Lignocellulosic biomass has been widely recognized as a renewable feedstock for 2nd-generation biomanufacturing. A key challenge in this field is finding an efficient way to co-ferment mixed glucose and xylose in lignocellulosic hydrolysates, as it is crucial for lowering the cost of the final products. However, due to limited xylose assimilation and the glucose repression
Chemistry
A groundbreaking discovery in material science has been made by Chenfeng Ke, who will soon be joining Washington University in St. Louis as an associate professor of chemistry. Ke has developed a revolutionary design for tough and stretchable hydrogels, which was recently reported in the journal Chem. This novel material possesses both flexibility and durability,
Scientists from the Hayward Research Group at the University of Colorado at Boulder have made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of photomechanical materials. In a recent study, researchers from the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering have developed a resilient material that can efficiently transform light energy into mechanical work without the need for
Gut health has long been a topic of interest in the field of health and well-being. A team of researchers in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences has made a groundbreaking discovery that could potentially benefit gut health in mammals. This research highlights the importance of studying the chemical components of whole foods and their
Optimizing the Extraction Process Preserving Nutritional Compounds Expanding the Applications Food waste is a significant global issue, with millions of tons of food and vegetables being discarded each year. Leafy vegetables such as kale and lettuce often undergo a commercial practice where farmers cut off outer leaves to ensure perfectly sized and visually appealing vegetables
Rutgers University scientists have recently introduced a groundbreaking method for creating coatings of biologically active materials that has the potential to transform the field of medicine. In a study published in Nature Communications, the researchers showcase their innovative approach to electrospray deposition, an industrial spray-coating process. By enhancing control over the target region within the
In a world where unsustainable fishing practices and aquaculture are depleting the global seafood supply and harming the environment, there is an urgent need for more plant-based seafood options. While meat alternatives dominate the refrigerated grocery store aisle, the availability of plant-based seafood is still limited. To address these challenges, researchers have introduced a novel
Plastic waste continues to be a pressing issue globally, with a significant amount of plastic ending up in landfills each year. While efforts have been made to shift towards a circular plastics economy, more needs to be done to effectively recycle challenging forms of plastic. However, a group of researchers at the University of Illinois
Chemical reactions have always required a certain level of activation energy to progress. However, a recent breakthrough at the University of Bonn has introduced a novel catalysis scheme that makes previously impossible reactions feasible. Not only is this method environmentally friendly, but it also eliminates the need for rare and precious metals. By using special
The sustainable production of hydrogen holds immense potential for the energy transition and reducing carbon emissions. Hydrogen serves as a CO2-free energy carrier and a vital raw material for various industries. Electrolysis, a process that converts water into hydrogen and oxygen gases through an electrochemical reaction, has emerged as a sustainable method for hydrogen production.
Researchers from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) have made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of wound healing. Led by Professor Anderson Ho Cheung Shum, the team has successfully developed Fibro-Gel, an injectable hydrogel that overcomes various challenges in the industry. With its exceptional biocompatibility, potential for vascularization,
Technological advancements have revolutionized the field of life sciences, allowing researchers to delve deeper into the intricate workings of the human body. Among these advancements, Li-Qun “Andrew” Gu and his team at the University of Missouri have made significant contributions by developing sophisticated diagnostic tools at the nanoscale. Their latest innovation involves the use of