Chemistry
News
22 Oct 2026
A new polymerization method harnesses Laplace pressure generated within microscopic droplets to synthesize degradable plastics.
21 Oct 2026
Water electrolysis offers a promising way to produce hydrogen without directly emitting CO₂, but the iridium catalysts used in some systems are expensive and can lose their effectiveness over time. To address this challenge, researchers have developed a new catalyst that protects iridium nanoparticles in two ways: keeping them firmly in place and limiting excessive oxidation. This could help make hydrogen production more reliable and affordable.
20 Oct 2026
Researchers at National Taiwan University have uncovered a hidden nonequilibrium self-assembly pathway that enables the formation of highly oriented soft quasicrystals. By controlling molecular interactions and navigating metastable structural transformations, they achieved dodecagonal quasicrystals with remarkable orientational alignment over millimeter-scale regions, demonstrating a new strategy for controlling the large-scale organization of complex soft matter.
16 Oct 2026
Tomomichi Itoh and his colleagues at Ehime University have shown how tiny light-induced molecular shape changes can be amplified into visible deformation of polymer microparticles. The team developed light-responsive particles containing azobenzene molecules and revealed how structural changes triggered by light spread through the material, ultimately deforming particles several to tens of micrometers in size. These findings provide new insights for designing light-driven microscale materials and devices.
16 Oct 2026
Researchers develop experimental modeling method that streamlines traditional process, resulting in more predictions across more applications
15 Oct 2026
Light may be the key to creating bendable displays and wearable sensors
14 Oct 2026
Researchers from the University of Osaka have developed a rhodium-catalyzed reaction that uses a single carbon atom to join two flat molecules into a rigid 3D spirocyclic structure. The reaction cleaves carbon–carbon single bonds and forms four new carbon–carbon bonds around one central carbon. It can join identical or different molecules, and it is expected to aid the design of new functional molecules for applications such as electronic materials.
13 Oct 2026
Elemental sulfur is widely known to occr in microorganisms, plants, and fungi, but whether mammals produce and use elemental sulfur has remained unclear.Now, a collaborative team has finally answered this question, discovering that mammalian cells and tissues produce and store cyclo-octasulfur - a stable form of elemental sulfur composed of eight sulfur atoms arranged in a ring.
09 Oct 2026
DNA breakdown in real time, How crystals bend without breaking, Mini-brain for Parkinson’s,
Heavy water helps weather forecasts, Exploring fish diversity and Mindfulness and self-stigma. Read it all in this month's Editor's Choice
07 Oct 2026
- Polymer protective layer applied to moisture-sensitive MXene surface improves stability
- Combining MXene with copper nanoparticles promotes electron transfer and methane formation
- Published in Advanced Energy Materials (IF: 25.5), an international journal in the fields of energy and materials
07 Oct 2026
- Professor Ji-Woong Yang’s team, in collaboration with UNIST and IBS, develops the first ultra-high-resolution stretchable quantum dot display (QLED)
- Establishes key foundational technology expected to accelerate the commercialization of next-generation form factors, including wearable devices and electronic skin; published in Nature Nanotechnology, a leading journal in the field of nanotechnology
05 Oct 2026
Researchers at the University of Osaka have developed a method for distinguishing the L- and D-forms of amino acids based on current waveforms generated by single molecules passing through a nanogap. The L/D ratio of amino acids is a potential biosignature of life. Major features of the amino acid composition were captured for astrobiologically relevant samples. The method could be used to develop electrical instruments for extraterrestrial life detection.
02 Oct 2026
The lab at National Taiwan University has developed a simple fluorescence-based method to rapidly test the activity of an enzyme that phosphorylates phenolic compounds. This new platform makes it much easier to screen thousands of enzyme variants and provides a practical tool for exploring and improving phenolic compound–phosphorylating enzymes.
01 Oct 2026
A study from the Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo used special instruments to investigate how crystals smaller than a strand of hair change and move as they draw in chloroform vapor
01 Oct 2026
Billions of years ago, rain may have helped shape where the chemistry of life could begin on Mars. A new study maps the delivery of formaldehyde, an important prebiotic molecule, to the surface. The map could help guide future Mars missions searching for signs of the planet’s early organic evolution.
01 Oct 2026
Controlling cobalt’s oxidation state during electrolysis enables highly selective hydrogenation without relying on scarce precious metals
29 Sep 2026
What if the blue pigment in your ink or dye could help power the future of clean energy? A research group has fine-tuned blue pigment molecules to create a blue-pigment based catalyst that is high-performing and free of the more expensive platinum.
21 Sep 2026
Chemists at National Taiwan University have uncovered a tiny scissor-like motion inside molecular crystals that helps explain why some crystals can bend and expand without breaking. By changing the molecular components that control how far these “scissors” can open and close, the team showed why closely related crystals can behave very differently—from brittle fracture to explosive motion and remarkable flexibility.
18 Sep 2026
Rust usually takes months or years to form naturally, but researchers at Tohoku University found a way to speed it up dramatically. By blasting iron powder in water with ultrasound, they triggered the formation of spinel-type iron oxide nanoparticles in as little as 24 hours, no chemicals required. The technique could offer a greener route to materials used in magnets, catalysts, and biomedical applications.
