Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly referred to as “forever chemicals,” pose a significant threat to environmental health and human wellbeing. Their pervasive use in consumer products, such as waterproof clothing and non-stick cookware, has led to their ubiquitous presence in ecosystems worldwide. Despite offering beneficial properties like resistance to heat and stains, PFAS substances
Chemistry
The discovery of photoelectrochemical hydrogen evolution by Honda and Fujishima in 1972 opened the doors to a new era in renewable energy research, emphasizing photocatalysis as a viable method for harnessing solar energy. Over the decades, this field has grown immensely, attracting scientists eager to harness sunlight for clean hydrogen production. The driving question in
Sphingolipids, a class of lipids crucial to various biological processes, first gained scientific attention at the end of the 19th century when German pathologist Ludwig Thudichum isolated them from brain tissues. He chose the name “sphingolipids” inspired by the enigmatic nature of the Sphinx, which seemed to pose numerous mysteries to researchers attempting to understand
In the realm of scientific research, artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized methodologies and workflows. However, a persistent challenge remains: the so-called “AI black box.” This term refers to the inability of AI systems to provide clear explanations for their decision-making processes. Scientists often find themselves in a frustrating position where AI can suggest optimal solutions
In an era where environmental sustainability has become paramount, the management of plastic waste presents a significant challenge. With a remarkable new chemical process developed at the University of California, Berkeley, there is renewed hope for reducing the environmental impact of post-consumer plastic waste. This innovative approach not only aims to address the pressing issue
In recent years, the field of medicine has been illuminated by groundbreaking advancements, particularly in therapies targeting complex diseases such as cancer. A wave of innovative treatments, from personalized immune therapies to antibodies tailored for individual patients, has emerged, promising to transform the landscape of healthcare. However, the intricacies and high costs associated with these
Plastic pollution has become a pressing global dilemma, as the accumulation of plastic waste in our environment poses significant threats to ecosystems and human health. Despite the increasing awareness of this issue, the rates of plastic recycling, particularly through chemical means, remain disappointingly low. Traditional recycling processes are often inefficient and resource-intensive, hindering their effectiveness
Ammonia (NH3) stands out as a fundamental compound in both agricultural and industrial sectors. Boasting a staggering global market size of around 175 million metric tons and a valuation of approximately $67 billion, ammonia plays an irreplaceable role in the production of fertilizers that feed a growing global population. Beyond agriculture, ammonia serves as a
The field of materials science is continuously evolving, with researchers uncovering fresh insights that challenge established knowledge. Recent work by a dedicated team has significantly advanced our comprehension of porous coordination polymers (PCPs), also known as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). Their study, published in *Communications Materials*, reveals previously underappreciated characteristics of these materials—specifically, the “soft” nature
The atmosphere is a complex system that continually surprises researchers with its intricate chemical processes. A significant breakthrough has emerged from the Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research (TROPOS) located in Leipzig. For the first time, scientists have demonstrated the existence of sulfurous acid (H₂SO₃) in the gas phase under atmospheric conditions. This finding, published in
The discovery and implementation of click chemistry has significantly transformed the landscape of chemical synthesis by promoting high selectivity, yield, and efficiency in various applications. It has established a reputation for facilitating the rapid connection of diverse molecules, making it a favored method across sectors like pharmaceuticals, materials science, and chemical biology. Despite its successes,
Recent advancements in nuclear fuel research have brought to light the intriguing properties of liquid uranium trichloride (UCl3), a compound garnering attention as a potential cornerstone for next-generation nuclear reactors. A pivotal paper published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society presents groundbreaking analysis on the chemistry dynamics and molecular structure of UCl3 in
Uranium, classified among the actinide series in the periodic table, has long captivated chemists and physicists alike due to its intricate chemistry and multifaceted bonding properties. Recognized predominantly for its radioactive nature, uranium also features a rich electron structure that leads to an array of oxidation states. Recent research, conducted by a global team of
In the realm of chemistry, the reliance on sustainable resources is becoming increasingly critical. Dinitrogen (N₂), which constitutes around 78% of the Earth’s atmosphere, stands out as an underutilized raw material. While its abundance is indisputable, the challenge lies in its molecular structure. The strong triple bond between nitrogen atoms makes it resistant to participation
The realm of scientific discovery is on the brink of a new era with the introduction of the Versatile Neutron Imaging Instrument (VENUS) at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s (ORNL) Spallation Neutron Source. This state-of-the-art facility has just been authorized for full-scale operation, opening doors to unprecedented possibilities in neutron imaging powered by cutting-edge artificial