Currently available flu medications only target the virus after it has already established an infection, but what if a drug could prevent infection in the first place? Now, scientists at Scripps Research and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine have designed drug-like molecules to do just that, by thwarting the first stage of influenza infection. … Read more
Neurochemistry is the branch of neuroscience that focuses on the chemical processes occurring within the nervous system, including the synthesis, release, reuptake, and metabolism of neurotransmitters, neuromodulators, and other signaling molecules. It encompasses the study of molecular mechanisms underlying neuronal communication, synaptic transmission, neuroplasticity, and brain function. Understanding neurochemistry is essential for unraveling the molecular … Read more
Neurobiology is a fascinating field of study that delves into the intricacies of the nervous system, which serves as the body’s communication and control center. The nervous system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that coordinate sensory perception, motor function, cognition, and behavior. In this exploration of neurobiology, we will delve into … 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
Water determines life: humans are three-quarters water. An international research team led by the University of Amsterdam (UvA) has now discovered how water also determines the structure of the material that holds us together: collagen. In a paper published in PNAS, the researchers elucidate the role of water in the molecular self-assembly of collagen. They … Read more
Nearly 30 years ago, scientists discovered a unique class of anticancer molecules in a family of bryozoans, a phylum of marine invertebrates found in tropical waters. The chemical structures of these molecules, which consist of a dense, highly complex knot of oxidized rings and nitrogen atoms, has attracted the interest of organic chemists worldwide, who … Read more
A new antibiotic created by Harvard researchers overcomes antimicrobial resistance mechanisms that have rendered many modern drugs ineffective and are driving a global public health crisis. A team led by Andrew Myers, Amory Houghton Professor of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, reports in Science that their synthetic compound, cresomycin, kills many strains of drug-resistant bacteria, including … Read more
Antibiotics have revolutionized the field of medicine, providing effective tools to combat bacterial infections and save countless lives. These powerful medications, derived from natural sources or synthesized in laboratories, target bacteria by interfering with their growth and reproduction. The discovery of antibiotics represents one of the most significant breakthroughs in medical history, shaping the landscape … Read more
Piperacillin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic belonging to the class of penicillins. It is widely used in the medical field to treat bacterial infections, particularly those caused by susceptible strains of Gram-negative and some Gram-positive bacteria. As an integral part of the beta-lactam group of antibiotics, piperacillin exerts its antibacterial effects by interfering with bacterial cell … Read more
Beta-lactam antibiotics constitute a significant class of medications widely used to combat bacterial infections. Named for the presence of a beta-lactam ring in their chemical structure, these antibiotics have been crucial in the field of medicine since the discovery of penicillin by Alexander Fleming in 1928. Over the years, the beta-lactam family has expanded to … 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
Hormones are signaling molecules that play a pivotal role in the regulation of physiological processes in multicellular organisms. These chemical messengers are produced by specialized glands and tissues, acting as communication agents that coordinate and integrate activities across various organs and systems. Hormones exert their effects on target cells by binding to specific receptors, initiating … Read more
Chemists from the University of Liège has introduced a groundbreaking technique for polyurethane production, employing carbon dioxide (CO2) to engineer plastics with enhanced recyclability. Published in the Journal of the American Chemistry Society, their study presents a potential solution for the creation of truly sustainable plastics. Commodity plastics have become integral to global industries, from … Read more
Organometallic compounds, which consist of metal atoms bonded to organic molecules, play a pivotal role in catalyzing chemical reactions and have significantly advanced the field of chemistry. Among organometallic compounds, metallocenes stand out due to their distinctive “sandwich” structure and remarkable versatility. Their discovery marked a breakthrough in organometallic chemistry, earning the scientists behind it … Read more
Under the leadership of Director Chang Sukbok, scientists from the Center for Catalytic Hydrocarbon Functionalizations at the Institute for Basic Science (IBS) have achieved a significant breakthrough in synthesizing β-lactam scaffolds. These scaffolds are crucial components of essential antibiotics like penicillins and carbapenems. This advancement overcomes previous challenges in β-lactam synthesis, offering more efficient pathways … Read more