Minerals and mineralized tissue are not unusual in the natural world. However, the intricate formation of nacre, renowned for its mesmerizing iridescence and used in jewelry, has puzzled scientists for centuries. This composite material consists of biopolymers and platelets of crystalline calcium carbonate. Despite its beauty and significance, the exact processes that lead to nacre
Chemistry
Ethylene, often referred to as the most important chemical in the petrochemical industry, is a fundamental building block for a wide range of everyday products. From antifreeze and vinyl to synthetic rubber, foam insulation, and various types of plastics, ethylene is utilized extensively. However, its current production method, known as steam cracking, is energy- and
The world is filled with a symphony of sounds and vibrations, both soothing and annoying. The ability to selectively tune out noises of a certain frequency has long been a dream for many individuals. But what if this dream could become a reality? Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have made significant strides in
Organic molecules that exhibit chirality, or “handedness,” play a significant role in nature and have a wide range of applications in various fields. However, synthesizing molecules with the desired chirality in the laboratory has proven to be a challenging task. The inability to control the chirality of molecules accurately can render drugs or enzymes ineffective.
A recent investigation conducted by Pesticide Action Network (PAN) revealed that the United Kingdom continues to utilize 36 pesticides that have been banned in other European countries. Out of these, 13 have been classified as “highly hazardous” with links to detrimental effects such as water contamination, cancer, infertility, and other illnesses. This alarming revelation emphasizes
In today’s world, where waste generation has become a significant concern, finding sustainable alternatives to synthetic materials is of utmost importance. Plastic and petroleum-based materials contribute to a large portion of the waste that ends up in landfills, as they cannot decompose or degrade over time. This problem has led scientists to search for materials
The chemical industry has long been associated with harmful environmental impacts and toxic waste. However, researchers at Caltech, led by Professor Karthish Manthiram, are working towards changing this narrative. In a recent publication in the journal Science, Manthiram’s lab describes the development of a catalyst that enables the production of propylene oxide without the use
As the global climate crisis intensifies, researchers at Case Western Reserve University have embarked on a vital mission to develop sustainable and efficient methods to convert waste into valuable products and fuels. Their groundbreaking research focuses on the conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2), a major greenhouse gas, into valuable chemicals using renewable energy sources. While
Catalysts play an integral role in various processes, from converting milk into yogurt to producing Post-It notes. The search for optimal catalyst materials often involves time-consuming experiments and complex quantum chemistry calculations. To simplify this process, scientists have turned to graph neural networks (GNNs) to predict the structural intricacies of atomic systems. However, researchers at
In a world increasingly concerned about reducing carbon emissions, the shift towards electricity as a greener power source is well underway. However, this transition extends beyond just cars and into the vast global manufacturing network that produces a wide range of products, from batteries to fertilizers. To make this shift sustainable, researchers from the University
Organic chemistry plays a pivotal role in various industries, including pharmaceuticals and chemicals. One class of organic compounds that holds great significance is heterocyclic compounds. These compounds consist of ring structures containing carbon atoms and other elements such as nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur. Due to their versatility and excellent physiological activities, heterocyclic compounds have become
Deep within the Earth or the center of the sun, matter undergoes a fundamental change on an atomic level. Researchers have discovered that high pressure can transform metals into nonconducting insulators. For example, sodium, a shiny gray-colored metal, can become a transparent, glass-like insulator under extreme pressure. A recent study led by the University at