The synthesis of carbon-based chemicals through the electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) has gained significant attention in recent energy research. While there have been some promising results in the production of various chemicals, many proposed methods lack energy efficiency and selectivity. One example is the conversion of CO2 into ethylene, where existing approaches struggle
Chemistry
The world of organic chemistry is filled with intricate structures and unique properties exhibited by molecules. One such property is chirality, which refers to the asymmetry present in molecules that allows them to exist in mirror-image versions. This mysterious phenomenon has puzzled researchers for decades, especially when it comes to the origins of life on
The denim industry, with its vast production of jeans in different styles and sizes, has long been associated with high levels of hazardous pollution. The conventional dye used to give jeans their iconic blue color, indigo, requires toxic chemicals, large amounts of water, and contributes significantly to carbon dioxide emissions. This has led scientists to
The field of forensic investigations has been revolutionized by the development of a water-soluble, non-toxic fluorescent spray that can make fingerprints visible within seconds. This innovative spray, developed by scientists at the Shanghai Normal University (China) and the University of Bath (UK), offers a safer, more effective, and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional forensic methods.
In a groundbreaking study conducted by researchers at Tokyo Metropolitan University, a new micro total analysis system has been developed that revolutionizes the field of chemistry. This innovative system enables the quantification of target chemicals in a microfluidic chip without the need for pumps, tubes, or expensive detectors. By utilizing a unique method where compounds
Understanding the intricacies of living cells is crucial to decipher the complexities of life itself. In these cells, a multitude of transient events happen simultaneously, each playing a vital role in the cell’s functions. However, capturing and recording these transient activities is a daunting task that has eluded scientists for quite some time. A groundbreaking
A recent study led by researchers at University College London has successfully synthesized pantetheine, a chemical compound crucial for metabolism, in lab conditions that mirror those present on early Earth. The compound, which is an essential component of Coenzyme A, had previously proven difficult to synthesize, leading to doubts about its existence during the origins
The discovery of a unique class of anticancer molecules in a family of bryozoans nearly 30 years ago opened up a new frontier in the field of organic chemistry. These molecules, characterized by their dense, highly complex structures composed of oxidized rings and nitrogen atoms, have long fascinated scientists and posed a significant challenge in
The University of California, Irvine conducted a study that delved into the production of the critical light-absorbing molecule of the retina, 11-cis-retinal, also known as the “visual chromophore.” The research revealed not only similarities but also intriguing differences between humans and insects in this process. This molecule is essential for vision, and mutations in the
The groundbreaking discovery of a new class of molecular glue at the University of Dundee has opened up a world of possibilities in the field of drug development. Led by Professor Alessio Ciulli, the research team at the Centre for Targeted Protein Degradation (CeTPD) has identified a new class of “intramolecular bivalent glue” that has
Injuries to the brain or spinal cord often result in fluid-filled cavities and scars that hinder tissue regeneration, making it difficult for nerves to heal properly. Seeking a solution to this problem, a team of researchers from Ruhr University Bochum and TU Dortmund University in Germany has developed an artificial cell environment that shows promise
In a groundbreaking development, chemists at the University of Bonn have made a significant breakthrough in the synthesis of potential drugs and natural products. This research, recently published in Angewandte Chemie International Edition, focuses on the production of polypropionate building blocks, essential for creating reserve antibiotics to combat infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria. The team