Developing a drug that is able to enter the cell and interact with its target is no mean feat, especially for large molecules. Read about how this group ‘masked’ large molecules to improve their cell permeability.
Molecular tweezers pick viral membranes apart
While most scientists search for specific treatments for viruses like Ebola, Zika and SARS-Cov-2, non-specific methods can have broad impact. Researchers from the United States and Germany joined forces to make molecular “tweezers” that pick apart viruses to death.
When common plants hold uncommon abilities
The story of a research team in Botswana that joined forces with local traditional healers for a powerful scientific collaboration.
Can chemistry overcome incompatibility?
A new way to have incompatible reactions occur in spatially separate regions of a liquid to create methanol from methane.
The Smell of Rain Has a Biological Function
The earthy smell of soil originates from the bacteria that live there. But why do they produce this particular scent?
DNA-based Nanocarriers to Improve the Preciseness of Drug Delivery
Tired of consuming 5 different medications a day? Read how the researchers are developing new ways to load different drugs in a single delivery system.
How augmented reality can improve tumour removal
Scientists developed a platform to assist cancer removal during surgery
Unveiling cryptic compounds
How do you get microbes to produce cryptic compounds?
In Thin Air: Studying Reactions in Levitating Water Droplets
The power of levitation isn’t just for magicians anymore. Learn about a new way of examining water droplets as they float in midair using just sound!
Bug to bug on a bubble
How do pheromones travel from one insect to another? Humidity may change the answer to this question.
Boiling mulberry juice increases its anti-cancer properties
Black mulberry juice is a known antioxidant – compounds that can consume free radicals before they can harm your cells. Researchers at Guangdong University also show that boiling mulberries increases its ability to treat colon cancer in cell culture, but not through antioxidant mechanisms.
#BlackInChem: The Unstoppable Ashley Walker
Ashley Walker, founder of #BlackInAstro and co-founder of #BlackInChem, explores her experiences and motivations. Having overcome many barriers and obstacles, she shares her unique journey as a Black woman in physical chemistry, what she’s learned, and her advice to others.
#BlackInChem: Chemistry should be as diverse as the world we live in
Armed with the belief that chemistry should be as diversified as the world that we all live in, Joy Rutherford tells us how this motivates her to overcome the odds that come with being a PoC PhD student. However, these challenges don’t stop her from becoming a multi-faceted academic success!
Revolutionize energy, agriculture, and the environment—in the most ap-peel-ing way
Biochar may be one of the most multi-talented materials in existence—do you know what your leftover orange peels are capable of?
#BlackinChem: Finding your feet as an international student
Zweli Hlatshwayo shares his experiences as a Black international student at Ohio State University, and his struggles with impostor syndrome after he started his PhD.
When art meets science; something to scream about
The Scream is one of the most famous paintings in the world, but it’s bright colours are fading! The worlds of art and science team up to help solve this mystery.
#BlackInChem: Science & Equity go hand in hand – Ayanna Jones
Ayanna Jones, a PhD student and passionate advocate for representation in science, shares her story and advice on making chemistry more inclusive
#BlackInChem: Creating Support and Community for Black Women in STEM
Devin Swiner, one of the founders for #BlackInChem, shares what’s she’s learned, the hard-won wisdom she has earned as a Black woman in analytical chemistry.
Safer Hair Dyes
A new synthetic method to produce melanin, the natural molecule that leads to hair color, shows promise as a safer hair dye.
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Biochemical Circuits: Modular Systems for Disease Detection
Instead of the wires, batteries, and light bulbs used in electric circuits, biochemical circuits use DNA and enzymes to get the job done.
Combating Viral Infection with Shape-Matching
Researchers developed a new way of tackling viral infection by designing nanostructures similar in shape to the virus particle.
An alternative to isolating plant drugs
Discovery of the biosynthesis of a FDA-approved plant drug
Scientists find a new noncovalent interaction: the spodium bond
The new bond occurs between elements of Group XII of the periodic table in (pseudo)tetrahedral geometry and electron donors.
No charge, no problem: self-charging batteries
When batteries run out of charge, you need to plug them into electricity to recharge them. New research has created a battery that can recharge itself without needing electricity.