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When changing one atom makes molecules better

Researchers have found a way to replace hydrogen atoms with fluorine in organic molecules, increasing their metabolic stability and potentially leading to more effective pharmaceuticals. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new treatments for various diseases.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Chemistry·DateMar 5, 2019

Observing hydrogen's effects in metal

Researchers at MIT have developed a new microscopy technique that allows the observation of a metal surface during hydrogen penetration. This breakthrough could lead to safer reactor vessels and more efficient hydrogen storage tanks. The technique, which uses a liquid electrolyte to expose metal surfaces to a hydrogen environment, has ...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalInternational Journal of Hydrogen Energy·DateFeb 5, 2019

Arsenic for electronics

Scientists have successfully modified arsenene with chloromethylene groups, improving its semiconducting properties. The modified material exhibits strong luminescence and electronic properties, making it attractive for optoelectronic applications.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateOct 15, 2018

New mechanisms discovered to separate air

Scientists from Shinshu University and PSL University have theoretically proved a new mechanism for separating air molecules using nanowindows in graphene. The study shows that the atomic vibration of the nanowindow-rim changes the effective nanowidow size, selectively allowing oxygen from air to pass through, with separation efficienc...

SourceShinshu University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 4, 2018

'Chemical net' could be key to capturing pure hydrogen

Researchers have discovered that MXene nanosheets can be used to construct laminated membranes for efficient gas separation, outperforming top-of-the-line membrane materials in permeability and selectivity. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new gas separation applications and expand the use of membrane technology.

SourceDrexel University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 29, 2018

Siberian chemists have improved hydrogen sensors

Scientists from Siberian Federal University and Nikolaev Institute of Inorganic Chemistry create active layers in hydrogen detectors using metal phthalocyanines and palladium membranes. This increases the sensor's sensitivity, enabling detection of hazardous gases and aiding in disease diagnosis. The researchers plan to further improve...

SourceSiberian Federal University·JournalInternational Journal of Hydrogen Energy·DateJan 17, 2018

Clearing the air

Scientists at Argonne National Laboratory have made a breakthrough in understanding the Criegee intermediate, a key chemical able to break down sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide. The research improves models for atmospheric chemistry and validates a major theory for predicting chemical reactivity.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 14, 2017

Canadian-led study akin to antimatter forensics

A Canadian-led research collaboration reports observing spectral lines from an antimatter atom for the first time in a study published in Nature. The team studied antihydrogen and found that its spectral lines match those of hydrogen very well, which could provide clues about the nature of matter and antimatter.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalNature·DateAug 4, 2017

Most precise measurement of the proton's mass

Physicists from Germany and Japan made a precise measurement of the proton's mass, improving it by a factor of three and correcting the existing value. The resulting mass is significantly smaller than current standards, providing insight into fundamental physical theories.

SourceRIKEN·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 20, 2017

Carbon displays quantum effects

Researchers have observed carbon atoms exhibiting quantum effects, including wave-particle duality and tunneling behavior, in a reaction called the Cope rearrangement. At extremely low temperatures, the molecules can transition from one form to another without overcoming an energy barrier, a phenomenon known as tunneling.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJul 12, 2017

Ionization mechanisms of captive atoms struck by light matter

Physicists have developed a methodology to solve the Schrödinger equation describing the behavior of an atom interacting with an external light pulse, yielding a theoretical description of how external light rays affect the energy levels of hydrogen atoms trapped inside fullerenes. The study reveals key aspects of the ionization proces...

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateMar 8, 2017

Illinois researchers discover hot hydrogen atoms in Earth's upper atmosphere

Researchers at the University of Illinois have discovered hot atomic hydrogen atoms in the thermosphere, a layer of the atmosphere above 250 kilometers. This finding contradicts previous assumptions and has significant implications for understanding atmospheric escape and the behavior of satellites in low Earth orbit.

Plasma-zapping process could yield trans fat-free soybean oil product

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a hydrogenation process that uses high-voltage atmospheric cold plasma (HVACP) to solidify soybean oil for food processing without creating trans fats. The new process is more efficient and environmentally friendly, with the potential to produce safe plant oils on a large scale.

SourcePurdue University·JournalInnovative Food Science & Emerging Technologies·DateDec 1, 2016