Scientists have recently uncovered new properties of promethium, a rare earth element first discovered 80 years ago at Clinton Laboratories, now known as the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). This breakthrough opens a new pathway for exploring elements that are critical in modern technology, including applications in medicine and space travel. Promethium, … Read more
Researchers at the University of Bayreuth have gained new insights in the field of high-pressure carbon chemistry: They synthesized two new carbides—compounds of carbon and another chemical element—with unique structures. The results may provide an unexpected explanation of the wide spread of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the universe. The research is published in the journal Nature Communications. Carbides … Read more
One in every 10 individuals above the age of 65 develops an age-related neurological disorder like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s, yet treatment options remain sparse for this population. Scientists have begun exploring whether cannabinoids—compounds derived from the cannabis plant, like well-known THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol)—may offer a solution. A third, lesser-known cannabinoid called CBN (cannabinol) … Read more
The periodic table is a tabular arrangement of chemical elements, organized by their atomic number, electron configuration, and recurring chemical properties. It provides a systematic way to categorize and understand the behavior of elements based on their shared characteristics. Dmitri Mendeleev is credited with developing the first periodic table in 1869, arranging elements by their … Read more
Batteries are usually studied via electrical properties like voltage and current, but new research suggests that observing how heat flows in conjunction with electricity can give important insights into battery chemistry. A team of researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has demonstrated how to study the chemical properties of lithium-ion battery cells by exploiting … Read more
For years, niobium was considered an underperformer when it came to superconducting qubits. Now, scientists supported by Q-NEXT have found a way to engineer a high-performing niobium-based qubit and take advantage of niobium’s superior qualities. When it comes to quantum technology, niobium is making a comeback. For the past 15 years, niobium has been sitting … Read more
A groundbreaking catalyst with unparalleled oxidizing power has been unveiled by a research team affiliated with UNIST, promising to revolutionize multiple fields, including metal catalyst development and synthetic chemistry. This catalyst, a remarkable achievement in catalytic research, has the potential to drive significant advancements. Under the leadership of Professor Jaeheung Cho from the Department of … Read more
Biomolecules such as amino acids and sugars occur in two mirror-image forms—in all living organisms, however, only one is ever found. Why this is the case is still unclear. Researchers at Empa and Forschungszentrum Jülich in Germany have now found evidence that the interplay between electric and magnetic fields could be at the origin of … Read more
Anoxic marine basins may be among the most viable places to conduct large-scale carbon sequestration in the deep ocean, while minimizing negative impacts on marine life. So say UC Santa Barbara researchers in a paper published in the journal AGU Advances. As we explore ways to actively draw down the levels of carbon in the … Read more
Hydrogels have emerged as incredibly versatile biomaterials, revolutionizing various biomedical applications. These water-swollen molecular networks offer a unique opportunity to mimic the mechanical and chemical properties of diverse organs and tissues, facilitating seamless integration within the human body without causing harm, even to the most delicate anatomical structures. In clinical practice, hydrogels are already making … Read more
Organic chemistry is the branch of chemistry that deals with the study of carbon-containing compounds. It is a vast and diverse field with applications ranging from pharmaceuticals and materials science to agriculture and environmental science. The study of organic chemistry dates back centuries, with significant advancements made in understanding the structure, properties, and reactions of … Read more
In the quest for active ingredients in pharmaceutical research, molecules featuring a central ring system are pivotal, and the precise size of these rings is crucial for efficient manufacturing of desired products. Addressing this challenge, an international team of chemists, led by Prof. Frank Glorius (University of Münster) and Prof. Osvaldo Gutierrez (Texas A&M University, … Read more
Allotropy is a fascinating concept within the realm of chemistry, referring to the existence of different structural forms of the same element in the same physical state. These different forms, known as allotropes, exhibit distinct physical and chemical properties while consisting of the same atoms. The study of allotropy provides valuable insights into the behavior … Read more
Isotopes and allotropes are two distinct concepts within the realm of chemistry, each addressing different aspects of the behavior and structure of elements and compounds. Understanding the difference between isotopes and allotropes is fundamental to grasping the diverse nature of chemical elements and their various forms. Let’s begin with isotopes. Isotopes are variants of a … Read more
Elements and compounds are foundational concepts in chemistry, representing the building blocks of matter. Understanding the differences between them is essential for grasping the intricacies of chemical structures and reactions. Elements are the simplest substances, composed of only one type of atom, while compounds result from the chemical combination of two or more different elements … Read more
pH, an abbreviation for “potential of hydrogen,” is a crucial concept in chemistry that measures the acidity or basicity of a solution. It is a logarithmic scale that quantifies the concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution, providing a standardized method to express the acidity or alkalinity of substances. The concept of pH was introduced … Read more
The chemical formula for water is H₂O, a representation of its molecular composition. Water, a fundamental substance for life on Earth, plays a crucial role in various biological, chemical, and physical processes. Understanding the chemical formula H₂O involves exploring the molecular structure of water, its properties, significance in different contexts, and its impact on the … Read more
The chemical symbol for gold is Au, derived from the Latin word “aurum.” Gold has captivated human fascination for millennia, admired for its lustrous beauty, malleability, and rarity. Its chemical symbol, Au, is a representation of its name in the periodic table, and understanding its significance involves exploring the properties, history, and cultural significance of … Read more
Analytical chemistry is a branch of chemistry that focuses on the identification and quantification of chemical substances. It involves the use of various techniques and methods to analyze and interpret the composition of matter, providing essential information for a wide range of scientific, industrial, and environmental applications. Analytical chemists employ sophisticated instruments and methodologies to … Read more
The structure of an atom is a fundamental factor that profoundly influences its chemical properties. At the heart of understanding the behavior of atoms lies the concept of atomic structure, which encompasses the arrangement of subatomic particles—the positively charged protons, the uncharged neutrons, and the negatively charged electrons. This intricate interplay of particles within an … Read more