http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/matter_energy/organic_chemistry/ Organic Chemistry in the News. Organic compounds, protein engineering, and more. Read all the latest research in the field of organic chemistry. Full-text with images. Free. en-us Thu, 24 Jul 2008 08:05:01 EDT Thu, 24 Jul 2008 08:05:01 EDT 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/matter_energy/organic_chemistry/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080723143548.htm Titanium, a protean element with applications from pigments to aerospace alloys, could get a new role as an environmentally friendly additive for automotive oil. Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080723143548.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080714150657.htm Researchers have found a way to make ultra-small pure carbon crystals entirely formed from the spherical carbon 'buckyball' molecule known as C60. The method used involves mixing two liquids together, one of which contains C60, at low temperature. Mon, 21 Jul 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080714150657.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080721093707.htm Scientists can now make the antifreeze protein that enables billions of Canadian snow fleas to survive frigid winter temperatures. Their laboratory-produced first-of-a-kind proteins could have practical uses in extending the storage life of donor organs and tissues for human transplantation, according to new research. Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080721093707.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080714094254.htm Researchers have reported the first detailed characterization of the protein composition of the hard, fang-like jaws of a common marine worm. Their work could lead to the design of a new class of super-strong, lightweight materials for use as construction and repair materials for spacecraft, airplanes, and other applications. Mon, 14 Jul 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080714094254.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080709144132.htm Many coaches inspire better performance by pressuring their teams. Now, proteomics researchers are using pressure to improve the performance of their analyses. In a simple solution to a time-consuming problem, the researchers have found that adding pressure early in their protocol squeezes four hours of waiting -- often allowed to last overnight for convenence -- into a minute. The result brings researchers closer to "proteomics on the fly." Sat, 12 Jul 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080709144132.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080703113606.htm A dynamic way to alter the shape and size of microscopic three-dimensional structures built out of proteins has been developed by biological chemists. Fri, 11 Jul 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080703113606.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080708105351.htm Organic-based devices, such as organic light-emitting diodes, require a transparent conductive layer with a high work function, meaning it promotes injection of electron holes into an organic layer to produce more light. New research provides insight into factors that influence the injection efficiency. Fri, 11 Jul 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080708105351.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080707091915.htm Chemists in Japan report development of the world's first DNA molecule made almost entirely of artificial parts. The finding could lead to improvements in gene therapy, futuristic nano-sized computers, and other high-tech advances, they say.  Mon, 07 Jul 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080707091915.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080630173937.htm Researchers have developed a novel technique to measure the strength of the bonds between two protein molecules important in cell machinery: gently tugging them apart with light beams. Mon, 07 Jul 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080630173937.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080701103610.htm New research shows that coating a titanium implant with a new biologically inspired material enhances tissue healing, improves bone growth around the implant and strengthens the attachment and integration of the implant to the bone. Sat, 05 Jul 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080701103610.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080702114320.htm When chemists want to produce a lot of a substance -- such as a newly designed drug -- they often turn to catalysts, molecules that speed chemical reactions. Many jobs require highly specialized catalysts, and finding one in just the right shape to connect with certain molecules can be difficult. Natural catalysts, such as enzymes in the human body that help us digest food, get around this problem by shape-shifting to suit the task at hand. Fri, 04 Jul 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080702114320.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080702132209.htm A new form of energy-transfer processes, reported in Nature may have implications for the study of reactions going on in the atmosphere, and even for those occurring in the body. Thu, 03 Jul 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080702132209.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080630130134.htm Researchers have invented a technique in which DNA assays -- the key to personalized medicine -- can be read and evaluated with no need of elaborate chemical labeling or sophisticated instrumentation. Based on electrostatic repulsion that yields images visible to the naked eye, the technique could revolutionize the use of DNA microarrays for both research and diagnostics. Tue, 01 Jul 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080630130134.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080626090913.htm Naturally occurring nanotubes may serve as tunnels that protect retroviruses and bacteria as they infect healthy cells. The unexpected shielding may explain why vaccines fare poorly against some invaders. Researchers now have formed similar nanotubes that could be used to duplicate the phenomenon. Tue, 01 Jul 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080626090913.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080627163242.htm Researchers have developed a method to self-assemble metals into complex nanostructures. Applications include making more efficient and cheaper catalysts for fuel cells and industrial processes and creating microstructured surfaces to make new types of conductors that would carry more information across microchips than conventional wires do. Sun, 29 Jun 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080627163242.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080624122835.htm An electric voltage can be used to propel DNA molecules through a channel a few nanometers deep, or to stop them in their tracks. In a strong electric field the molecules judder along the channel, while in weaker fields they move more smoothly. This enables DNA fragments to be 'captured' on a chip and separated for analysis. Fri, 27 Jun 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080624122835.