Chemistry

News

14 May 2025
Researchers from The University of Osaka have developed a new technology that allows accurate visualization of the different parts that make up a single cell
13 May 2025
Rapid, isothermal SPR assay using AuNPs and triplex DNA nanoswitches for ultra-sensitive, non-invasive detection of bladder cancer–associated miRNAs.
08 May 2025
Data science has revolutionized the hunt for high-performing catalysts, enabling scientists to quickly identify and test suitable materials. A group of researchers has recently reviewed this phenomenon in an article published in the Journal of Catalysis.
08 May 2025
The rules about magnetic order may need to be rewritten. An international team of researchers found that it was possible to turn a non-magnetic material into a magnetic material by slicing it into thin films.
02 May 2025
- Professor Su-Il In’s team at DGIST successfully develops a betavoltaic cell combining a perovskite absorber layer with a radioactive isotope electrode. - Expected applications include long-term power solutions for space exploration, medical devices, military equipment, and more. - Research featured as the cover article in Chemical Communications.
02 May 2025
- DGIST Professor Chun-Yeol You’s research team has successfully induced ferromagnetism in pure vanadium oxide. - The team has demonstrated the potential to control magnetic properties by simply tuning oxidation states without complex processing.
01 May 2025
A research team at Tohoku University’s Advanced Institute for Materials Research (WPI-AIMR) has developed a new technique to rapidly and accurately determine the charge state of electrons confined in semiconductor quantum dots—fundamental components of quantum computing systems. The method is based on Bayesian inference, a statistical framework that estimates the most likely state of a system using observed data.
30 Apr 2025
Researchers at Tohoku University have developed a data-driven AI framework that gives scientists a head start by suggesting ideal candidate materials.
Asia Research News Editors Choice
29 Apr 2025
Smart neural electrode, "Rhinoceros beetle" robot, Halting the thief of sight, Together at last & Lighting hardy plants. Plus latest SciCom Coffee talk. Read all in the latest Editor's Choice.
28 Apr 2025
The power conversion efficiency of all-organic solar cells was doubled through the development of novel organic electrodes that can be fabricated using a moderate process.
25 Apr 2025
Researchers found a strategy to create catalysts that make the production of hydrogen for clean fuel more efficient and affordable.
25 Apr 2025
Triplet-triplet annihilation up-conversion of cationic iridium(III) complex was achieved in R-limonene using organically modified hectorite.
23 Apr 2025
Researchers have developed a mesoporous Co₃O₄ catalyst doped with atomically dispersed iridium (Ir) for efficient acidic OER. This unique structure boosts Ir efficiency, minimizes metal leaching, and maintains performance for over 100 hours at just 248 mV overpotential.
22 Apr 2025
Researchers at Tohoku University explored a colloidal crystal model to produce specific polymorphs, required for use in materials science and pharmaceuticals.
21 Apr 2025
New light-powered DNA detection enables more accessible, affordable genetic analysis
17 Apr 2025
Phosphorylation of tau protein triggers the formation of phase-separated liquid droplets of tau, known as liquid-liquid phase separation, in a temperature-dependent and reversible mechanism. The modified tau protein (p-tau) had a looser and more flexible shape, as shown by advanced protein analysis. Intracellular tau aggregation formed surrounding the cell nucleus only when cells were treated with this form of tau, similar to what is seen in Alzheimer’s disease brains.
Hokkaido University
17 Apr 2025
Shin-Etsu Chemical and Hokkaido University have developed system for the production of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) that incorporates a microfluidic device.
14 Apr 2025
Real-time X-ray analysis reveals how single atoms dynamically adapt to boost CO2-to-CO conversion.
Low-dose opioids & social behavior in ASD
11 Apr 2025
New research in model mice suggests low-dose opioids may help improve social interactions in people with autism spectrum disorder.
11 Apr 2025
How the core-mantle differentiation shaped volatile elements in the Earth
09 Apr 2025
- Successfully captured real-time atomic-scale degradation of perovskite materials caused by water. - Identified degradation mechanisms based on differences in degradation rates across crystal facets, and proposed strategies to enhance perovskite stability. - Research findings published in Matter, a prestigious journal in the field of materials science.
09 Apr 2025
- Professor Chang-Hee Cho’s team at DGIST has successfully demonstrated, for the first time in the world, the control of polaritons using ferroelectricity induced by crystallographic phase transition - The study offers key insights into next-generation quantum light sources and proposes a new direction for the realization of practical quantum devices
09 Apr 2025
- Professor Yu Jong-sung’s team at DGIST, in collaboration with Pusan National University, develops a technology to enhance the stability of ultra-thin lithium metal anodes
Different views of the FLUID (Flowing Liquid Utilizing Interactive Device) open-source robotic system: (a) front view; (b) rear view; (c) rear view with the wiring of the control circuit exposed; and (d) side view. (Mikael N. Kuwahara, et al. ACS Applied Engineering Materials. April 9, 2025)
09 Apr 2025
FLUID, an open-source, 3D-printed robot, offers an affordable and customizable solution for automated material synthesis, making advanced research accessible to more scientists.
08 Apr 2025
From harmful to helpful; researchers at Tohoku University and Hokkaido University have developed a record-breaking method to efficiently convert carbon dioxide into a fuel source.
26 Mar 2025
A novel method to improve the photoluminescent efficiency of metal clusters has been developed – which could potentially be used in applications such as bioimaging or display technologies.
25 Mar 2025
Researchers from The University of Osaka report a new class of transition metal complexes with direct nickel-boron bonds without additional support.
25 Mar 2025
Researchers investigated different compositions of tin sulfides to find the ideal material for devices that harness solar energy.
24 Mar 2025
- Implemented powerful solar cells without lead and cadmium! Improved power conversion efficiency by 8.26%. - Increased solar cell efficiency by greatly increasing charge carrier diffusion length! Birth of an eco-friendly innovative technology.
19 Mar 2025
A recent study evaluating garnet-type solid electrolytes for lithium metal batteries finds that their expected energy density advantages may be overstated. The researchers posited that composite or quasi-solid-state electrolytes may be more viable alternatives.

