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 Wed, 15 Feb 2012 18:05:02 EST Wed, 15 Feb 2012 18:05:02 EST 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/2012/02/120215155309.htm A new technique inspired by elegant pop-up books and origami will soon allow clones of robotic insects to be mass-produced by the sheet. Devised by engineers, the ingenious layering and folding process enables the rapid fabrication of not just microrobots, but a broad range of electromechanical devices. Wed, 15 Feb 2012 15:53:53 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120215155309.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120214145335.htm Studies of bacteria first found in Yellowstone's hot springs are furthering efforts toward commercially viable ethanol production from crops such as switchgrass. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 14:53:53 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120214145335.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120214134942.htm Chemists have created a molecule that's so good at tangling itself inside the double helix of a DNA sequence that it can stay there for up to 16 days before the DNA liberates itself, much longer than any other molecule reported. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 13:49:49 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120214134942.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120214134940.htm Over their 3.8 billion years of evolution, living organisms have developed countless strategies for monitoring their surroundings. Chemists have adapted some of these strategies to improve the performance of DNA detectors. Their findings may aid efforts to build better medical diagnostics, such as improved HIV or cancer tests. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 13:49:49 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120214134940.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120213185645.htm Researchers have revealed, for the first time, one of the molecular mechanisms that regulates the beating of heart cells by controlling the movement of sodium in out of the cells -- and what calcium has to do with it. Mon, 13 Feb 2012 18:56:56 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120213185645.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120213133451.htm Swiss scientists have created a minor sensation in synthetic chemistry. The team of scientists succeeded for the first time in producing regularly ordered planar polymers that form a kind of 'molecular carpet' on a nanometer scale. Mon, 13 Feb 2012 13:34:34 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120213133451.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120210133354.htm One undergraduate student will depart university with not only a degree but also a possible patent for his invention of an efficient way to create protein libraries, an important component of biomolecular research. Fri, 10 Feb 2012 13:33:33 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120210133354.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120210110514.htm Catalytic materials, which lower the energy barriers for chemical reactions, are used in everything from the commercial production of chemicals to catalytic converters in car engines. However, with current catalytic materials becoming increasingly expensive, scientists are exploring viable alternatives. Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:05:05 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120210110514.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120209152810.htm A technique for creating a new molecule that structurally and chemically replicates the active part of the molybdenite catalyst paves the way for developing catalytic materials that can serve as effective low-cost alternatives to platinum for generating hydrogen gas from water. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:28:28 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120209152810.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120209143920.htm Researchers have created a new, “green” method for developing medicines. The researchers used energy from a light bulb to create an organic molecule that may be useful in the treatment of Alzheimer’s and other brain diseases. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:39:39 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120209143920.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120208132846.htm A research engineer combined a glass slide, plastic sheets and double-sided tape to build a "diffusion-based gradient generator", a tool to rapidly assess how changing concentrations of specific chemicals affect living cells. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:28:28 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120208132846.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120208132723.htm Individual cells modified to act as sensors using fluorescence are already useful tools in biochemistry, but now they can add good timing to their resume. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:27:27 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120208132723.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120208102737.htm In research to develop a novel, eco-friendly filter to remove toxic gases from the air, scientists found that a material made from used coffee grounds can sop up hydrogen sulfide gas, the chemical that makes raw sewage stinky. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:27:27 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120208102737.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120207202803.htm Scientists have developed a "biological computer" made entirely from biomolecules that is capable of deciphering images encrypted on DNA chips. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 20:28:28 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120207202803.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120207133746.htm Just like in the Russian wooden toy, a hull of 12 copper atoms encases a single tin atom. This hull is, in turn, enveloped by 20 further tin atoms. Scientists have now generated these spatial structures built up in three layers as isolated metal clusters in alloys. With their large surfaces these structures can serve as highly efficient catalysts. