Chemistry
Insights could improve chemical manufacturing for everyday products
Insights could improve chemical manufacturing for everyday products Researchers at the University of Rochester have developed algorithms that reveal the atomic features driving the complex chemistry behind propane-to-propylene conversion. The study, published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, used a tandem nanoscale catalyst to integrate multiple steps of the process into a single […]
🔬 Science
Sea sponge molecule may have anti-cancer effects
Sea sponge molecule may have anti-cancer effects Chemists at Yale have synthesized gukulenin A, a complex molecule found in sea sponges, which may have anti-cancer effects. The synthesis of gukulenin A was a challenging task due to its intricate structure, requiring 24 steps and the development of three new methods for synthesizing tropolones. The researchers […]
🔬 Science
Why are elements like radium dangerous? A chemist explains radioactivity and its health effects
Why are elements like radium dangerous? A chemist explains radioactivity and its health effects Radium is a highly radioactive element that can be found in small amounts in the Earth’s crust and oceans. It emits invisible radiation that can damage cells and lead to health problems, including cancers. The radioactivity of an element is caused […]
🔬 Science
What is rust? A materials scientist explains metal’s crusty enemy
What is rust? A materials scientist explains metal’s crusty enemy Rust is a natural process that occurs when iron or steel reacts with oxygen and moisture, leading to the formation of iron oxide (rust) and causing metal to break down. The combination of rain, exposed metal, and time can trigger rusting on objects like bicycles, […]
🔬 Science
How does soap keep you clean? A chemist explains the science of soap
How does soap keep you clean? A chemist explains the science of soap Soap has been used for over 5,000 years to clean bodies and clothes, dating back to ancient Babylon. The science behind soap lies in its unique molecular structure, which is both water-loving (hydrophilic) and water-fearing (hydrophobic), allowing it to effectively remove dirt, […]
🔬 Science