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Eco-friendly ionic liquid halves energy use in industrial chemical separation

A Chinese research team has proposed a novel approach to separate dimethyl carbonate from methanol using a tailor-made ionic liquid and heat pump-assisted distillation. The method significantly reduces energy consumption and costs compared to traditional methods, making it an attractive solution for the chemical industry.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalGreen Chemical Engineering·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 24, 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

It takes two combs to tango

Dual-comb spectroscopy enables precise, rapid, and broadband measurements using two optical frequency combs with slightly different repetition frequencies. This technique has been implemented across the electromagnetic spectrum, from terahertz to visible range, with ongoing efforts towards ultraviolet range.

SourceMax Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy (MBI)·JournalNature Reviews Methods Primers·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 26, 2026

Molecules shed light on dark matter

Researchers at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz have made new constraints on dark matter particles using precision measurements of barium monofluoride molecules. The study found bounds on hypothetical Z' bosons that mediate electron-nucleus interactions, potentially shedding light on dark matter.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 11, 2026

Direct Raman detection of ångström-scale ultrathin molecular layers at interfaces

Researchers have developed a coherent Raman spectroscopy method that directly detects ångström-scale molecular films at interfaces without plasmonic enhancement or electronic resonance. This approach suppresses strong substrate background signals, allowing for highly sensitive interfacial Raman spectroscopy.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalNano Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 30, 2026

How an alga makes the most of dim light

Researchers discovered a freshwater alga that captures far-red light for photosynthesis by rearranging ordinary chlorophyll. This unique strategy allows the alga to thrive in shaded forests and murky waters, making it resilient in tough environments. The findings have practical implications for sustainable bioenergy production and may ...

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 13, 2026

New “lock-and-key” chemistry

Researchers have developed a new chemistry-based strategy to localize therapeutic drugs to tumors, reducing harm to healthy tissues. The 'lock-and-key' system uses biorthogonal supramolecular chemistry to release drugs in specific locations, offering a potential path to safer and more precise cancer treatment.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateFeb 25, 2026

Seeing how atoms vibrate at the Angstrom Scale

Researchers have created a new computational method to simulate Tip-Enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) signals with high accuracy. This enables the study of atomic motion down to individual molecules or defects in metallic surfaces. The method provides a detailed understanding of the signatures of local atomic motion and its sensitivit...

SourceMax Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter·JournalACS Nano·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 11, 2026

Breakthrough in nonlinear electrophotonics: 2000%-V⁻¹ electric enhancement of nonlinear light generation using an angstrom-scale plasmonic junction

Researchers have demonstrated an angstrom-scale electroplasmonic platform enabling giant modulation (2000% V⁻¹ ) of near-field nonlinear optical effects across a broad spectral range. The discovery provides a novel scheme for highly efficient electro-optical conversion in an infinitesimal spatial scale.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2026

Understanding how smart polymer solutions transition to gels around body temperature

A team of researchers from Chiba University discovered the structural evolution of poloxamer mixtures at different temperatures, enabling customized gelation behavior. Their findings support precise design of sustained-release formulations for localized therapies, enhancing drug retention and minimizing side effects.

SourceChiba University·JournalJournal of Colloid and Interface Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 28, 2026

Behind nature’s blueprints

Scientists from ISTA and Brandeis University develop a geometric framework that predicts viable structures in self-assembling particles. The 'high-dimensional convex polyhedron' tool helps identify constraints that prevent certain outcomes, offering insights into designing custom-made nanomaterials.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNature Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 8, 2026

Breakthrough in water-based light generation: 1,000-fold enhancement of white-light output using non-harmonic two-color femtosecond lasers

Researchers discovered a new optical principle to amplify light in water using non-harmonic two-color femtosecond laser excitation. This breakthrough achieves a 1,000-fold enhancement in broadband white-light output and unlocks advances in bioimaging and ultrafast spectroscopy.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalOptics Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 10, 2025

New co-assembly strategy unlocks robust circularly polarized luminescence across the color spectrum

Researchers developed a supramolecular co-assembly platform producing chiral soft materials with strong, stable full-colour circularly polarised luminescence across the visible spectrum. The resulting structures are tunable, scalable and retain their properties for over 100 days at room temperature.

