Have you ever imagined a material that defies common sense by becoming wider and fatter when pulled and thinner when pushed? Such materials are not just a product of imagination, they actually exist and are known as auxetics. These unique materials have properties that make them suitable for a wide range of applications, from bomb-resilient
Chemistry
Recent research conducted by UC Santa Barbara and the University of Pittsburgh has shed light on the potential of using photobiocatalysis to expand the range of chemical reactions available to scientists. In a groundbreaking paper published in the journal Nature, chemistry professor Yang Yang and his team explore a method that utilizes light to produce
Protein structure prediction has been a key area of focus for researchers due to its implications on human health and disease. Computational approaches have long been utilized to predict how proteins fold themselves into structures that determine their functions and interactions with other molecules in the body. These structures play a crucial role in understanding
Proteins, the molecular machines essential for cellular functions, rely on their three-dimensional structures for proper functioning. Recent advancements in protein research have led to the development of a groundbreaking mathematical method, known as LoCoHD (Local Composition Hellinger Distance), by the HUN-REN-ELTE Protein Modeling Research Group. Unlike traditional methods that only consider atom positions, LoCoHD incorporates
The biorefining industry has long struggled with the concept that “You can make anything from lignin, except money.” Despite its abundance and potential, commercializing lignin has proven to be a challenge. However, there may be hope on the horizon with an innovative approach developed by chemists from the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics (DICP) of
Understanding the intricate interactions between proteins within cells is crucial for deciphering the complex molecular machinery that drives various biological processes. However, our current knowledge of protein-protein interactions often lacks cellular contexts, as most studies are conducted in artificial systems or isolated cells. This limitation hinders our ability to comprehensively understand how proteins function in
The utilization of CO2 as a chemical raw material holds immense potential for reducing emissions and decreasing the dependency on fossil feedstocks. A recent study published in the journal Angewandte Chemie International Edition introduces a groundbreaking metal-free organic framework that enables the electrocatalytic production of ethylene from CO2. Ethylene, a crucial building block for various
The process of converting carbon dioxide into valuable chemicals has recently gained significant attention due to the potential to mitigate the impacts of greenhouse gases on the environment. A collaborative project involving the U.S. Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory, Northern Illinois University, and Valparaiso University has made a breakthrough in this area by developing
The intricate design and intelligent approach to stress distribution found in natural materials like bone, bird feathers, and wood have long fascinated scientists and engineers. Despite their irregular architectures, these materials are able to effectively manage physical stress. However, the exact relationship between stress modulation and their structures has been a mystery. A recent study
In a world where the shift towards renewable energy sources is becoming increasingly critical, the search for efficient and cost-effective materials for solar cells is more important than ever. While silicon has long been the dominant player in solar technology, the emergence of perovskites as a viable alternative has sparked new interest due to their
In a recent study conducted by a team of chemists at the University of Münster, a new synthesis method has been developed for the site-selective integration of the biologically relevant difluoromethyl group into pyridines. This breakthrough has significant implications for drug research, as the difluoromethyl group plays a crucial role in determining the properties of
Safeguarding industrial and domestic environments from toxic gases is crucial, yet existing detection systems often fall short due to their limited lifespan. However, a recent breakthrough at MIT offers a promising solution. Researchers have successfully developed a novel detector that enables continuous monitoring of toxic gases at a low cost, revolutionizing the field of gas