Chemistry

Drawing inspiration from the way plants breathe, a group of researchers at Tohoku University has created a paper-based magnesium-air battery that can be used in GPS sensors or pulse oximeter sensors. Taking advantage of paper’s recyclability and lightweight nature, the engineered battery holds promise for a more environmentally friendly source of energy.

Researchers from the Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo and collaborating partners have created guidelines for the design of intercalated materials, which will accelerate research on energy storage, electronics, and more

The lipids in some herbal teas have been identified in detail for the first time, preparing the ground for investigating their contribution to the health benefits of the teas.

Tohoku University researchers have created a reliable means of predicting the performance of a new and promising type of catalysts. Their breakthrough will speed up the development of efficient catalysts for both alkaline and acidic environments, thereby saving time and effort in future endeavors to create better fuel cells.

AI is revolutionizing the way researchers seek to identify new materials, but it still has some shortcomings. Now, a team of researchers has navigated AI’s pitfalls to identify a thermoelectric material that boasts remarkable properties.

- The new photocatalyst is capable of generating methane production 51 times greater compared to commercial TiO2 photocatalysts by improving the surface and electrical properties with amorphous In2TiO5/MoSe2 photocatalysts - The research results were published in Chemical Engineering Journal, a prestigious international journal in the field of energy and environment.

- Development of 'Inorganic-Organic Thermoelectric Composite' from Low-Temperature Inorganic Thermoelectric Materials and Conductive Polymers, Ensuring Efficiency and Flexibility - Research findings published in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces

A team of researchers has proposed a new concept for magnet-based memory devices, which might revolutionize information storage devices owing to their potential for large-scale integration, non-volatility, and high durability.

The means to synthesize ammonia from nitrogen and hydrogen gas has been around since the early 20th century. Despite its current widespread usage, it has significant environmental drawbacks. Now, researchers from Tohoku University have unveiled a new, environmentally friendly means of producing this widely used chemical.

Cellulose, abundantly available from plant biomass, can be converted into molecules used to make a new class of recyclable polymers, to sustainably replace some plastics.

Understanding electron behavior and surface structure of triphenylene thin film molecules deposited on graphite substrates under light irradiation

A packing material has been developed for chromatographic resolution on the basis of a clay mineral. The material is an adduct of chiral Cu(II) complex and synthetic hectorite.

In a new step towards combating climate change and transitioning to sustainable solutions, a group of researchers has developed a research paradigm that makes it easier to decipher the relationship between catalyst structures and their reactions.

A novel method for studying genes in testicular cells of living animals could lead to breakthroughs in male contraception and fertility treatments.

A new user-friendly tool helps researchers explore how gene activity is influenced by chemical modifications, providing insights into disease and paths to new treatments.

Molecules that are induced by light to rotate bulky groups around central bonds could be developed into photo-activated bioactive systems, molecular switches, and more.

GPT-4 shows promise as an aid to chemistry researchers, yet its limitations reveal the need for further improvements.

Researchers have developed an AI-driven system that can design novel molecules with any desired properties and suggest methods to create them using readily available materials.

Researchers from Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University report in Nature Communications that TMEM16F, a transmembrane protein that facilitates the passive movement of phospholipids and ions across membranes, explores a larger conformational landscape than previously thought to perform its unique functions. The finding refines our molecular understanding of crucial physiological processes such as blood coagulation and COVID-19 pathogenesis, and highlights the importance of probing membrane proteins in native-like environments.

A German aircraft flying out of Cairns is measuring the chemistry of the clouds above Australia and the Pacific.

Metal-nitrogen-carbon (M-N-C) single-atom catalysts are a promising type of catalyst that could help provide cost-effective alternatives to platinum-based ones. However, there are still some aspects of their behavior that are misunderstood. To rectify this, a group of researchers delved into the intricacies of M-N-C catalysts, yielding promising results.

At Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, four researchers in diverse fields of study – from urban planning to digital architecture – are working hard to reach sustainability goals.

Coordination polymer crystals show promise as a new generation of light sources for industry and medicine.

An innovative and more efficient way to produce fumaric acid that not only reduces carbon dioxide emissions, but also reuses waste resources to make biodegradable plastics

Researchers from Osaka University and collaborating partners succeeded in biomanufacturing from chemically synthesized sugar for the first time in the world. With refinement of this technology, one can envision a future society in which the sugar required for biomanufacturing can be obtained "anytime, anywhere, and at high rate". In the future, biomanufacturing using chemically synthesized sugar is expected to be a game changer in the biotechnology field—including the production of biochemicals, biofuels, and food, where sugar is an essential raw material—ultimately leading to the creation of a new bio-industry.

The properties of supramolecular polymers are dictated by the self-assembled state of the molecules. However, not much is known about the impact of morphologies on the properties of nano- and mesoscopic-scale polymeric assemblies. Recently, a research team demonstrated how terminus-free toroids and random coils derived from the same luminescent molecule show different photophysical properties. The team also presented a novel method for purifying the toroidal structure.

AI records rare bird footage, Lighting up IoT and smart cities, Crystal language designs new materials, Detecting toxins with mobile phones, and Dragonfly wings for better aerodynamics. Plus join us for SciCom coffee. Read all in the latest Editor's Choice.

Perovskite oxides have been touted as an alternative to noble metal catalysts. However, their application is still hampered by their poor electrical conductivity and low specific surface area. Now, a research team has created a new method that improves this, facilitating their application in hydrogen fuel cells.

A key innovation in photonic (light-driven) microelectromechanical components could transform computing technology, increasing efficiency while reducing power consumption and chip size.

A collaborative group of researchers has potentially developed a means of controlling spin waves by creating a hexagonal pattern of copper disks on a magnetic insulator. The breakthrough is expected to lead to greater efficiency and miniaturization of communication devices in fields such as artificial intelligence and automation technology.