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
Chemistry
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
In a groundbreaking study, researchers from the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS), Harvard Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology, and Utrecht University have uncovered a novel approach to enhance the selectivity of catalytic reactions. This innovative method introduces a new way to boost the effectiveness of catalysts in a
In a world where plastic pollution is a major concern, researchers are constantly looking for innovative solutions to reduce the environmental impact of plastic packaging. One such solution comes in the form of banana peels. Srinivas Janaswamy, an associate professor of food chemistry at South Dakota State University, has been exploring the use of banana
Chemical synthesis has long been an essential process for creating complex molecules used in various industries. Traditional methods often involve the use of organic solvents, metal catalysts, and reagents that can result in waste and environmental harm. However, researchers from the University of Regensburg have pioneered a groundbreaking approach to chemical synthesis that eliminates the
Antimicrobial resistance has become a pressing global issue, rendering many conventional antibiotics ineffective and posing a significant threat to public health. However, a groundbreaking discovery by Harvard researchers offers hope in the fight against drug-resistant bacteria. Led by Andrew Myers, a team of scientists has developed a novel antibiotic compound called cresomycin, which shows remarkable
University of Michigan researchers are making headlines with their recent discovery in plant biochemistry, specifically in the area of cyclic peptides. Cyclic peptides hold significant promise in the field of pharmaceuticals, as they have the unique ability to bind to challenging drug targets. The study, published in the journal Nature Chemical Biology, was led by
Supramolecular chemistry has long been an intriguing field, with scientists delving into the self-assembly state of molecules to understand their properties. The ability to control and manipulate the self-assembled state opens up possibilities for designing materials with specific properties, such as charge transport capability and fluorescence wavelength. However, studying structures with supramolecular polymer assemblies derived