As technology advances at an unprecedented pace, the quest for smaller, more efficient electronic devices has encountered critical limitations. Moore’s law, which predicts the doubling of transistor density on microchips every two years, faces significant challenges due to the physical constraints of silicon-based components. Researchers are now turning to molecular electronics as a promising alternative.
Chemistry
The immunoproteasome plays a critical role in the immune system’s response to external threats such as pathogens. By degrading intracellular proteins and presenting the resulting peptides to immune cells, this enzyme complex enables the immune system to recognize and respond effectively to invading viruses and bacteria. However, in certain cases, such as autoimmune diseases, the
Rare-earth elements (REEs) serve as the backbone of modern technology, playing pivotal roles in devices ranging from smartphones to electric vehicles. Despite their ubiquitous presence, the extraction and purification processes for these critical metals are often environmentally damaging and largely concentrated in specific regions, predominantly China. However, recent advancements by a multidisciplinary team at Sandia
In the ever-pressing field of water pollution control, a significant breakthrough has emerged, reshaping our understanding of catalyst efficiency. A team of researchers from the University of Science and Technology of China and Suzhou Institute for Advanced Study has introduced a novel methodology utilizing single-atom catalysts (SACs) in a Fenton-like system. Published in **Nature Communications**,
Ribosomes are essential cellular components responsible for translating genetic information into functional proteins. These minute structures operate as the site of protein synthesis, where messenger RNA (mRNA) sequences are decoded to assemble amino acids into polypeptide chains. This process is critical for cellular function and organismal development. However, the complexities involved in how these translations
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) represent a significant class of proteins that are crucial for cellular communication and are the targets of around one-third of all FDA-approved medications. These receptors facilitate a myriad of physiological responses, ranging from cardiovascular regulation to immune responses. The pharmacological landscape dominated by GPCRs is well-known, yet the intricate relationships between
Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is often referred to as the cellular energy currency, vital for a multitude of biological functions ranging from muscle contraction to intracellular transport and even influencing infectious processes in bacteria. Without ATP, the fundamental processes that sustain life would collapse, underlining its significance. Researchers have made significant strides in understanding how ATP
Recent advancements in material science have set the stage for a significant breakthrough: an oil-free super-lubricant derived from potato proteins with promising applications in engineering and biomedical fields. Research led by the University of Leeds demonstrates that this innovative, aqueous lubricant achieves remarkably low friction, akin to the synovial fluid found in human joints. Historically,
The quest for safer and more efficient energy storage solutions is a pressing concern in today’s technology-driven landscape. Recent advancements from the chemists at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU) offer a fresh perspective on enhancing lithium-ion battery performance. These researchers have introduced a new gel-based electrolyte designed to mitigate the risks associated with traditional liquid
The quest for efficient hydrogen storage solutions is critical as the world increasingly pivots towards sustainable energy systems. As researchers strive to enhance the viability of hydrogen as a green energy carrier, new findings from a collaboration between the Leibniz Institute for Catalysis (LIKAT) and H2APEX offer promising perspectives. This article delves into the innovative
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), frequently dubbed “forever chemicals,” have emerged as a significant environmental issue due to their widespread use and toxicity. These synthetic compounds are ideal for myriad consumer applications, from waterproof attire to food packaging, because of their remarkable resistance to heat, stains, and water. However, this very resilience is what makes
The realm of photocatalysis has transcended its historical boundaries, primarily since the pioneering work by Honda and Fujishima in 1972, which illuminated the potential of photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. Recent investigations led by researchers at the Institute for Molecular Science, notably Dr. Hiromasa Sato and Prof. Toshiki Sugimoto, have unearthed significant insights into the role of
Sphingolipids, a class of lipids first identified in the 19th century by German pathologist Ludwig Thudichum, play a critical role in various biological processes, particularly within the nervous system. Thudichum’s discovery marked the beginning of a complex narrative surrounding sphingolipids, named after the Sphinx of Greek mythology due to their enigmatic nature. The metabolism of
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has revolutionized numerous fields, including research and development in chemical sciences. Despite its transformative potential, one of the primary challenges remains the “AI black box” phenomenon—where the decision-making process of AI systems is inscrutable, leaving researchers to wonder how conclusions are derived. Recognizing this limitation, an interdisciplinary team at the University of
As the world grapples with an ever-increasing plastic waste crisis, innovative solutions are essential to mitigate environmental degradation. Plastics, particularly polyethylene (used in everyday items such as plastic bags) and polypropylene (found in hard plastics like containers and luggage), dominate the global waste stream, comprising approximately two-thirds of post-consumer plastic waste worldwide. Unfortunately, a staggering