Chemists at the Rijksmuseum and the University of Amsterdam (UvA) recently made a groundbreaking discovery regarding Rembrandt’s artistic technique. Through the use of advanced spectroscopic methods, they were able to uncover the presence of special arsenic sulfide pigments in one of his most famous paintings, “The Night Watch.” These pigments, pararealgar and semi-amorphous pararealgar, were
The discovery of the exoplanet Eps Ind Ab using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) marks a new era in exoplanet science. This gas giant has been imaged directly, separate from its host star, making it a rare and valuable find. Previous methods of detecting exoplanets have been indirect, relying on observing the effects of
Peptides have been gaining attention in the pharmaceutical industry as valuable therapeutic agents due to their ability to target complex biological processes with more precision compared to small-molecule drugs. They are also less complex and more cost-effective than large biological drugs like antibodies. The market has seen the emergence of over 100 FDA-approved peptide drugs,
The exploration of two-dimensional materials has opened up a realm of possibilities for scientists seeking to understand the unique properties these materials exhibit. When a material is reduced to just one or two layers of molecules, it undergoes a remarkable transformation. This transformation results in the material displaying completely different characteristics compared to its thicker
Recent research conducted by scientists at the Duke-National University of Singapore (NUS) Medical School has shed light on the potential role of a protein called interleukin 11 (IL-11) in the aging process. The study involved genetically engineering mice to block the effects of IL-11, resulting in a significant extension of their lifespans by up to
The surge in e-commerce demand across America has led to a significant rise in the warehousing industry. However, a groundbreaking study has shed light on the concerning impact of this growth on communities situated near large warehouses. The study, titled “Air pollution impacts from warehousing in the United States uncovered with satellite data,” published in
When it comes to assessing the environmental impact of traffic, the focus has traditionally been on exhaust emissions from road vehicles. However, a recent study commissioned by the German Center for Rail Transport Research (DZSF) has shed light on the significant influence of non-exhaust emissions from rail transport on air quality and soil pollution. In
In a recent study published in Nature Communications, Rice University chemist James Tour and his research team have introduced a groundbreaking approach to remediate synthetic chemicals that contaminate soil and the environment. This new method, known as the Rapid Electrothermal Mineralization (REM) process, has the potential to revolutionize the way we address environmental pollutants. Per-
The novel technique called EndoVIA has brought a new wave of hope to the field of cancer therapy research. The ability to precisely track individual edits in cells has been a long-standing challenge for scientists worldwide. Thanks to a team of WashU chemists led by graduate student Alex Quillin, this breakthrough has opened doors to
In a recent study published in Physical Review E, researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) have made significant progress in addressing the long-standing “drive-deficit” issue in indirect-drive inertial confinement fusion (ICF) experiments. This breakthrough has the potential to enhance the accuracy of predictions and overall performance in fusion energy experiments conducted at the National
The pervasive use of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in various industries has led to significant environmental and health concerns. These “forever chemicals” are known for their exceptional stability and resistance to water and heat, making them ideal for a wide range of applications. However, their persistent nature has resulted in widespread contamination of water, soil, and
Lead Contamination in Older Neighborhoods Lead contamination in urban moss has been a growing concern, especially in older neighborhoods in Portland, Oregon. A recent study conducted by Alyssa Shiel, an environmental geochemist at Oregon State University, revealed that lead levels in moss from older Portland neighborhoods can be as much as 600 times higher than
Mindfulness has gained immense popularity in recent years as a way to combat stress and improve mental health. This Buddhist-based form of meditation focuses on being aware of one’s thoughts, sensations, and feelings in the present moment. While it may seem like a harmless practice, the reality is that there are hidden dangers associated with
Plastics have become a ubiquitous presence in our daily lives, with tiny fragments now being found in major organs such as the placenta. This raises significant concerns about the impact of microplastics on our health. Researchers have conducted various studies to investigate the effects of microplastics on organ replicas and mice. However, the concentrations of
In a groundbreaking development, researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) have created a new technique that promises to revolutionize the synthesis of molecular compounds containing heavy elements such as americium, curium, and others. This innovative method, as detailed in two recent articles published in Chemical Communications and the JACS Au, opens up a whole