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:37:37 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120207133746.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201135316.htm A new affinity capture device provides a platform for viewing cancer cells and other macromolecules in dynamic, life-sustaining liquid environments. Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:53:53 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201135316.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120131171808.htm Using a liquid laser, researchers have developed a better way to detect the slight genetic mutations that might predispose a person to a particular type of cancer or other diseases. Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:18:18 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120131171808.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120131092737.htm Nanomedicine faces two main challenges: controlling the synthesis of extremely small vectors containing one or several active ingredients and releasing these agents in the right place at the right time, in controlled forms and doses. Researchers have just recently encapsulated nanovesicles within slightly larger vesicles. This "Russian doll" structure mimics the organization of cell compartments. Reproducing it is a first major step towards triggering controlled reactions within the structure of the cell. This work is already opening up new possibilities in terms of multiple encapsulation,compartmentalized reactors and the administration of vectors via new delivery routes (e.g. oral absorption). Tue, 31 Jan 2012 09:27:27 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120131092737.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120130093911.htm Using computer simulations, researchers have shown that the oxygen molecule (O₂) is stable up to pressures of 1.9 terapascal, which is about nineteen million times higher than atmosphere pressure. Above that, it polymerizes, i.e. builds larger molecules or structures. Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:39:39 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120130093911.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120130093649.htm The vaccines of the future against infections, influenza and cancer can be administered using an electrical pulse and a specially produced DNA code, new research suggests. The DNA code programs the body's own cells to produce a super-fast missile defense against the disease, researchers say. Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:36:36 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120130093649.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120127140935.htm A kitchen gadget that vacuum seals food in plastic inspired a physicist to improve the performance of organic transistors for potential use in video displays. Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:09:09 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120127140935.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120126223923.htm Protein purification, often referred to as downstream processing, is the most costly and time-consuming process in the manufacture of bio-molecules. EU-funded researchers integrated materials science with process development to produce novel low-cost materials and methods for selective purification with a focus on chromatography, membrane separation and extraction. Thu, 26 Jan 2012 22:39:39 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120126223923.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120126123707.htm All living organisms are made up of cells, behind these intricate life forms lie complex cellular processes that allow our bodies to function. Researchers working on protein secretion -- a fundamental process in biology -- have revealed how protein channels in the membrane are activated by special signals contained in proteins destined for secretion. The results help explain the underlying mechanism responsible for the release of proteins such as hormones and antibodies into the blood stream. Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:37:37 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120126123707.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125132822.htm Chemists have taken an important step in making artificial life forms from scratch. Using a novel chemical reaction, they have created self-assembling cell membranes, the structural envelopes that contain and support the reactions required for life. Instead of complex enzymes embedded in membranes, they used a simple metal ion as the catalyst. By assembling an essential component of earthly life with no biological precursors, they hope to illuminate life's origins. Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:28:28 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125132822.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125091343.htm Scientists are reporting the first 3-D images of an individual protein ever obtained with enough clarity to determine its structure. Wed, 25 Jan 2012 09:13:13 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125091343.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124140319.htm Research by chemists could impact worldwide efforts to produce clean, safe nuclear energy and reduce radioactive waste. They have used metal-organic frameworks to capture and remove volatile radioactive gas from spent nuclear fuel. Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:03:03 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124140319.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124092737.htm For the first time, scientists have obtained a high-resolution, full 3-D image of a small but vital molecule locked up within our cells: the vitamin D receptor. Tue, 24 Jan 2012 09:27:27 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124092737.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120122152544.htm Scientists have successfully used DNA building blocks to construct a motor capable of navigating a programmable network of tracks with multiple switches. Sun, 22 Jan 2012 15:25:25 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120122152544.