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Supercomputer simulations reveal how the molecular motor kinesin steers itself along tracks

Supercomputer simulations reveal the high-confidence structure of kinesin's neck region, which interacts with the microtubule track to bias stepping trajectory. The study provides a vital foundation for understanding cellular transport, with future studies aiming to refine the structural framework.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalBiophysical Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 10, 2026

An atlas reveals the hidden "physical code" in the DNA sequence

Researchers have created the first comprehensive atlas of DNA's physical properties, revealing how its sequence influences genome regulation and evolution. The study analyzed 2,080 unique DNA fragments and found that certain sequences can preserve physical properties necessary for DNA function, potentially influencing genome evolution.

CASUS and Microsoft Research join forces

The Skala AI model, developed by Microsoft Research AI for Science, is now available through the CP2K software ecosystem. CASUS and Microsoft Research collaborated to integrate Skala into CP2K, enabling more accurate quantum mechanical simulations of larger molecular systems. The collaboration aims to improve the accuracy and efficienc...

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 21, 2026

Beyond the paddle-wheel mechanism: Elucidating the microscopic lithium ion transport in solid-state electrolytes for next-generation batteries

Researchers discovered that lithium ions move through cooperative rearrangement of 'ion cages' formed by surrounding anions, not the previously proposed paddle-wheel mechanism. This finding provides new guidelines for designing safe and high-performance solid electrolytes.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 22, 2026

How ions flow like a liquid through a solid crystal

A research team used a simple physical model to connect sublattice melting with cooperative and spatially heterogeneous ion transport, revealing a fundamental mechanism behind superionic conduction. The findings offer a unified explanation for this phenomenon, which could guide the design of next-generation solid-state batteries.

SourceThe University of Osaka·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 15, 2026

Out of order: using AI to decode the bizarre personality of water

Researchers at The University of Osaka used AI to evaluate characterization frameworks for molecular order in liquid water. They found that machine learning models can accurately capture key structural information, shedding light on the relationship between structural fluctuations and thermodynamic states of water.

SourceThe University of Osaka·JournalCommunications Chemistry·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 6, 2026

Mimicking nature’s twist: time-evolving helicity in a polymer

A team of scientists developed a chlorophyll-based supramolecular polymer that can gradually evolve from nonhelical fibers into well-defined helical structures. The transformation occurs cooperatively and is driven by small energy differences between stable arrangements, offering a blueprint for designing dynamic helical structures.

SourceChiba University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2026

New study reveals how a key receptor tells apart two nearly identical drug molecules

Researchers investigated the binding thermodynamics of doxepin geometric isomers to the histamine H1 receptor, revealing differences in enthalpy and entropy contributions. The study highlights the importance of considering conformational constraints in designing ligands with optimized thermodynamic properties.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalACS Medicinal Chemistry Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 2026

How molecules move in extreme water environments depends on their shape

Researchers used molecular dynamics simulations to study how organic molecules move with supercritical water inside carbon nanotubes. Aromatic compounds significantly slowed down their own motion and surrounding water, while alkanes moved relatively freely. Temperature played a key role in overcoming transport limitations.

ISTA physicists overcome fundamental limitation of acoustic levitation

Researchers at ISTA have successfully used electric charge to separate levitated particles, overcoming a fundamental limitation of acoustic levitation. This breakthrough enables the formation of stable, controlled structures from small building blocks, with potential applications in materials science, robotics, and microengineering.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 2, 2025

Topology reveals the hidden rules of amorphous materials — Softness arises from hierarchical structures

A research team has discovered the structural origins of mechanical softness in amorphous materials like glass, attributing it to hierarchical ring structures that coexist with medium-range order and local disorder. This finding will accelerate the design of flexible and strong amorphous solids.

SourceThe University of Osaka·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 25, 2025

Novel AI method sheds light on how enzyme linked to Alzheimer’s selects its targets

A novel AI-based approach identifies a distinct physicochemical signature near the cleavage site of gamma-secretase substrates, revealing dynamic properties essential for molecular recognition. The study highlights the potential of this methodology to improve understanding of gamma-secretase's role in diseases and aid drug development.

SourceDZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 9, 2025

SNU researchers develop 2D quantum material platform using moiré lattice superposition

The study identifies hierarchical structures and complex interlayer interactions in trilayer graphene systems, offering a promising new solid-state platform for programmable quantum devices. Researchers develop a 'structural phase diagram' to guide future design of quantum materials using multi-moiré lattices.

