Chemistry
We summarize the week's science breakthroughs every Thursday.
- Chemistry
Altering ant uniforms
The chemical coat that an invasive ant species relies upon to recognize its kin may someday serve to turn family into foe.
- Chemistry
Compounds pass the smell test
A vile-smelling but versatile class of compounds may find a role in more chemistry laboratories with the introduction of easily made, inoffensive versions. Isonitriles, chemicals characterized by a triple bond between a carbon and a nitrogen atom, are useful in many reactions. But many chemists have shunned them because of their pungency, says Michael C. […]
- Chemistry
Better protection
A new molecular catalyst shortens a widely used reaction into a one-step process, with a bonus: It makes the reaction’s products into one of two possible mirror-image forms. When chemists synthesize compounds, they often add a protective group of atoms to a specific site on a molecule to prevent that site from reacting in subsequent […]
- Chemistry
Target Practice
As they study the biochemical processes that make Mycobacterium tuberculosis tick, researchers are finding new targets to exploit to combat the microbe.
- Chemistry
Lacy molecular order
A lacy honeycomb arrangement of molecules on copper suggests the possibility of creating useful nanoscale patterns on surfaces by fine-tuning intermolecular forces.
- Chemistry
Protection from poisons
An Alzheimer's disease drug could be protective against the deadly effects of two nerve agents.
- Chemistry
Tricky Transformation: Bubbling gases tighten, then loosen, the grip of novel molecules on grime
New compounds make oil mix with water, or not, depending simply on which gases are bubbled through the water.
- Chemistry
Mulch matters
Mulch made from recycled construction and demolition wood can release arsenic into the environment.
- Chemistry
Follow the lead
A new water-soluble, lead-sensing chemical is the first to detect the toxic metal in live cells.
- Chemistry
Old drug, new use
By screening a library of more than 2,000 existing drugs, researchers have identified an antihistamine that shows activity against malaria.
- Chemistry
Fungus foils polymer that defeats recycling
A common tree-rotting fungus is the first to break down an otherwise impervious resin found in plywood and fiberboard.
- Chemistry
Sweet Synthesis: Fructose product could replace chemicals from oil
A new study describes the efficient use of fructose toward making a renewable building block for many useful chemicals.