Events

26 Oct 2022 to 28 Oct 2022
Asia Clean Energy Summit (ACES) is the region's leading summit and exhibition focusing on clean and renewable energy growth and adoption, technology, policy and finance supported by leading government agencies, research institutes and industry.
07 Nov 2022 to 09 Nov 2022
FCS2022 is jointly organized by eight major research institutes in Singapore and includes a line-up of internationally renowned cancer experts. The conference converges the latest cancer discoveries around the world and promises ground-breaking and innovative insights into cancer research.
17 Jan 2022 to 21 Jan 2022
World’s brightest minds converge at virtual summit to inspire young researchers and discuss key issues
12 Jan 2021 to 15 Jan 2021
Organised by the National Research Foundation – Prime Minister’s Office, Singapore, the ninth edition of the Global Young Scientists Summit (GYSS@one-north) will take place 12 to 15 January 2021 as a virtual event.
08 Sep 2020 to 09 Sep 2020
Connecting Industry with Academia.
14 Jan 2020 to 17 Jan 2020
Organised by the National Research Foundation (NRF) Singapore, the Global Young Scientists Summit (GYSS) brings together distinguished scientists, post-graduates and academics for four days of learning and mentoring from 14 to 17 January 2020.
29 Oct 2019 to 01 Nov 2019
The Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW) is an annual platform for energy professionals, policymakers and commentators to share best practices and solutions within the global energy space.