SourceSeoul National University College of Engineering·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 30, 2025

Researchers at IOCB Prague predict a new physical phenomenon through advanced molecular modeling

A research team at IOCB Prague has discovered a previously unknown phenomenon where a liquid transitions between metallic and nonmetallic states without settling in either. The study proposes a new hypothesis: ultrafast switching between the two phases on a timescale of tens of femtoseconds.

SourceInstitute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences (IOCB Prague)·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 20, 2025

Flexible COF-based porous liquid with “breathing effect”for enhancing CO2 adsorption and catalysis

Researchers have developed a COF-based porous liquid that can dynamically adjust its pore size in response to pressure change, significantly enhancing CO2 capture and catalytic conversion. This innovative material boasts a 24-fold higher efficiency for the reaction of CO₂ with propylene oxide compared to conventional methods.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 27, 2025

Controlling conformational changes in protein aromatic side chains

Researchers at Institute of Science Tokyo designed a protein cage system that can control and visualize orientational changes in aromatic side chains through strategic binding of fluorescent ligands. This approach enables precise control over protein dynamics while enhancing fluorescence properties, with potential applications in biomo...

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 26, 2025

Exotic observations with neutrons at the ILL

The study reveals three distinct phases: liquid, solid, and plastic ice, with the latter exhibiting picosecond rotational motion. The implementation of state-of-the-art spectrometers and sample environments enabled the first experimental observation of plastic ice VII at high temperatures and pressures.

SourceInstitut Laue-Langevin·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 12, 2025

Quantum theory: From Planck to Egorov

A new theoretical approach, quantum-classical mechanics, reconciles the Franck-Condon principle and standard quantum mechanics. Electron chaos provokes dozy chaos in nuclei, leading to a new structural configuration consistent with electron charge distribution.

SourceELSP·JournalAsymmetry·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 22, 2025

Breakthrough study reveals the secrets behind cordierite’s anomalous thermal expansion

Researchers at Queen Mary University of London uncover new insights into cordierite's unusual ability to resist changes in size despite significant temperature fluctuations. The team's simulations accurately reproduced experimental data, providing a comprehensive explanation for the material's behaviour at both low and high temperatures.

The science behind the foldable molecular paths

Researchers at Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology developed foldable molecular paths using zeolitic imidazolate frameworks, which can adjust size, shape, and alignment in response to temperature, pressure, and gas interactions. This technology has potential applications in creating filters that adapt to capture harmful ...

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJan 6, 2025

Liquid-based confined interface materials

These materials integrate liquids within solid frameworks at the mesoscale, driven by competitive interfacial interactions. They demonstrate dynamic responsiveness leveraging force, heat, light, electricity, magnetism, and sound, and exhibit practical functionalities including anti-fouling and multiphase flow control.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateJan 5, 2025

New insights into blood vessel formation

Research team at the University of Basel uncovers new mechanisms in blood vessel formation, highlighting the critical role of dynamic forces and protein regulation. The study reveals that contraction forces enable continuous vascular lumen formation, while Rasip1 plays a key role in initial steps of lumen formation.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 17, 2024

TIFR Hyderabad researchers devise strategy to enhance control over separating chemical isomers

A team of researchers at TIFR Hyderabad has devised a strategy to enhance control over the separation of chemical isomers using a nanoporous metal-organic framework. This approach enables fine-tuning of molecular interactions and diffusion processes, allowing for more efficient and sustainable separation methods.

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2024

Spirals and waves

Researchers Navdeep Rana and Ramin Golestanian investigated non-reciprocal interaction and defect formation in active systems, finding well-ordered wave patterns emerge when non-reciprocity exceeds a certain level. This property opens avenues for applications of non-reciprocal active matter systems.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization·JournalNew Journal of Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 12, 2024

X-ray data-enhanced computational method can determine crystal structures of multiphase materials

Researchers develop a computational method to determine the crystal structures of multiphase materials directly from powder X-ray diffraction patterns. This approach can analyze existing experimental data that was previously difficult to decipher, leading to potential discoveries of new material phases.

SourceSchool of Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 5, 2024

Using the world’s fastest exascale computer, ACM Gordon Bell Prize-winning team presents record-breaking algorithm to advance understanding of chemistry and biology

A team of researchers developed a new technique combining methods to simulate molecules, achieving accuracy and efficiency on the Frontier exascale supercomputer. They broke records with simulations of over one million electrons and scaled their algorithm to an EFlop/s processing quintillion calculations per second.