Researchers discover faster, more energy-efficient way to manufacture an industrially important chemical

The reactivity of zirconium on silicon nitride enhances the conversion of propane into propylene, a key commodity chemical needed to make polypropylene. This finding hints at the reactivity researchers might achieve with other nontraditional catalysts.

ARPA-E IGNIITE award launches new initiatives of ORNL researchers Yang and Westover

Guang Yang and Andrew Westover of Oak Ridge National Laboratory have been selected to join the first cohort of the Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy, or ARPA-E, Inspiring Generations of New Innovators to Impact Technologies in Energy 2024, or IGNIITE 2024, program.

UAlbany Chemist Available to Discuss Eli Lilly Alzheimer’s Drug

ALBANY, N.Y. (July 9, 2024) — Last week, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new Alzheimer’s medication developed by Eli Lilly that has shown in clinical trials to moderately delay the progression of memory and cognitive decline in…

Not all calcite crystals are as perfect as they appear

Researchers used complementary imaging techniques to explore the impact of synthesis approaches on the nanoscopic internal structure of apparently perfect calcite particles, which has implications for contaminant sequestration and carbon storage.

Promethium bound: Rare earth element’s secrets exposed

Scientists have uncovered the properties of a rare earth element that was first discovered 80 years ago at the very same laboratory, opening a new pathway for the exploration of elements critical in modern technology, from medicine to space travel.

UC Irvine-led research team discovers new property of light

Irvine, Calif., May 6, 2024 – A research team headed by chemists at the University of California, Irvine has discovered a previously unknown way in which light interacts with matter, a finding that could lead to improved solar power systems, light-emitting diodes, semiconductor lasers and other technological advancements.

DOE’s Office of Science Graduate Student Research Program Selects 86 Outstanding U.S. Graduate Students

The Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Office of Science has selected 86 graduate students representing 31 states and Puerto Rico for the Office of Science Graduate Student Research (SCGSR) program’s 2023 Solicitation 2 cycle.

Testing environmental water to monitor COVID-19 spread in unsheltered encampments

To better understand COVID-19’s spread during the pandemic, public health officials expanded wastewater surveillance. These efforts track SARS-CoV-2 levels and health risks among most people, but they miss people who live without shelter, a population particularly vulnerable to severe infection.

Recyclable Reagent and Sunlight Convert Carbon Monoxide into Methanol

Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Brookhaven National Laboratory and the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill (UNC) have demonstrated the selective conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) into methanol using a cascade reaction strategy. The two-part process is powered by sunlight, occurs at room temperature and at ambient pressure, and employs a recyclable organic reagent that’s similar to a catalyst found in natural photosynthesis.

Is food waste the key to sustainable, plastic-free diapers and sanitary pads?

Many disposable diapers and sanitary pads contain plastic and need centuries to decompose. Now, researchers are replacing the plastic with parts made from food waste. That could lead to biodegradable diapers and pads that could be used as fertilizer. They’ll present their results at ACS Spring 2024.

Toxic metal particles can be present in cannabis vapes even before the first use

Vapes are thought to be a “safer” way to consume cannabis, but they present their own risks. Researchers have discovered toxic metal particles in vaping liquids even before first use of the device, and this toxicity was worse in illicit products. They will present their results at ACS Spring 2024.

New composite decking could reduce global warming effects of building materials

Building materials are major contributors to global carbon dioxide emissions. So scientists have designed a composite decking material that stores more carbon dioxide than is required to manufacture it, providing the first “carbon-negative” option. They will present their results at ACS Spring 2024.