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120120182916.htm The beauty of an electron’s spin is that it responds very rapidly to small magnetic fields. Such external magnetic fields can be used to reverse the direction of spin. In this way, information can be carried by a flow of electrons. Fri, 20 Jan 2012 18:29:29 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120120182916.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120119143332.htm A disease-fighting protein in our teardrops has been tethered to a tiny transistor, enabling scientists to discover exactly how it destroys dangerous bacteria. The research could prove critical to long-term work aimed at diagnosing cancers and other illnesses in their very early stages. Thu, 19 Jan 2012 14:33:33 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120119143332.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120118173240.htm For some time, researchers have explored flammable ice for low-carbon or alternative fuel or as a place to store carbon dioxide. Now, a computer analysis of the ice and gas compound, known as a gas hydrate, reveals key details of its structure. The results show that hydrates can hold hydrogen at an optimal capacity of 5 weight-percent, a value that meets the goal of a U.S. Department of Energy standard and makes gas hydrates practical and affordable. Wed, 18 Jan 2012 17:32:32 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120118173240.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120118111526.htm Researchers have demonstrated that films made of randomly stacked graphene flakes can detect lower concentrations of some chemicals than films made of graphene crystals. Wed, 18 Jan 2012 11:15:15 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120118111526.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120118101413.htm Polluted water can be easily cleaned and treated to extract valuable chemicals, e.g., used in drug manufacturing. No factories or plants are needed, the sun and a “magic” powder are enough. The nearly alchemic transformation is accomplished due to photocatalysts. Wed, 18 Jan 2012 10:14:14 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120118101413.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120117161543.htm To better understand the fundamental behavior of molecules at surfaces, researchers are combining the powers of neutron scattering with chemical analysis. Tue, 17 Jan 2012 16:15:15 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120117161543.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120113205917.htm In the development of materials for energy production and distribution, knowledge of molecular processes in electrical charge transfer is fundamental. Scientists have once more discovered that nature provides interesting templates for long-range electron transfer. Fri, 13 Jan 2012 20:59:59 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120113205917.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120113102058.htm Scientists have discovered a novel chemical route to form polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons -- complex organic molecules such as naphthalene carrying fused benzene rings -- in ultra-cold regions of interstellar space. Fri, 13 Jan 2012 10:20:20 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120113102058.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120113093631.htm Scientists report direct measurements of reactions of a gas-phase Criegee intermediate using photoionization mass spectrometry. They found that oxidation of SO2 by Criegee intermediate is much faster than modelers assumed, so Criegee reactions may be a major tropospheric sulfate source, changing predictions of tropospheric aerosol formation. Fri, 13 Jan 2012 09:36:36 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120113093631.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120112151611.htm Since the discovery of the microscope, scientists have tried to visualize smaller and smaller structures to provide insights into the inner workings of human cells, bacteria and viruses. Now, researchers have developed a new way to see structures within viruses that were not clearly seen before. Thu, 12 Jan 2012 15:16:16 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120112151611.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120112095849.htm Scientists have devised a new method for making complex molecules. The reaction they have come up with should enable chemists to synthesize new varieties of a whole subclass of organic compounds called nitrogen-containing heterocycles, thus opening up new avenues for the development of novel pharmaceuticals and natural products ranging from chemotherapeutic compounds to bioactive plant materials such as morphine. Thu, 12 Jan 2012 09:58:58 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120112095849.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120110140227.htm Researchers have determined the three-dimensional crystal structure of a protein that is key to boosting the microbial-based production of bisabolane as a clean, green and renewable biosynthetic alternative to D2 diesel fuel. Tue, 10 Jan 2012 14:02:02 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120110140227.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120110114531.htm Nanopores provide a versatile tool for probing molecular structures. A new study shows that one can obtain more detailed information about the dynamic behavior of nucleic acids during passage through nanopores by directing them to asymmetric pores for the return journey. Tue, 10 Jan 2012 11:45:45 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120110114531.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120110102104.htm Researchers have proposed a radical new way of thinking about the chemical reactions between water and metal oxides, the most common minerals on Earth. The new paradigm could lead to a better understanding of corrosion and how toxic minerals leach from rocks and soil. It could also help in the development of "green" technology: new types of batteries, or catalysts for splitting water to produce hydrogen fuel. Tue, 10 Jan 2012 10:21:21 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120110102104.