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080623175355.htm Fluorescent nanoparticles, called quantum dots, are dramatically better than existing methods for delivering a gene-silencing tool into cells. The quantum-dot chaperones help impede the cell's production of a given protein. Fri, 27 Jun 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080623175355.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080619133102.htm Researchers have successfully synthesized and structurally characterized boron-nitrogen compounds that are isoelectronic and isostructural to the fundamentally important benzene molecule. Tue, 24 Jun 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080619133102.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080623093425.htm Chemists in Ohio have discovered that half of all of the known chemical compounds in the world have an amazing similarity in sharing only 143 basic molecular shapes. Mon, 23 Jun 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080623093425.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080612095523.htm Materials researchers have developed a simplified, low-cost process for producing high-quality, water-soluble 'quantum dots' for biological research. Thu, 19 Jun 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080612095523.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080616124935.htm Chemists have now found an interesting new approach that may lead to effective recycling of CCl4, an unwanted byproduct of chlorinated hydrocarbon production. Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080616124935.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080616163421.htm Nanotechnology is paving the way toward improved solar cells. New research shows that a film of carbon nanotubes may be able to replace two of the layers normally used in a solar cell, with improved performance at a lower cost. Researchers have found a surprising way to give the nanotubes the properties they need: add defects. Currently, these solar cells, called dye-sensitized solar cells, have a transparent film made of an oxide that is applied to glass and conducts electricity. In addition, a separate film made of platinum acts as a catalyst to speed the chemical reactions involved. Wed, 18 Jun 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080616163421.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080612100445.htm Researchers have developed a new fabrication technique called 'nanoglassblowing' that creates nanoscale fluidic devices to isolate and study single molecules in solution, including individual DNA strands. Tue, 17 Jun 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080612100445.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080611135106.htm Scientists have, for the first time, synthesized and characterized the elusive parent molecule of an important class of chemical compounds. Tue, 17 Jun 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080611135106.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080612171107.htm Chemists have discovered an inexpensive, clean and quick way to prepare amines -- nitrogen-containing organic compounds derived from ammonia that have wide industrial applications such as solvents, additives, anti-foam agents, corrosion inhibitors, detergents, dyes and bactericides. Sat, 14 Jun 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080612171107.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080609112254.htm In work that could at the same time impact the delivery of drugs and explain a biological mystery, engineers have created the first synthetic nanoparticles that can penetrate a cell without poking a hole in its protective membrane and killing it. Wed, 11 Jun 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080609112254.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080609141229.htm Molecular transport across cellular membranes is essential to many of life's processes, for example electrical signaling in nerves, muscles and synapses. In biological systems, the membranes often contain a slippery inner surface with selective filter regions made up of specialized protein channels of sub-nanometer size. These pores regulate cellular traffic, allowing some of the smallest molecules in the world to traverse the membrane extremely quickly, while at the same time rejecting other small molecules and ions. Tue, 10 Jun 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080609141229.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080603102740.htm Layers of plastic, much thinner than a strand of hair—this type of ultrathin polymer film is of great interest to scientists and engineers. A new method to produce wafer-thin layers of polymer materials, which may be used as protective coatings, has been developed. Sun, 08 Jun 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080603102740.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080602114703.htm Researchers have identified two proteins responsible for mechanosensitive ion channel activities in plant roots. Scientists have long known that plant cells respond to physical forces. Until now, however, the proteins controlling the ion channel response remained a mystery. Thu, 05 Jun 2008 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080602114703.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080529170518.htm Uncontrolled reaction of organic compounds with oxygen is easy: we call it fire. But nature often needs to do oxidations very specifically, adding oxygen to a particular carbon atom in a complicated molecule without disturbing anything else. Usually, this job falls to an enzyme called cytochrome P450. Mon, 02 Jun 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080529170518.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080527201836.htm High throughput microscopy that uses robots and special microscopes and techniques to generate thousands of images of a cell in a short time enabled researchers to describe how the genetic message of estrogen receptor-alpha is regulated, a finding that could have implications for breast cancer. Fri, 30 May 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080527201836.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080527155506.htm Chemists unlock water's potential for the new "green chemistry" movement. Researchers have discovered a way to use water to make certain steps of a complicated chain of chemical reactions more environmentally-friendly. Thu, 29 May 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080527155506.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080527091910.htm A new study into the potential health hazards of the revolutionary nano-sized particles known as 'buckyballs' predicts that the molecules are easily absorbed into animal cells, providing a possible explanation for how the molecules could be toxic to humans and other organisms. These curious soccer ball-shaped molecules can invade cell membranes, according to the new study of carbon-60 toxicity. Tue, 27 May 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080527091910.