Chemistry

Opioid medications have long been celebrated for their ability to provide relief from relentless and debilitating pain. However, this relief does not come without significant drawbacks that can overshadow the intended benefits. The opioid crisis has thrust these medications into the public eye for all the wrong reasons, highlighting the frightening potential for addiction, harsh

In recent years, the rising levels of nitrate contamination in water sources have become a pressing environmental and public health issue. As industrial activities and agricultural runoff increase, the risk of nitrate entering drinking water supplies poses significant dangers to human health, especially for vulnerable populations like infants, leading to conditions such as methemoglobinemia, or

In the contemporary landscape of material science, there lies an urgent need to confront the issue of plastic waste, particularly as it pertains to synthetic polymers like polystyrene, commonly found in Styrofoam. The staggering scale of plastic pollution demands innovative approaches to both recycling and waste management. Amidst this growing crisis, a pioneering study led

Professor Max Martin Hansmann and his diligent research team at the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology have unveiled an extraordinary reagent that holds the potential to dramatically change the landscape of organic chemistry. This groundbreaking research, detailed in their publication in *Science*, stems from a project supported by the ERC Starting Grant given to

The global demand for sustainable energy sources has never been more urgent, pushing scientists to find innovative ways to convert waste materials into valuable fuels. A recent study published in *Nature Catalysis* has shed light on a promising method for synthesizing methanol from carbon dioxide (CO2)—a notorious greenhouse gas. This research, backed by an international

As the global population continues to soar, so does our reliance on plastic. Since the mid-20th century, our insatiable appetite for polymer products has culminated in a staggering 8.3 billion metric tons of plastic waste, most of which ends up in landfills or incinerated—an ecological nightmare that poses a serious threat to our planet. With

In an exciting development at UNIST, researchers have made significant strides in the ongoing quest for sustainable pollution reduction. Under the leadership of Professor Jaeheung Cho from the Department of Chemistry, a groundbreaking catalyst has been unveiled that closely imitates the functionality of natural metalloenzymes—nature’s own pollution fighters. This innovative work, published in the Journal

Cannabis consumption continues to rise across Europe, marking a critical point in public health and safety. As of 2022, approximately 8% of adults engaged in cannabis use, underscoring the need for effective monitoring and regulation of this widely abused drug. With health implications ranging from addiction to mental health disorders, the pressing challenge lies in

In the age of rapid technological advancement, electronic devices have become ubiquitous in our daily lives. From smartphones to navigational displays, they enhance our convenience but also pose significant environmental challenges. As we gratefully toss aside our outdated gadgets, they often end up in landfills, leading to a concerning accumulation of electronic waste. This reality

Innovations in technology can revolutionize the way we understand and respond to environmental challenges, particularly when it comes to water safety. A recent breakthrough from the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, affiliated with the Chinese Academy of Sciences, showcases how advanced techniques can empower researchers and regulators alike. By employing cutting-edge microfluidic sensor arrays, this

Celiac disease, a complex autoimmune disorder, impacts about 1% of the global population, leaving many individuals with no viable treatment other than a lifelong commitment to a gluten-free diet. This situation often puts a damper on the quality of life for those affected, effectively forcing them to navigate a culinary landscape riddled with restrictions. The

In recent advancements within the field of flexible electronics, a groundbreaking development has emerged from the Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering (NIMTE), led by Prof. Zhu Jin. The introduction of i-DAPU, an innovative mechano-responsive elastomer, marks a turning point in how we think about tactile sensing materials. This technology pushes beyond conventional boundaries,

The relentless pursuit of more efficient catalysts has led researchers to explore the nuances of single-atom catalysis. A notable contribution to this field comes from a groundbreaking study spearheaded by Prof. Yan Wensheng’s team at the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC). They have delved into the complexities of metal loading and its

As climate change poses an escalating threat to our planet, scientists are directing their gaze toward an unexpected ally buried deep beneath our feet: the Earth’s subsurface. Every year, anthropogenic activities release over 6,300 million metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere, exacerbating the greenhouse effect that leads to global warming. Among various

In a groundbreaking advancement at the intersection of materials science and engineering, an international team led by North Carolina State University researchers has successfully developed a method to integrate gold nanorods within hydrogels for 3D printing. This innovative approach allows for the creation of structures that can contract and expand in response to light, working