Scientists from the University of Houston are making significant strides towards achieving the goal of net-zero carbon emissions through their research into algae. The Microbial Products Lab, based at the University’s Cullen College of Engineering’s Division of Technology, has conducted extensive studies on the potential of microalgae to sequester carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere
Chemistry
In the realm of coatings technology, medical imaging, and cell biology, the dispersions of polymer particles in a liquid phase, referred to as latexes, possess significant importance. A team of researchers from France has recently made notable progress in this field by developing a method to produce stable polystyrene dispersions with particle sizes that are
Every year, over 100,000 tons of diapers are discarded in Germany alone, resulting in the wastage of valuable resources. The majority of these diapers contain special polymers known as superabsorbers, which offer excellent absorption qualities. However, the current recycling process for these superabsorbers is complex, expensive, and requires the usage of strong acids. In a
Scientists at the Department of Energy’s SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory have made significant advancements in the production of nitroxide, a molecule that holds great potential in the biomedical field. While nitric oxide (NO) has already garnered attention for its physiological effects, its lesser-known counterpart, nitroxide (HNO), has largely remained unexplored. This groundbreaking study, recently published
Plants play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of our planet. However, what if they could do more than just provide oxygen and beautify our surroundings? What if plants could actually warn us about the presence of harmful substances in our environment? This seemingly futuristic vision is now closer to reality, as scientists
Plastic waste has become a growing concern worldwide, with the majority of consumer plastics ending up in landfills or incinerated. Traditional methods of recycling mixed plastics have proven to be expensive and inefficient, resulting in a significant amount of plastic waste being improperly disposed of. However, a team of scientists at the Department of Energy’s
A team of researchers from the University of California San Diego has developed a groundbreaking material that glows in response to mechanical stress. Inspired by the bioluminescent waves observed during red tide events in San Diego’s beaches, these materials are soft, yet durable. In this article, we will delve into the details of this innovative
Ceramics have long been admired for their unique properties, such as their resistance to high temperatures, corrosion, and wear. Their lightweight nature makes them ideal for various applications, including aerospace components and protective coatings. However, the brittleness of ceramics has posed a significant challenge, limiting their potential for use in demanding situations. In a groundbreaking
The use of sulfur mustard as a chemical warfare agent dates back to the Battle of Flanders in July 1917, where unsuspecting British and Canadian troops were exposed to its devastating effects. Since then, sulfur mustard has been used repeatedly in warfare, causing immense harm to victims. Despite decades of research, no effective antidote for
In a groundbreaking study, researchers at the University of Vienna have successfully manipulated the stability and color properties of DNA duplexes to create a palette of 16 million colors. This significant advancement in DNA technology far surpasses the previous limitation of only 256 colors. Their findings, published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society,
Cellulose is a versatile material that is commonly used in the creation of hydrogels. However, the process of creating hydrogels from cellulose is often complicated and involves the use of toxic solvents. Researchers from North Carolina State University have developed a new, nontoxic method for making cellulose gels inspired by the nest-making process of small
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about immense scientific efforts to understand the SARS-CoV-2 virus and develop effective treatment strategies. Among the 29 proteins encoded by the virus’s genome, the ion channel called E has emerged as a particularly intriguing target for research. This ion channel plays a crucial role in inducing an inflammatory response in