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Category: chemistry – Page 19

Nanoparticle researchers spend most of their time on one thing: counting and measuring nanoparticles. Each step of the way, they have to check their results. They usually do this by analyzing microscopic images of hundreds of nanoparticles packed tightly together. Counting and measuring them takes a long time, but this work is essential for completing the statistical analyses required for conducting the next, suitably optimized nanoparticle synthesis.

Alexander Wittemann is a professor of colloid chemistry at the University of Konstanz. He and his team repeat this process every day. “When I worked on my , we used a large particle counting machine for these measurements. It was like a , and, at the time, I was really happy when I could measure three hundred nanoparticles a day,” Wittemann remembers.

However, reliable statistics require thousands of measurements for each sample. Today, the increased use of computer technology means the process can move much more rapidly. At the same time, the automated methods are very prone to errors, and many measurements still need to be conducted, or at least double-checked, by the researchers themselves.

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Nanozymes are a class of nanomaterials that exhibit catalytic functions analogous to those of natural enzymes. They demonstrate considerable promise in the biomedical field, particularly in the treatment of bone infections, due to their distinctive physicochemical properties and adjustable catalytic activities. Bone infections (e.g., periprosthetic infections and osteomyelitis) are infections that are challenging to treat clinically. Traditional treatments often encounter issues related to drug resistance and suboptimal anti-infection outcomes. The advent of nanozymes has brought with it a new avenue of hope for the treatment of bone infections.

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A new study has revealed the clearest-ever picture of the surface chemistry of worm species that provides insights into how animals interact with their environment and each other. These discoveries could pave the way for strategies to deepen our understanding of evolutionary adaptations, refine behavioral research, and ultimately overcome parasitic infections.

Scientists from the University’s School of Pharmacy used an advanced mass spectrometry imaging system to examine the nematodes Caenorhabditis elegans and Pristionchus pacificus, aiming to characterize species-specific surface and its roles in physiology and behavior.

Their results show that nematode surfaces are predominantly oily or lipid-based, forming a complex chemical landscape. The findings have been published in theJournal of the American Chemical Society.

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A team of scientists has unlocked a new frontier in quantum imaging, using a nanoscale.

The term “nanoscale” refers to dimensions that are measured in nanometers (nm), with one nanometer equaling one-billionth of a meter. This scale encompasses sizes from approximately 1 to 100 nanometers, where unique physical, chemical, and biological properties emerge that are not present in bulk materials. At the nanoscale, materials exhibit phenomena such as quantum effects and increased surface area to volume ratios, which can significantly alter their optical, electrical, and magnetic behaviors. These characteristics make nanoscale materials highly valuable for a wide range of applications, including electronics, medicine, and materials science.

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Harvard University and the Chinese University of Hong Kong researchers have developed a technique that increases the solubility of drug molecules by up to three orders of magnitude. This could be a breakthrough in drug formulation and delivery.

Over 60% of pharmaceutical drug candidates suffer from poor water solubility, which limits their bioavailability and therapeutic viability. Conventional techniques such as particle-size reduction, solid dispersion, lipid-based systems, and mesoporous confinement often have drug-specific limitations, can be costly to implement, and are prone to stability issues.

The newly developed approach addresses these issues by leveraging the competitive adsorption mechanism of drug molecules and water on engineered silica surfaces. It avoids chemical modification of drug molecules or using additional solubilizing agents to achieve solubility, potentially replacing multiple drug delivery technologies.

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Researchers at the University of Houston’s Texas Center for Superconductivity have achieved another first in their quest toward ambient-pressure high-temperature superconductivity, bringing us one step closer to finding superconductors that work in everyday conditions—and potentially unlocking a new era of energy-efficient technologies.

In their study titled “Creation, stabilization, and investigation at of pressure-induced superconductivity in Bi0.5 Sb1.5 Te3,” published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, professors Liangzi Deng and Paul Ching-Wu Chu of the UH Department of Physics set out to see if they could push Bi0.5 Sb1.5 Te3 (BST) into a under pressure—without altering its chemistry or structure.

“In 2001, scientists suspected that applying high pressure to BST changed its Fermi surface topology, leading to improved thermoelectric performance,” Deng said. “That connection between pressure, topology and superconductivity piqued our interest.”

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Gardenias are known for their rich, earthy fragrance, waxy petals and brilliant white color that contrasts with the deep emerald green of their leaves. The plant has long been prized by herbalists, seekers of food and fabric dyes, and even pharmaceutical companies.

Now, a collaborative team of scientists at several research centers in the United States has found that a compound known as genipin, derived from the gardenia plant called Cape jasmine, can prompt nerve regeneration. Neurons damaged and stunted by disease find new life in the lab when exposed to the plant-derived compound.

The chemical comes from the fruit of this extraordinarily versatile plant. Gardenia shrubs, in general, are native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia. But the plants are propagated globally by horticulturists and amateur gardeners who are most familiar with the flower’s beauty and the intoxicating scent of their perfume.

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Can biology be explained entirely in terms of chemistry and then physics? If so, that’s “reductionism.” Or are there “emergent” properties at higher levels of the hierarchy of life that cannot be explained by properties at lower or more basic levels?

Alan C. Love, Ph.D., is a professor in the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Minnesota. He also serves as director of the Minnesota Center for Philosophy of Science.

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Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are industrial chemicals used in the manufacturing of thousands of products, including cosmetics, carpeting, non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, firefighting foams, food packaging, and waterproof clothing.

They’re everywhere — the environment, our food, and even in our bodies. Peer-reviewed studies have shown that exposure to PFAS may lead to decreased fertility, developmental delays in children, and increased risk of some cancers. And they take hundreds or even thousands of years to break down.

For roughly the past 10 years, researchers have been looking for ways to remove PFAS from the environment or at least degrade them into harmless, inorganic compounds.

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