Chromatography

Neurochemistry: Chemical Processes in the Nervous System

by

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

Genomics: Mapping Genomes and Genetic Variation

by

Genomics is a field of biology that focuses on the study of genomes, which are the complete sets of genetic material (DNA) present in an organism. Genomics encompasses a wide range of disciplines, techniques, and methodologies aimed at mapping genomes, analyzing genetic variation, understanding gene function, and elucidating the genetic basis of traits, diseases, and … Read more

Molecular Biology: Understanding Biological Processes at the Molecular Level

by

Molecular biology is a branch of biology that explores the structure, function, and interactions of biomolecules, such as DNA, RNA, proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates, at the molecular level. It encompasses a wide range of techniques, methodologies, and disciplines aimed at understanding biological processes, genetic information flow, gene expression, cellular functions, and molecular mechanisms underlying life. … Read more

Researchers analyze flavor profiles of four edible ant species

by

Insects are typically unwelcome visitors to a picnic, but they could be a flavorful, nutritious and sustainable addition to the menu. Eating insects is common in some parts of the world, and some species are even considered delicacies. Ants are one example, sometimes roasted whole for a snack or ground and used to add flavor … Read more

Biohybrid catalyst offers solution for mixed polystyrene recycling

by

Polystyrene is a widespread plastic that is essentially not recyclable when mixed with other materials and is not biodegradable. In the journal Angewandte Chemie, a German research team has introduced a biohybrid catalyst that oxidizes polystyrene microparticles to facilitate their subsequent degradation. The catalyst consists of a specially constructed “anchor peptide” that adheres to polystyrene … Read more

Difference between an element and a compound

by

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

Ancient foodcrust study reveals dietary practices in Neolithic East China

by

Researchers from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing Museum, and Capital Normal University has employed a lipid and proteomic approach to analyze ancient carbonized material, known as foodcrust, on pottery from the Taihu Lake region in eastern China. Published in … Read more

What is analytical chemistry?

by

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

Microscopic and metabolic investigations unravel the factors behind skin cracking in chili peppers

by

The outermost epidermal cell layer of fleshy fruit is surrounded by a hydrophobic cuticle, notably thicker than that found on vegetative tissues. This cuticle, primarily composed of the cutin polymer, also contains waxes and sometimes polysaccharides. It serves crucial functions, including regulating water and gas transport, protection against pathogens, and shielding from UV radiation. Failure … Read more

Researchers study medicinal compounds in Sweet Annie

by

In Valerie Sponsel’s UTSA biology lab, rows of terracotta pots hold fragrant plants with vibrant green leaves. Just one floor above, Francis Yoshimoto is busy extracting medicinal compounds from these plants, specifically Artemisia annua, also known as Sweet Annie. These compounds are destined for research in the fight against cancer and COVID-19, the disease caused … Read more

Scientists develop tool to predict odor profile of molecules

by

In a groundbreaking achievement, scientists have developed a tool capable of predicting the smell of a molecule solely based on its structure. This remarkable advancement can differentiate between molecules that appear dissimilar but have similar odors, as well as molecules that seem alike but possess entirely distinct scents. The findings of this research have been … Read more

Scientists recreate ancient Egyptian mummification scent

by

In a fascinating and innovative endeavor aimed at forging a sensory bridge to the distant past, a team of dedicated researchers, led by the skilled Barbara Huber from the MPI of Geoanthropology, has achieved a remarkable feat. Their achievement involves recreating one of the captivating scents that was utilized in the mummification rituals of a … Read more

Differential volatile organic compounds in rat organs revealed by untargeted analysis

by

Led by Professor Chu Yannan, a team of researchers from the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science at the Chinese Academy of Sciences embarked on a groundbreaking endeavor. They harnessed the power of a cutting-edge method known as headspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) to delve into the realm of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in … Read more

Scientists identify 21 key compounds that give sourdough bread Its unique flavor

by

In the midst of lockdown ennui a few years back, a surge of sourdough perfectionism spread like wildfire. This humble bread, a concoction of flour and water left to ferment, owes its distinct tangy flavor to the microscopic entities that power it. For over a century, San Francisco has been synonymous with sourdough, and now … Read more

Microplastics found in remote marine atmosphere

by

Microplastic particles have been discovered in the marine atmosphere, even in remote global regions. These minuscule fragments originate from land-based sources but are also reintroduced into the air from the sea itself. Dr. Barbara Scholz-Böttcher, leading a team of German and Norwegian researchers from the University of Oldenburg, spearheaded a study revealing these findings. The … Read more

Neanderthals in Belgium disappeared thousands of years earlier than previously thought

by

In a groundbreaking study published in PNAS, an international team of multidisciplinary researchers has unveiled a startling revelation regarding Neanderthal remains found in Belgium. Previous estimates had placed these remains from the Spy cave site at approximately 37,000 years old, making them some of the last surviving Neanderthals in Europe. However, this new research, conducted … Read more

New fatty acids found in human blood plasma, cancer cells, and vernix caseosa

by

Researchers at QUT have made a significant discovery in the field of lipid research. They have identified 103 new unsaturated fatty acids in human samples, effectively doubling the previously known number of these essential building blocks of life found in human blood plasma. The findings, detailed in an article published in Nature Communications, were made … Read more

New study could lead to development of cannabis breathalyzer

by

The usage of cannabis for medical and recreational purposes is allowed in most states in the U.S. However, ensuring road safety remains a priority for all states. To effectively identify individuals who recently consumed cannabis and prevent impaired driving, the development of a reliable breathalyzer is crucial. However, creating a breathalyzer for cannabis is more … Read more

Ancient Europeans used hallucinogenic plants in ritual ceremonies, analysis of human hair reveals

by

A recent paper published in Scientific Reports reveals that an analysis of human hair strands from a burial site in Menorca, Spain, provides direct evidence that ancient human civilizations in Europe used hallucinogenic drugs derived from plants. The strands of hair were from individuals buried in a chamber at the Es Càrritx cave, which was … Read more