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080525132345.htm By using a specialized microscope that only illuminates the cell's surface, scientists have for the first time, in real time and in plain view, seen hundreds of thousands of molecules coming together in a living cell to form a single particle of the virus that has, in less than 25 years, claimed more than 25 million lives: HIV. Mon, 26 May 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080525132345.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080522102436.htm A Dutch researcher has investigated the influence of light on the behavior of small molecules, and has calculated the effect of light for several types of molecules. His theoretical research into light-induced processes in the hydroxyl radical (OH), the hydrogen molecule (H2) and nitrous oxide (N2O) has directly contributed to a better understanding of chemical processes taking place on Earth as well as in the universe. Sun, 25 May 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080522102436.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080520162514.htm Being able to target the genetic code to develop an effective treatment of a disease is the ultimate goal for many scientists. Focusing on how the DNA interacts with a potential drug is an important element of DNA therapy research. Scientists have now developed a method using optical tweezers to better understand how those interactions occur. Fri, 23 May 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080520162514.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080515145345.htm Engineers have improved the power output of one type of fuel cell by more than 50 percent through technology that could help these environmentally friendly energy storage devices find a much broader market, particularly in portable electronics. Mon, 19 May 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080515145345.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080514102223.htm Researchers in China have recently made a "golden crown" with a diameter of only a few nanometers, a large ring-shaped molecule containing 36 gold atoms. Mon, 19 May 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080514102223.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080513125210.htm Protein crystallographers have only scratched the surface of the human proteins important for drug interactions because of difficulties crystallizing the molecules for synchrotron x-ray diffraction. Scientists have devised a way to eliminate the need for crystallization by using lasers to align large groups of molecules. Wed, 14 May 2008 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080513125210.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080512121227.htm The Hofmeister series governs the strengths of ions in inducing protein unfolding and many other phenomena and remains vital to protein chemistry to this day. Although it dates from the late 19th century, its mechanism has never been properly understood. Scientists have now found strong experimental support for a new explanation of Hofmeister effects, known as the Law of Matching Water Affinities. Wed, 14 May 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080512121227.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080512145232.htm Engineers have developed software toolbox that is intended to help bioscience researchers characterize protein patterns in human tissues. The automated protein pattern recognition tool and its underlying methods as important for identifying biomarkers that could be useful for cancer diagnosis and therapy. Tue, 13 May 2008 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080512145232.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080512091947.htm From soaps to body lotions to shampoos, consumers are increasingly drawn to personal care products that are labeled "green" or environmentally-friendly, a fast-growing market that chalks-up an estimated $4 billion in sales per year worldwide. Despite the hype over these products, there's growing confusion by consumers and manufacturers alike over what it really means to be labeled as "green," according to an article in Chemical & Engineering News. Tue, 13 May 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080512091947.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080512105739.htm Reducing the level of contamination of water is the aim of a new line of research. Chemists are investigating chemical treatment capable of eliminating contaminants dumped by industry, in order to reuse the waste water. Industrial activity is one of the principal causes of contamination in water, given that industry dumps large amounts of chemical compounds into rivers that are not capable of degrading by themselves. Tue, 13 May 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080512105739.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080508145501.htm Now that the genome of humans and many other organisms have been sequenced, biologists are turning their attention to discovering how the many thousands of structural and control genes -- the "worker bees" of living cells that can turn genes on and off -- function. Mon, 12 May 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080508145501.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080506111917.htm A new material, which has a structure that resembles crispy noodles, could help reduce the amount of carbon dioxide being pumped out and drive the next generation of high-performance hydrogen cars. Tue, 06 May 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080506111917.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080505120710.htm Methanol fuel cells are an efficient and sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, but they are still not economically viable. Now, a research chemist has developed new materials that enable the manufacture of cheaper and more efficient methanol fuel cells. Tue, 06 May 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080505120710.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080428104525.htm Soil "unearthed" at the nanoscale: Soil scientists have seen -- for the first time -- seen soil at a scale of 50 nanometers. This view provided a beautiful glimpse of patterns, how carbon sequestration works, and what happens when soils get wet, warm and cool. Thu, 01 May 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080428104525.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080429075327.htm In the rapid and fast-growing world of nanotechnology, researchers are continually on the lookout for new building blocks to push innovation and discovery to scales much smaller than the tiniest speck of dust. While scientists are fully exploring the promise of DNA nanotechnology, some researchers are working to give scientists brand new materials to aid their designs. One team has now made the first self-assembled nanostructures composed entirely of glycerol nucleic acid -- a synthetic analog of DNA. Wed, 30 Apr 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080429075327.htm