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Materials Science news
Plastic bags to gasoline: Molten salts crack polyethylene into real fuels
Researchers at the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory developed a method to convert a commonly discarded hydrocarbon polymer into gasoline- and diesel-like fuels. The team has applied for a patent for the ...
Materials Science
51 minutes ago
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Hydroxyl radicals in UV-exposed water reveal surprising reaction pathway
How do radicals form in aqueous solutions when exposed to UV light? This question is important for health research and environmental protection. For example, with regard to the overfertilization of water bodies by intensive ...
Analytical Chemistry
5 hours ago
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Plant-inspired water membrane filters CO₂ with constant selectivity and adjustable permeance
Gas separation membranes are vital for carbon capture, biogas upgrading, and hydrogen purification, all of which require the separation of carbon dioxide from gases like nitrogen, methane and hydrogen. However, the membranes ...
Mussels and mistletoe inspire design for sustainable materials
Taking inspiration from how mussels and mistletoe plants build natural fibers and adhesives, researchers at McGill University have developed a new way to manufacture complex materials that could offer a more environmentally ...
Biochemistry
Apr 8, 2026
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A drug discovery bottleneck? How cheaper reagents could speed branched molecule synthesis
When chemists design drug candidates, shape matters enormously. Many active pharmaceutical ingredients contain branched carbon structures—points where the molecular chain forks in a specific direction—that are critical to ...
Materials Science
Apr 8, 2026
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'Vegan leather' isn't as sustainable or eco‑friendly as brands might claim
In a high-end fashion store or luxury car showroom, the term "vegan leather" sends a strong message of quality. For many shoppers, it promises the look and feel of real leather without using animal skins. As brands move away ...
Materials Science
Apr 7, 2026
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Turmeric and ginger extract may boost implant bonding and kill 92% bacteria
An extract of turmeric and ginger helps bone implants bond strongly while killing bacteria and cancer cells, according to new research from Washington State University with implications for millions of patients with joint ...
Materials Science
Apr 7, 2026
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Light-driven method enables sustainable production of porous semiconducting polymers
Researchers at Koç University have developed a light-driven method to produce porous semiconducting polymers under ambient conditions without the need for metal catalysts. The study, led by Prof. Dr. Önder Metin from the ...
Polymers
Apr 7, 2026
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Molecular editing tool relocates alcohol groups to neighboring sites while preserving 3D structure
In a discovery recently published in Nature, MIT chemists led by Professor Alison Wendlandt have developed a precision technique that allows scientists to seamlessly relocate alcohol functional groups from one spot on a molecule ...
Analytical Chemistry
Apr 7, 2026
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Review details photocatalyst–biocatalyst systems for semi-artificial photosynthesis
A new review from Osaka Metropolitan University (OMU) summarizes the biocatalysts involved in semi-artificial photosynthesis, an exciting research field that combines natural photosynthesis with artificial technology to efficiently ...
Biochemistry
Apr 6, 2026
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A new equation may help baristas produce the perfect espresso shot every time
Everyone's idea of the perfect cup of coffee is different. Whether you have yours black, with a splash of milk or extra sweet, you like it your way. But is there a universal law that governs how that flavor gets into your ...
Precisely designed oxygen carriers enable low-temperature methane reforming
"Methane reforming" is a process that turns methane (CH4) into hydrogen—which can be utilized as an environmentally friendly source of energy. The biggest downside is that methane reforming, in its current state, is not quite ...
Analytical Chemistry
Apr 6, 2026
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New insights into hornification could strengthen the future of paper production
When paper dries and is subsequently rewetted, its properties change permanently. This phenomenon is known as hornification. New research now shows that the process is more complex than previously assumed, and that temperature, ...
Analytical Chemistry
Apr 4, 2026
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Iridium's hidden surface chemistry may change how hydrogen and chlorine are made
Iridium is a key component in many electrochemical technologies used for chemical transformations. These include producing hydrogen fuel from water, manufacturing chlorine from seawater for use as a disinfectant and extracting ...
Analytical Chemistry
Apr 4, 2026
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Mesoporous silica catalyst enables α-allylation of simple ketones using allyl alcohols
A research team reports they have created an organic reaction called α-allylation with simple ketones and allyl alcohols. This work holds the potential for use in the development of next-generation catalysts. The research ...
Analytical Chemistry
Apr 2, 2026
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UV light method offers repeat recycling for acrylic plastics without the environmental cost
A breakthrough method for chemically recycling acrylic—one of the world's most widely used plastics—has been developed by researchers at the University of Bath. In contrast to conventional mechanical recycling, this method ...
Polymers
Apr 2, 2026
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AI turns electron microscopy into materials insights in minutes
An electron microscopy image can capture atoms arranged in a crystal lattice or defects threading through a semiconductor material, but turning that image into materials insight can take weeks of careful analysis. Now, an ...
Analytical Chemistry
Apr 2, 2026
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New disk-shaped catalyst turns carbon dioxide into methanol at lower temperatures
Low-temperature CO2 hydrogenation might have sounded almost paradoxical until a recent study made it possible. Researchers have designed new catalysts that can transform the greenhouse gas into methanol at temperatures ranging ...
Stretching metals can tune catalysis: A new method predicts energy shifts
Heterogeneous catalysis—in which catalysts and reactants are of different phases, e.g., solid and gas—is important to many industrial processes and often involves solid metal as the catalyst. Ammonia synthesis, catalytic ...
Analytical Chemistry
Apr 1, 2026
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New microporous aerogel uses van der Waals forces for flexible, moldable shaping
Porous materials are widely used for gas storage, separation, catalysis, and environmental purification. Their functionality arises from nanoscale pores that allow molecules to be selectively captured or transported. However, ...
Analytical Chemistry
Apr 1, 2026
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A sudden surge in luminosity: Stacked dyes hint at brighter organic semiconductors
Scientists create wheat-only gel from bran fiber and gluten protein
New AI model predicts record high dipole moments in unexpected molecules
Hidden ocean feedback loop could accelerate climate change
Ant larvae control parental care by using odor signals
