may help explain the structure of biominerals and provide insights into coping with lime scale in washing machines.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateJan 23, 2009

Growing catalysts

Scientists at ESRF have made significant progress in understanding zeolite synthesis by monitoring the process in real-time. They found that molecular organization occurs before crystallization, leading to more efficient catalysts.

SourceEuropean Synchrotron Radiation Facility·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 8, 2006