17 Sep 2026
Researchers at the Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI) at Kanazawa University, Kyoto University, SOKENDAI, and the National Institute for Physiological Sciences have revealed how a key brain protein involved in learning and memory organizes itself into chain-like structures. Their study was published in Science Advances.
16 Sep 2026
A research team led by the University of Osaka created porous crystals that grow into spring-like helices. The crystals expand and contract as solvent molecules leave and re-enter their pores. The work shows that crystallization conditions can tune the overall shape of a porous crystal without fundamentally changing its internal porous structure, opening possibilities for microscale materials that respond to chemicals.
10 Sep 2026
Many cutting-edge technologies rely on molecules that can be switched on and off with light, but making them respond efficiently to visible light without losing stability has long been a challenge. Researchers at Tohoku University, working with Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, solved this by attaching a "molecular antenna" that captures visible light and funnels the energy directly into the photoswitch, achieving some of the highest visible-light sensitivities ever reported.
09 Sep 2026
Finding better materials to store hydrogen safely and efficiently is key to clean energy, but AI models trained on incomplete data can recommend candidates that don't actually work in practice. An international team led by Tohoku University, drawing on insight from 69 researchers, has proposed a "physics-aware" framework that combines thermodynamic constraints, reproducible data, and real experimental feedback to make AI-guided materials discovery more reliable. The roadmap could help accelerate the search for practical hydrogen storage solutions to support future clean-energy systems.
08 Sep 2026
Scientists have turned a common blue pigment into a powerful tool for fighting climate change. Researchers at Tohoku University, Hokkaido University, and AZUL Energy created a copper phthalocyanine catalyst that converts carbon dioxide directly into methane fuel in a single step, reaching nearly 80% efficiency and sustaining performance for 80+ hours. The breakthrough could make carbon recycling more practical and scalable using an inexpensive, readily available material.
07 Sep 2026
Researchers at the University of Osaka discovered a simple, rigid aromatic hydrocarbon that breaks the usual rule. Under pressure, its crystals grow 1.7 times brighter and shift color from light blue to yellow, with a record-high sensitivity of 37.4 nm/GPa, nearly double the previous best. An elongated, uniformly slender molecular shape was the key, offering a new design principle for pressure-responsive materials without complex flexible frameworks.
04 Sep 2026
A new study shows that the Pt/C catalyst state before ionomer addition governs later ink dispersion and electrochemical Pt accessibility.
04 Sep 2026
Researchers at Tohoku University have combined multiple tools to create an automated, self-improving AI workflow that may improve our search for polymer material candidates so that it is less expensive, less costly, and more environmentally friendly.
03 Sep 2026
Researchers led by the University of Osaka developed a reusable light-responsive adhesive that switches adhesion at the interface instead of weakening the whole material. UV-A light reduces interfacial adhesion, enabling selective peeling without observable residue, while UV-C light restores adhesion. The response was retained through repeated cycles without solvent processing. The approach could simplify disassembly, repair, and recycling of electronics, vehicles, and semiconductor components, supporting more circular manufacturing across industries.
03 Sep 2026
A study in budding yeast suggests that changes in membrane lipids trigger a braking system that slows internal protein transport when the endoplasmic reticulum comes under stress, comparable to modern logistics networks where shipments are slowed when distribution hubs are under stress.
03 Sep 2026
A team led by researchers from the Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo shows that controlling the spin of hydrogen atoms can regulate chemical reactions
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.
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. Yasser, Professor in Biochemistry, Dean of the Center for Research and Strategic Studies at Hajjah University, Yemen. HOD of Pharmacy Department. College of Medicine and Health Science, Hajjah University, Yemen. [email protected]. focuses on drug development, biochemical mechanisms of disease, and drug interactions, with a specific interest in the biological activity of compounds exhibiting anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antimicrobial, and anti-angiogenic properties. I utilize laboratory techniques, data analysis, and potentially clinical studies to advance understanding and improve drug efficacy and safety. My work involves student mentorship and collaboration
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
Dr Michinao Hashimoto's research interest is on low-cost device fabrication and their application in point-of-care setting.
Lecturer in Forensic Chemistry field. Actively engaging in agricultural waste upcycling into nanatechnology products.
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).
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.
Yoonhee Jang is a Professor at the Department of Energy Science and Engineering of Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology, Korea
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 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
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’s research fields are functional polymers and biomaterials, especially biodegradable polymers and drug delivery systems.
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 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.
Giants in history
Salimuzzaman Siddiqui (19 October 1897 – 14 April 1994) was an artist and chemist from Pakistan whose research focused on natural products from plants.
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.
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.
Kikunae Ikeda (8 October 1864 – 3 May 1936) was a Japanese chemist who discovered the fifth basic taste, umami.
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.
Chika Kuroda (24 March 1884 – 8 November 1968) was a Japanese chemist whose research focussed on the structures of natural pigments.
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.
Indian organic chemist Asima Chatterjee (1917 to 2006) studied the medicinal properties of plant products, especially compounds known as vinca alkaloids.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Japanese geochemist Katsuko Saruhashi developed the first method and tools for measuring carbon dioxide in seawater