Researchers

Dr. Umedjon Khalilov is a computational materials scientist with over 20 years of experience in atomistic modeling of nanostructures. His research integrates molecular dynamics (MD), Monte Carlo (MC), and density functional theory (DFT) simulations to investigate the synthesis, stability, and functionality of carbon-based and silicon-based nanomaterials. He has led or contributed to numerous international projects focused on hydrogen storage, carbon nanotube growth, and surface reactions in plasma environments. Dr. Khalilov is also actively involved in AI-driven materials discovery and collaborative platforms bridging simulation with experiment. He has authored 40+ peer-reviewed publications in leading journals.
Prof. Ru-Shi Liu
Professor Ru-Shi Liu, based at the Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan University (NTU) research interests span several areas, including investigating phosphor materials for light-emitting diodes (LEDs), exploring materials for energy conversion (such as water splitting, fuel cells, and batteries), and delving into the application of nanomaterials in medicine, particularly for photodynamic therapy.
Prof.  Su-Il In
Professor In Soo-Il from the Department of Energy Engineering at DGIST research interests are the synthesis, analysis and application of functional nano-materials for environmentally friendly renewable energy.
Dr. Chong Li Choo is an accomplished academic, Associate Professor at Taylor's University, expert in food technology, and innovative product design. Award-winning researcher, director for Food Security & Nutrition Impact Lab, and impactful leader in the field.
Fabien Grasset
Dr Fabien Grasset is a Research Director at the Centre national de la recherche scientifique (CNRS) and currently serving as Director of Research for Rennes Institute of Chemical Sciences (ISCR). His areas of expertise include materials chemistry, solid-state chemistry, nanotechnology, nanoparticles, optical coatings and thin films.
Naoka Nagamura
Dr Naoka Nagamura is senior researcher at the National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS) and visiting associate professor at Tokyo University of Science. She researches advanced materials, electrochemistry and photoemission spectroscopy.
Alex Jen Kwan-yue
Professor Alex Jen Kwan-yue is Chair Professor of Materials Science and Director of the Hong Kong Institute for Clean Energy at the City University of Hong Kong (CityU). His expertise includes the use of molecular engineering and self-assembly for hybrid materials.
Zheng Chen
Dr. Zheng Chen is an environmental chemist and associate professor at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University. His research interests include nutrient recycling from agricultural waste, soil contamination and remediation.
Akira Kakugo
Dr. Akira Kakugo is an Associate Professor at Hokkaido University. He has researched biomolecular motors and swarming of active matters.
Dr. Hira Khalid is serving as Associate Professor at Forman Christian College University, Lahore, Pakistan. She is also a US Fulbright Fellow and a member of several prestigious scientific organizations, including the American Chemical Society (ACS), the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC), the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD), and the Chemical Society of Pakistan (CSP).
I am an organic chemist with broad interests in biochemistry and protein evolution.
Ricky Wong Man-shing
Ricky Wong Man-shing is a Professor of the Chemistry Department at the Hong Kong Baptist University
Prof. Cai Zongwei is now the Chair Professor of Chemistry in the Department of Chemistry and Director of both State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis as well as Dioxin Laboratory, Hong Kong Baptist University.
Michihiro Okuyama is the principal data scientist at Konica Minolta, Tokyo.
Professor Shinya Maenosono leads his research group at Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (JAIST). His research in JAIST has focused on two main areas of interest in the field of materials chemistry and nanotechnology. The first area involved wet chemical synthesis of semiconductor nanoparticles with controlled size, shape and composition for energy conversion device applications. The second area has focused on the synthesis and bioapplication development of monometallic and alloyed multimetallic nanoparticles.
Michinao Hashimoto
Dr Michinao Hashimoto's research interest is on low-cost device fabrication and their application in point-of-care setting.
Revathi
Lecturer in Forensic Chemistry field. Actively engaging in agricultural waste upcycling into nanatechnology products.
Picture of Prof. Eriko Kage-Nakadai
Eriko Kage-Nakadai is a professor at the Graduate School of Human Life Science of Osaka City University.
Hochun Lee is a professor at the Department of Energy Systems Engineering, Daegu Kyeongbuk Institute of Science & Technology (DGIST).
Picture of Ann-Marie Chacko
Prof. Ann Marie Chacko lead the translational efforts for a portfolio of in vivo PET, SPECT, CT and optical imaging agents that span key therapeutic areas including oncology, immunology, infectious disease and neurobiology.
Prof. Yun Hee Jang
Yoonhee Jang is a Professor at the Department of Energy Science and Engineering of Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology, Korea
Picture of Dr. Ren Kangning
Dr. Ken is currently an assistant professor in the department of Chemistry at HKBU. His current research interests center on advanced analytical chemistry technologies, with particular emphasis on creating and applying novel instrumental analysis technologies based on microfluidics and materials engineering.
Prof. Muneyuki Matsuo
Prof. Muneyuki Matsuo is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Chemistry, School of Science / Program of Mathematical and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University
Ganesh Pandian Namasivayam
Prof. Ganesh Pandian Namasivayam's research goal is to create "Smart Genetic Switches" that precisely ON and OFF the genetic and epigenetic factor(s) of interest.
Dr. Yuichi Ohya
Dr Yuichi Ohya’s research fields are functional polymers and biomaterials, especially biodegradable polymers and drug delivery systems.
Kenneth Leung Mei Yee
Prof. Kenneth Leung Mei Yee has published over 200 peer-reviewed articles which are principally related to marine ecology, pollution, ecotoxicology, environmental risk assessment and ecological restoration using eco-engineering.
Carla Portugal
Carla Portugal is currently an Assistant Researcher at LAQV-Requimte, NOVA.iD.FCT and is experienced in the development, implementation and monitoring of membrane based processes.
Mayuko Nakagawa is a biochemist at Earth-Life Science Institute (ELSI) based at the Tokyo Institute of Technology, Japan.
Tony Z. Jia is a researcher at Japan’s Earth-Life Science Institute (ELSI), based at the Tokyo Institute of Technology. His research focuses on astrobiology, prebiotic chemistry, and origins of life.
A Tenured Professor at the Institute of Space Technology (Pakistan), Dr. Shabbir is working on Polymer based Nanomaterials for food safety, nano-drug delivery systems, water treatment, solar cells and carbon dioxide capture.

