A mild and scalable electrolysis of carboxylic acids can provide streamlined access to valuable alkene feedstocks at kilogram scale. Using rapidly alternating polarity (rAP), the team in teh US were able to boost the reaction performance and simultaneously expand the scope of these traditionally harsh reaction conditions to include pharmaceutically-relevant functional groups. Show Fullscreen Both […]

In recent years, non-sugar sweeteners – often referred to as artificial, low-calorie or non-nutritive sweeteners – have been regularly making the headlines. However, it was rarely for positive reasons. In March, a US study found that people with higher levels of erythritol in their blood had a notably higher risk of cardiovascular problems and in […]

Crossref, a nonprofit organisation that uses metadata to improve the searchability of research items, has taken over the Retraction Watch database. According to a statement released by the two groups, the deal will ensure the database’s long-term future and keep it free to use. Retraction Watch is a blog and database run by the Center […]

After years of litigation, two prominent scientific publishers have settled copyright infringement lawsuits with the academic social networking site ResearchGate. The agreement, the specific terms of which are being kept confidential, allows authors who have published research articles in American Chemical Society (ACS) and Elsevier journals to share their work on the ResearchGate platform in […]

A piperidine-based oscillator has been made that can catalyse an independent reaction periodically without losing its oscillating properties.1 The discovery could be used to construct complex networks of reactions that would otherwise interfere with one another, opening new opportunities in chemical synthesis. ‘Catalysis and oscillations are two essential processes occurring in living cells,’ says Syuzanna […]

Research on why scientists like to lick rocks has been honoured with this year’s combined chemistry and geology Ig Nobel prize. The prize was one of ten given out in a ceremony held online last night. The chemistry and geology prize was awarded to University of Leicester emeritus professor Jan Zalasiewicz for an essay he […]

On 11 September, a study reported observations of the exoplanet K2-18 b by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), the most powerful space telescope ever built. The exoplanet’s spectrum revealed the presence of methane and carbon dioxide, but no ammonia, supporting the hypothesis that there may be a water ocean underneath the hydrogen rich atmosphere […]

A new molecular motor, which is much simpler than many before it, can carry cargo across a surface without missteps or changes in direction. The simple motor avoids the complex synthesis associated with other molecular machines and, according to the researchers who created it, could inspire future nanosystems that could remove contaminants from surfaces, aid […]

Researchers in the US have identified an organocatalyst that can deconstruct a range of condensation polymers.1 The protic ionic salt catalyst is the first single catalyst to transform a mixture of consumer plastics into high-quality monomers. Almost 79% of virgin plastics are estimated to enter landfills or gather elsewhere in our environment.2 ‘[A big challenge […]

Analysis of three types of mucus produced by garden snails has revealed the subtle differences in proteins, ions and glycans that dictate their contrasting properties. It is hoped the findings will aid the design of biomimetic synthetic mucus for healthcare and cosmetics applications. Snail mucus and cosmetic products derived from it are a $12 billion […]