On behalf of the American Chemical Society (ACS), President Judith C. Giordan, Ph.D., congratulates today’s winners of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry: Moungi G. Bawendi, Ph.D., of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Louis E. Brus, Ph.D., of Columbia University; and Alexei I. Ekimov, Ph.D., of Nanocrystals Technology Inc.
Tag: Chemistry
Water makes all the difference
In order to fulfil their function, biological cells need to be divided into separate reaction compartments. This is sometimes done with membranes, and sometimes without them: the spontaneous segregation of certain types of biomolecules leads to the formation of so-called condensates.
Chemistry Student Studies Sustainable Energy Solutions at National Lab
Chemistry graduate student Oliver Solares is working toward finding solutions for clean energy and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
Department of Energy funds new center for decarbonization of steelmaking
The DOE recently announced $19 million in funding for Argonne to lead the Center for Steel Electrification by Electrosynthesis. The center’s aim is to develop a cost-effective process for steel making that would greatly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Biological Particles Play Crucial Role in Arctic Cloud Ice Formation
An international team of scientists from Sweden, Norway, Japan, and Switzerland, has presented research findings that reveal a crucial role of biological particles, including pollen, spores, and bacteria, in the formation of ice within Arctic clouds.
Solar cell material can assist self-driving cars in the dark
Material used in organic solar cells can also be used as light sensors in electronics. This is shown by researchers at Linköping University, Sweden, who have developed a type of sensor able to detect circularly polarised red light.
Making elbow room: Giant molecular rotors operate in solid crystal
Concave, umbrella-like metal complexes provide space to enable the largest molecular rotor operational in the solid-state.
Light-activated acid drives energy-efficient, on-demand release of captured CO2
Using light instead of heat, Oak Ridge National Laboratory researchers found a way to release carbon dioxide from a solvent used in direct air capture to trap this greenhouse gas.
Chameleon-inspired coating could cool and warm buildings through the seasons
By mimicking a desert-dwelling chameleon, a team reporting in ACS’ Nano Letters has developed an energy-efficient, cost-effective coating. The material could keep buildings cool in the summers — or warm in the winters — without additional energy.
Gotcha! New technology speeds up bacterial testing in food
It is said that there is waste in haste, but researchers from Osaka Metropolitan University have proven that doing things rapidly does not necessarily mean working ineffectively.
Some spiders can transfer mercury contamination to land animals, study shows
Aquatic insects can pass mercury in contaminated waterways along to the spiders that feed on them.
Rubber plumbing seals can leak additives into drinking water, study says
Rubber seals inside some plumbing devices contain additives that contribute to their flexibility and durability, but these potentially harmful compounds can leak into drinking water, according to a small-scale study in ACS’ Environmental Science & Technology Letters.
Machine learning tool simplifies one of the most widely used reactions in the pharmaceutical industry
University of Illinois researchers and a Swiss pharmaceutical company have developed a machine learning model that eliminates the need for extensive experimentation to determine the best conditions for an important carbon-nitrogen bond forming reaction known as the Buchwald-Hartwig reaction.
Applications Open for Graduate Programs in Chemistry and Green Chemistry & Sustainability (Semester 2/2023)
The Master and Doctoral Degrees Programs in Chemistry and Green Chemistry & Sustainability, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University are now accepting applications for the second semester of academic year 2023.
Florida State University Earth scientist reveals how the Arctic is changing
A Florida State University scientist has helped uncover through a multidecadal study how changing water chemistry in Arctic rivers could impact the entire planet.

