Chemistry

Recent advancements in the study of single-celled organisms have unveiled fascinating complexities regarding histones, the proteins that serve to structure and compact DNA within these microscopic life forms. For decades, the scientific community held the assumption that histones were exclusive to complex multicellular organisms. However, groundbreaking research from Leiden University, led by Ph.D. candidate Samuel

In the diverse and intricate web of life, the synthesis of crystals is an exceptional feat displayed by a variety of organisms including fish, chameleons, crabs, and even humans, exemplified by the fictional chemistry teacher Walter White from the acclaimed series “Breaking Bad.” While Walter White engages in the production of synthetic crystals for illicit

Cholesterol has long been a subject of scientific inquiry due to its fundamental role in the structure and function of cell membranes. Researchers from Rice University, under the guidance of Jason Hafner, have recently made strides in this field, promising new insights into how cholesterol operates within cellular environments. The findings, published in the Journal

In recent years, the discussion surrounding carbon dioxide (CO2) has primarily focused on its role as a major greenhouse gas contributing to climate change. However, the implications of elevated CO2 levels extend far beyond environmental factors, significantly impacting human health at the cellular level. As our cities continue to experience increasing CO2 concentrations, research suggests

Recent advancements in neutron research have provided unprecedented insight into the complex world of cancer biology, particularly regarding the enzyme serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT). Researchers from the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) capitalized on neutron scattering techniques at their Spallation Neutron Source and High Flux Isotope Reactor. By delving deep into atomic-scale details,

The quest for sustainable energy sources has intensified as the global community grapples with the realities of climate change and energy demands. Among the various candidates for a green future, hydrogen gas has emerged as a front-runner due to its high energy density and emission-free combustion. However, even with its abundance in the universe, hydrogen

The presence of pharmaceuticals in water sources is an increasing environmental challenge facing communities worldwide. As urbanites and rural residents alike depend on clean drinking water, the infiltration of micropollutants—particularly antibiotics and other medicinal substances—poses a substantial risk. The effects of these contaminants not only jeopardize the health of aquatic life but also threaten the

In a groundbreaking announcement earlier this month, the Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to three pioneering scientists who have significantly advanced our understanding of proteins—central components of all living organisms. This prestigious recognition went to Demis Hassabis and John Jumper from the DeepMind lab at Google for their innovative utilization of artificial intelligence, alongside

The vivid fantasies embedded in comic books and superhero narrative have always inspired innovation within the realms of science and engineering. For generations, children have daydreamed about wielding incredible powers similar to superhero figures like Spider-Man—swinging through the city, capturing evildoers with an adhesive web, and performing feats that defy the laws of gravity. Recent

Covalent bonds form the fundamental framework of a vast array of organic compounds, acting as the essential building blocks of molecular chemistry. Typically, these bonds arise when two atoms share pairs of electrons, resulting in a stable structural integrity. Since the early 20th century, scientists have delved deeper into the complexities surrounding these bonds, notably

The fashion industry is often criticized for its destructive environmental impact, prominently through the waste generated by discarded clothing. With millions of tons of textiles ending up in landfills each year, innovative approaches to reuse materials are imperative. Recent research from Cornell University presents an exciting new technique that not only aims to create waterproof

In the realm of organic chemistry, alkanes pose a substantial challenge due to their remarkable stability and inertness, mainly attributable to their robust carbon-carbon bonds. These compounds, found widely in fossil fuels, are essential for the synthesis of numerous chemicals and materials including plastics, solvents, and lubricants. Yet, the difficulty lies in their activation. Chemists

In the natural world, organisms often exhibit remarkable adaptations that provide insights into potential solutions for human problems. A fascinating example arises from barnacles, which cling firmly to rocky shores. These resilient creatures utilize naturally occurring chemicals to prepare their surfaces for adhesion, effectively eliminating bacteria in the process. This biological method of surface preparation

Industrial emissions are a major contributor to environmental pollution, and mitigating their adverse effects is vital for public health and ecological preservation. The focus on reducing toxic nitrogen oxides (NOx)—specifically nitric oxide (NO) and nitrous oxide (N2O)—has led researchers to investigate the capabilities of zeolite-based catalysts. Recent findings from the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) in

Plastic pollution has emerged as a global crisis, infiltrating every corner of our planet. With over 368 million metric tons of plastic produced annually, it is estimated that more than 13 million metric tons find their way into terrestrial environments, posing significant risks to wildlife and ecosystems. The grandeur of nature is increasingly tainted by