Giants in history

Japanese chemist Takamine Jokichi (3 November 1854 – 22 July 1922) founded the Tokyo Artificial Fertilizer Company, where he isolated a starch-digesting enzyme (named takadiastase) from the fungus Aspergillus oryzae.
A pioneer of bio-organic chemistry, Darshan Ranganathan (4 June 1941 – 4 June 2001) is remembered for developing a protocol for synthesising imidazole, a compound used to make antifungal drugs and antibiotics. Widely considered India’s most prolific researcher in chemistry, she also published dozens of papers in renowned journals on protein folding, molecular design, chemical simulation of key biological processes, and the synthesis of functional hybrid peptides and nanotubes.
Known as Mr. Natural Rubber, chemist and researcher B. C. Shekhar (17 November 1929 – 6 September 2006) introduced a number of technical innovations that helped put Malaysia’s natural rubber industry on the world map.
The research of Filipino pharmaceutical chemist Luz Oliveros-Belardo (3 November 1906 – 12 December 1999) focussed on essential oils and other chemicals derived from native Philippine plants.
Japanese chemist Kenichi Fukui (4 October 1918 – 9 January 1998) was the first Asian scientist to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Together with Roald Hoffman, he received this honour in 1981 for his independent research into the mechanisms of chemical reactions.
Filipina chemist María Orosa (29 November 1892–13 February 1945) fought malnutrition and food insecurity in the Philippines by devising over 700 culinary creations including Soyalac, a nutrient rich drink made from soybeans, and Darak, rice cookies packed with Vitamin B1, which could prevent beriberi disease caused by Vitamin B1 deficiency. She was also a partisan of the guerrilla movement resisting Japanese occupation during World War II, and died after being struck by shrapnel while working in her laboratory during the Battle of Manila.
Eminent Filipina scientist and educator Clara Lim-Sylianco (18 August 1925 – 23 July 2013) is remembered for her extensive research on mutagens – often-carcinogenic agents that permanently alter genetic materials such as DNA – antimutagens and bioorganic mechanisms.
Filipino chemist and pharmacist Manuel A. Zamora (29 March 1870 – 9 July 1929) is best remembered for his discovery of the tiki-tiki formula to combat beriberi, a disease caused by Vitamin B1 deficiency.
The field of solid-state ionics originated in Europe, but Takehiko Takahashi of Nagoya University in Japan was the first to coin the term ‘solid ionics’ in 1967. ‘Solid-state ionics’ first appeared in 1971 in another of his papers, and was likely a play on ‘solid-state electronics’, another rapidly growing field at the time.
Indian organic chemist Asima Chatterjee (1917 to 2006) studied the medicinal properties of plant products, especially compounds known as vinca alkaloids.
Cyril Andrew Ponnamperuma (16 October 1923 – 20 December 1994) was a Sri Lankan chemist who was interested in the origins of life on Earth. His research in chemical evolution showed how inanimate molecules may have given rise to the building blocks of life – a process known as abiogenesis.
Chika Kuroda (24 March 1884 – 8 November 1968) was a Japanese chemist whose research focussed on the structures of natural pigments.
Osamu Shimomura (27 August 1928 – 19 October 2018) was a Japanese organic chemist and marine biologist who dedicated his career to understanding how organisms emitted light.
Kikunae Ikeda (8 October 1864 – 3 May 1936) was a Japanese chemist who discovered the fifth basic taste, umami.
Hsien Wu (24 November 1893 – 8 August 1959) is widely regarded as the founder of biochemistry and nutrition science in China. He was the first to propose that protein denaturation was caused by the unfolding of the protein, instead of chemical alteration.
Umetaro Suzuki (7 April 1874 – 20 September 1943) was a Japanese scientist best remembered for his research on beriberi, a disease caused by vitamin B1 deficiency, characterized by limb stiffness, paralysis and pain.
Salimuzzaman Siddiqui (19 October 1897 – 14 April 1994) was an artist and chemist from Pakistan whose research focused on natural products from plants.
Japanese geochemist Katsuko Saruhashi developed the first method and tools for measuring carbon dioxide in seawater