Autonomous discovery defines the next era of science
Argonne National Laboratory is reimagining the lab spaces and scientific careers of the future by harnessing the power of robotics, artificial intelligence and machine learning in the quest for new knowledge.
ACS Fall 2023 media briefing schedule
Recordings of media briefings will be posted by 10 a.m. Eastern Time on each day. Watch recorded media briefings at: www.acs.org/ACSFall2023briefings.
Tubing and swimming change the chemistry and microbiome of streams
As Labor Day approaches, many people will go tubing and swimming, but do these delightful summertime activities impact streams and rivers? Today, scientists report that recreation can alter the chemical and microbial fingerprint of waterways. They will present their results at ACS Fall 2023.
Cleaning water with ‘smart rust’ and magnets (video)
Pouring flecks of rust into water usually makes it dirtier. Now, researchers have developed special iron oxide nanoparticles called “smart rust” to trap estrogen hormones that are potentially harmful to aquatic life. They will present their results at ACS Fall 2023.
What makes those pandemic-era sourdoughs so deliciously, uniquely, sour?
Sourdough bread-making took over amid lockdown boredom. Today, scientists report the 21 key chemical compounds responsible for its one-of-a-kind taste and smell. They will present their results at ACS Fall 2023.
Clever coating turns lampshades into indoor air purifiers
Indoor air pollution may have met its match. Scientists have designed lampshades that transform pollutants into harmless compounds. The catalyst-coated lampshades work with halogen and incandescent lamps, and LEDs will be next. The team will present their results at ACS Fall 2023.
Sugars affect brain ‘plasticity,’ helping with learning, memory, recovery
Our brains constantly make memories and learn new skills. Understanding the role of the complex sugar molecules responsible for this “plasticity” could also make it possible to repair neural circuits after injury. The researchers will present their results today at ACS Fall 2023.
Microgreens and mature veggies differ in nutrients, but both might limit weight gain
Young vegetables known as microgreens are claimed to be superfoods, but how do they compare to mature veggies? Their nutritional profiles and effects on gut bacteria differ, scientists say, yet tests in mice suggest that both could limit weight gain. They will present their results at ACS Fall 2023.
Detecting risk of metastatic prostate cancer in Black men
To explore prostate cancer disparities, researchers looked to another disorder, diabetes. They conducted a clinical trial and report four biomarkers linked to a higher risk of metastatic prostate cancer in men of West African heritage. They will present their results at ACS Fall 2023.
Transforming flies into degradable plastics
Flies are being used as a source of chemicals to make bioplastics. Eventually, that same type of bug might one day biodegrade those plastics once their useful life is over. The researchers will present their results at ACS Fall 2023.
3D-printed vegan seafood could someday be what’s for dinner (video)
To create desirable and healthful vegan seafood mimics, researchers have 3D-printed an ink made of microalgae protein and mung bean protein. They air-fried their proof-of-concept calamari rings for a tasty, quick snack. They will present their results at ACS Fall 2023.
ACS Fall 2023 media briefings
Recorded media briefings from the fall meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS), ACS Fall 2023, will be accessible starting on Monday, Aug. 14, by 10 a.m. ET (7 a.m. PT) here: www.acs.org/acsfall2023briefings.
Human scent receptors could help ‘sniff out’ nerve gases in new sensor
Just catching a quick whiff of certain chemicals known as nerve agents can be lethal. Researchers now reporting in ACS Sensors have developed a sensitive and selective nerve gas sensor using these human scent receptors. It reliably detected a substitute for deadly sarin gas in simulated tests.
Sugars in breastmilk could help treat infections, prevent preterm births
Certain sugars naturally found in breastmilk could help prevent infections before a baby arrives. Researchers reporting in ACS Central Science have found that these sugars can stop a common prenatal infection in human tissues and pregnant mice.
U.S. Department of Energy Announces $37 Million to Build Research Capacity at Historically Underrepresented Institutions
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced $37 million in funding for 52 projects to 44 institutions to build research capacity, infrastructure, and expertise at institutions historically underrepresented in DOE’s Office of Science portfolio, including Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) and Emerging Research Institutions (ERIs).
Mimicking the body’s own defenses to destroy enveloped viruses
Viruses often mutate or hide themselves within cells. But by mimicking the way the immune system naturally deals with invaders, researchers reporting in ACS Infectious Diseases have developed a “peptoid” antiviral therapy that effectively inactivates three viruses in lab tests.
Multicyclic molecular wheels with polymer potential
Molecules that act as connected wheels can hold long molecular chains together to modify the properties of soft polymers.
Study reveals peculiar movements of cholesterol in cellular membranes
Cholesterol plays many critical roles in biology and medicine. Researchers have revealed for the first time how cholesterol behaves in cells at the atomistic level, information that could have broad implications for future studies of health and disease.