SourceNational University of Singapore College of Design and Engineering·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 14, 2025

Molecules in motion

An international team of scientists organized a competition to evaluate analytical tools for single-molecule motion analysis, with the goal of extracting meaningful insights from complex molecular trajectories. The results offer practical guidance for experimentalists seeking the right tools for their studies.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalNature Communications·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 23, 2025

MRI gets a nano-sized upgrade

Weizmann Institute researchers developed a nano-MRI device with a resolution of one nanometer, allowing for the imaging of individual molecules. This technology paves the way for high-resolution molecular imaging in materials and pharmaceutical industries.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalCommunications Physics·DateMay 22, 2025

Detecting vibrational sum-frequency generation signals from molecules confined within a nanoscale gap using a tightly confined optical near-field

Researchers successfully integrated femtosecond-pulse VSFG spectroscopy with scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) to detect VSFG signals from molecules in nanoscale gaps. Phase analysis revealed molecular orientation, and the technique's spatial confinement enabled detection of signals from a limited number of molecules.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalNano Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 12, 2025

Breakthrough in predicting cancer recurrence: AI model enhances prognostic accuracy with multi-omics integration

A novel AI framework, MULGONET, improves cancer recurrence prediction by integrating genomic, epigenetic and transcriptomic data. The model overcomes limitations of traditional machine learning models by automatically linking genes to biological processes, enabling trans-cancer applicability.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalFundamental Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 9, 2025

Catching aromaticity in the act: direct real-time tracking of how ‘excited-state aromaticity’ drives molecular shape changes

Researchers tracked ultrafast structural changes of a molecule driven by excited-state aromaticity, revealing its emergence within hundreds of femtoseconds and facilitating planarization. The study provides new insights for designing photoactive materials like sensors and light-driven switches.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2025

Nature inspires self-assembling helical polymer

Scientists at Hiroshima University have created a controlled helix using supramolecular polymerization, which can be used to control the behavior of materials in various scenarios. The new polymer has the potential to improve applications such as memory, sensing devices, and catalysis by controlling its handedness.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateDec 9, 2024

Direct operando identification of reactive electron species driving photocatalytic hydrogen evolution on metal-loaded oxides

Researchers successfully observe and identify the reactive electron species for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution on metal-loaded oxides, shifting the paradigm on the traditionally believed role of metal cocatalysts. The electrons shallowly trapped in the in-gap states contribute to enhancing the hydrogen evolution rate.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 29, 2024

Positive and negative impacts of interfacial hydrogen bonds on photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

Researchers investigate interfacial hydrogen bond structure and dynamics to maximize catalytic activity in photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. Depositing three water layers in a water vapor environment is optimal for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution, according to the study.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2024

Novel application of optical tweezers: colorfully showing molecular energy transfer

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have developed a novel technique to control Förster resonance energy transfer using optical tweezers. The method, which accelerates energy transfer by increasing laser intensity, offers a non-contact approach for microchemistry and quantum dot applications.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 24, 2024

The coldest lab in New York has a new quantum offering

Researchers at Columbia University have successfully created a unique quantum state of matter called a Bose-Einstein Condensate (BEC) out of molecules. The breakthrough, achieved by cooling sodium-cesium molecules to just five nanoKelvin, has the potential to advance powerful quantum simulations and unlock new areas of research.

SourceColumbia University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 3, 2024

New study unveils how water dynamics slows down at low temperatures

A recent study published in The Journal of Chemical Physics has uncovered the role of dynamic disorder in jump motions that govern the dynamic slowdown of supercooled water. At lower temperatures, water molecules become trapped within stable, low-density domains, leading to increasingly slow and intermittent motion.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 26, 2024

Sepiolite: a new component suitable for 380 km/h high-speed rail brake pads

Researchers developed a new component, sepiolite, to improve braking effectiveness in high-speed rail brakes. Sepiolite exhibits high-temperature lubricity, weakening bonds between its layered structures, and accelerates the formation of a surface lubricating film, providing stable friction at high temperatures.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalAdvanced Powder Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 21, 2024