Producing small molecule drugs, which are the active ingredients in many pharmaceuticals, has always been a challenging task in the field of organic chemistry. These molecules are bigger than water but much smaller than antibodies, mainly composed of carbon atoms. One of the major obstacles faced by chemists is the synthesis of molecules that contain
Chemistry
Understanding how the chemistry of human cells changes in response to their extracellular environment is crucial for developing effective cell-based diagnostics and therapies. A recent study conducted by scientists at NPL in collaboration with Diamond Light Source sheds light on the significance of extracellular matrices on cell responses and development pathways. The research, published in
Iridium oxide catalysts have shown great promise in the realm of green technologies, particularly in the field of water oxidation. This makes them highly sought after for applications aimed at reducing our reliance on fossil fuels. A recent study published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society delved deep into the inner workings of
The interactions between phosphorous acid and the platinum catalyst in high-temperature PEM fuel cells have been found to be more intricate than previously believed. Recent experiments at BESSY II using tender X-rays have revealed multiple oxidation processes at the platinum-electrolyte interface. These findings highlight the influence of variations in humidity on these processes, which can
Platinum electrodes are essential components in hydrogen fuel cells and electrolysis, key technologies for clean power generation. However, the surface oxidation that occurs during these processes can significantly impact catalyst performance and stability. Researchers have delved into the mechanisms of surface oxidation on platinum surfaces in alkaline media, a previously unexplored area of study. Their
Ammonia is a commonly used chemical in various industries such as fertilizer, dyes, and explosives. However, its production process is notorious for its negative impact on the environment, ranking second in terms of carbon emissions after cement. In an effort to address these concerns, engineers at the University of Illinois Chicago have developed a groundbreaking
Researchers at Imperial College London have made groundbreaking advancements in the field of cancer treatment by developing a platform for the synthesis, analysis, and testing of new compounds that show promise in fighting cancer. The findings of their study have been published in the prestigious journal, Angewandte Chemie International Edition. This new platform focuses on
The landscape of energy conversion technology is rapidly evolving, with a growing emphasis on eco-friendly approaches to generating power. Thermoelectric technology, in particular, has garnered attention for its ability to convert waste heat into electricity. However, despite its potential, issues of efficiency and flexibility have hindered its widespread adoption. A research team led by Principal
A recent study conducted by a team of molecular engineers at Tsinghua University in China has pushed the boundaries of hydrogel technology. Traditionally known for their stretchiness, hydrogels have lacked the elasticity to return to their original form after being stretched. However, this new type of hydrogel developed by the Chinese researchers is a game-changer
Advancements in technology have significantly influenced the way scientists conduct research and make discoveries. One area that has seen a remarkable transformation is material research, especially in the search for new materials for key technologies such as photovoltaics, batteries, and data transmission. Computer-based methods have emerged as a powerful tool in this field, enabling researchers
Implantable medical devices have long relied on traditional batteries to function, but these batteries eventually run low and require invasive surgeries for replacement. However, researchers in China have developed a revolutionary implantable battery that runs on oxygen within the body, offering a potential solution to this issue. The key innovation behind this new implantable battery
Meeting the world’s growing energy needs in a sustainable way has become a pressing issue. Oxygen electrocatalysis plays a vital role in various energy conversion and storage technologies, including water splitting, fuel cells, and metal-air batteries. However, the high activation energies involved in these reactions have long been a challenge in finding efficient catalysts to