Research Corporation for Science Advancement (RCSA) chooses Symplectic Grant Tracker to manage funding for innovative scientific research
The Research Corporation for Science Advancement (RCSA) has chosen Symplectic Grant Tracker from Digital Science’s suite of flagship products to advance its aims of providing catalytic funding for innovative scientific research.
Furman chemists receive $1 million grant to create technology to better analyze air particles
Mac Gilliland, assistant professor of chemistry and Mary Elizabeth Anderson, professor of chemistry, will work with engineers and scientists at 908 Devices, a mass spec manufacturer in Boston. At least a dozen Furman undergraduate students will also work on the project, giving them experience in chemistry, device manufacturing and commercialization that few students at undergraduate institutions have.
Burning Calories for Energy in the Calorimetry Lab
Research in the Energy Sciences Center explores how heat changes in chemical reactions, paving the way for more efficient fuels and processes.
Ohio train derailment, clean-up resulted in high levels of some gases, study shows
A freight train carrying industrial chemicals derailed near East Palestine, Ohio, in February 2023. Researchers have been assessing the local air quality. Now, in ACS’ Environmental Science & Technology Letters, they report that some gases, including acrolein, reached levels that could be hazardous.
A step toward treating chemotherapy-resistant prostate cancer
Prostate cancer is resistant to one of the most powerful chemotherapy medications — cisplatin. Now, researchers in ACS Central Science have developed the first therapy of its kind that disrupts prostate cancer cells’ metabolism and releases cisplatin into the weakened cells, causing them to die.
A new tactic to take on leprosy
Though antibiotics can treat leprosy, researchers are concerned about the increase in drug-resistant strains. Now, a team reporting in ACS Central Science has begun to understand the role certain immune receptors play in leprosy, which could lead to new types of treatments for this disease.
Active Thermochemical Tables (ATcT) Advance Chemistry as a PuRe Data Resource
To do research, chemists need data to predict and explain the direction, outcome, and amount of energy released or used during a chemical reaction. This information – called thermochemical data – is essential for a good deal of fundamental chemical science and for understanding and improving industrial processes. Argonne National Laboratory developed the Active Thermochemical Tables (ATcT) over the last two decades to meet the growing need for such data in many sectors.
Argonne scientist Shirley Meng recognized for contributions to battery science
Materials science pioneer Shirley Meng has been selected as the recipient of the 2023 Battery Division Research Award by The Electrochemical Society. The recognition honors Meng’s innovative research on interfacial science, which has paved the way for improved battery technologies.
5 ways Argonne entangled with Ant-Man to get people to geek out about quantum science
Whether Ant-Man is shrinking between atoms or communicating through entangled particles, his true superpower is his ability to excite people about quantum science. Argonne assembled experts to spread the word about the real science of the quantum realm.

Neutrons look inside working solid-state battery to discover its key to success
Researchers used neutrons to peer inside a working solid-state battery and discovered that its excellent performance results from an extremely thin layer, across which charged lithium atoms quickly flow as they move from anode to cathode and blend into a solid electrolyte.
Squid-inspired soft material is a switchable shield for light, heat, microwaves
Inspired by squid skin, researchers in ACS Nano report a soft film that can regulate its transparency across a large range of wavelengths—visible, infrared and microwave—simultaneously. They demonstrated the material in smart windows and in health monitoring and temperature management applications.
Don’t wait, desalinate: new water purification system cuts cost, energy expenses
A water purification system created by researchers at the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology separates salt and unnecessary particles with an electrified version of dialysis. Successfully applied to wastewater, the method saves money and saps 90% less energy than its counterparts.
Helping ‘good’ gut bacteria and clearing out the ‘bad’ — all in one treatment
Probiotics could be used as an effective treatment strategy for certain intestinal diseases, such as Crohn’s disease. Researchers reporting in ACS Central Science have developed a microgel delivery system for probiotics that keeps “good” bacteria safe while actively clearing out “bad” ones.
BGSU researchers develop ‘green chemistry’ method to recycle, upcycle silicone
Pioneering research out of Bowling Green State University is aiming to keep silicone out of landfills through an innovative process designed to recycle or upcycle the popular consumer product.

RNA Institute Researchers Advance DNA Nanostructure Stability
Researchers at the University at Albany’s RNA Institute have demonstrated a new approach to DNA nanostructure assembly that does not require magnesium. The method improves the biostability of the structures, making them more useful and reliable in a range of applications.
Baylor Chemist-led Study Leads to Scientific Journals Changing Guidelines
Elemental Analysis is so widely adopted that chemistry journals require this technique to publish any new compound. The standard of the value obtained being plus or minus of 0.4% of the formula value for a compound, as determined by elemental analysis, but is this long-accepted +/-0.4% standard accurate? Depending on the nature of the compound, element assessed, and identity of the trace impurities, the +/-0.4% requirement could be too high or too low, and that intrigued an international research team led by a Baylor University chemistry professor to conduct the first-ever review of the validity of the standard.

Cancer cells rev up synthesis, compared with neighbors
Tumors are composed of rapidly multiplying cancer cells. Understanding which biochemical processes fuel their relentless growth can provide hints at therapeutic targets. Researchers from Washington University in St. Louis have developed a technology to study tumor growth in another dimension — literally. The scientists established a new method to watch what nutrients are used at which rates spatially throughout a tissue.