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105175830.htm In the two and a half years since scientists discovered how a class of proteins find and bind specific sequences in plant genomes, researchers worldwide have moved fast to use this discovery. Now, the next step has been taken by determining the 3-D structure of a TAL effector bound to DNA. Thu, 05 Jan 2012 17:58:58 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105175830.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105150008.htm People with diabetes may one day have a less expensive resource for monitoring their blood glucose levels, if research by a group of students becomes reality. Thu, 05 Jan 2012 15:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105150008.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120104111940.htm The delivery of pharmaceuticals into the human body or the storage of voluminous quantities of gas molecules could now be better controlled, thanks to a new study. Chemists have posed an alternative approach toward building porous materials. Wed, 04 Jan 2012 11:19:19 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120104111940.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111229112256.htm Stable two-dimensional networks of organic molecules are important components in various nanotechnology processes. However, producing these networks, which are only one atom thick, in high quality and with the greatest possible stability currently still poses a great challenge. Scientists have now successfully created just such networks made of boron acid molecules. Thu, 29 Dec 2011 11:22:22 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111229112256.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111223091457.htm A protein's function depends on both the chains of molecules it is made of and the way those chains are folded. And while figuring out the former is relatively easy, the latter represents a huge challenge with serious implications because many diseases are the result of misfolded proteins. Now, a team of chemists has devised a way to watch proteins fold in "real-time," which could lead to a better understanding of protein folding and misfolding in general. Fri, 23 Dec 2011 09:14:14 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111223091457.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111222142452.htm Researchers have developed computer assisted design-type tools for engineering RNA components to control genetic expression in microbes. This holds enormous potential for microbial-based production of advanced biofuels, biodegradable plastics, therapeutic drugs and a host of other goods now derived from petrochemicals. Thu, 22 Dec 2011 14:24:24 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111222142452.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221140714.htm Bioengineers have developed a silk-based microneedle system able to deliver precise amounts of drugs over time and without refrigeration. Because they are made under normal temperature and pressure and from water, they can be loaded with sensitive biochemical compounds and maintain their activity prior to use. They are also biodegradable and biocompatible. The new system addresses drug delivery challenges, and could be applied to other biological storage applications. Wed, 21 Dec 2011 14:07:07 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221140714.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221140353.htm By packing molecules closer together, chemical engineers have dramatically improved the electrical conductivity of organic semiconductors. The advance could herald flexible electronics, more efficient solar panels, and perhaps even better television screens. Wed, 21 Dec 2011 14:03:03 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221140353.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111220102532.htm Scientists have created a functional model of the native extracellular matrix that provides structural support to cells to aid growth and proliferation. The model could lead to advances in regenerative medicine. The extracellular matrix provides the physical and chemical conditions that enable the development of all biological tissues. It is a complex nano-to-microscale structure made up of protein fibers and serves as a dynamic substrate that supports tissue repair and regeneration. Tue, 20 Dec 2011 10:25:25 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111220102532.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111219112010.htm Water splitting in photo-electrochemical cells to yield hydrogen is a promising way to sustainable fuels. Scientists have now made major progress in developing highly efficient electrodes – made of an algal protein, thus mimicking a central step in natural photosynthesis. Mon, 19 Dec 2011 11:20:20 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111219112010.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111219102232.htm Physicists have made nanomechanical measurements of unprecedented resolution on protein molecules. The new measurements are approximately 100 times higher in resolution than previous mechanical measurements, a nanotechnology feat which reveals an isolated protein molecule, surprisingly, is neither a solid nor a liquid. Mon, 19 Dec 2011 10:22:22 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111219102232.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111216112856.htm A new way of manipulating fluids on microscopic levels brings us one step closer to "bottom-up" artificial cell constructs. Fri, 16 Dec 2011 11:28:28 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111216112856.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111216112854.htm Researchers have tested a pre-emptive anti-viral treatment on a common virus known to cause respiratory infections. Fri, 16 Dec 2011 11:28:28 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111216112854.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111215141613.htm Research expected to help scientists to discover new ways of genetically engineering bacteria to manufacture biofuels overturns a generally accepted 44-year-old assumption about how certain kinds of bacteria make energy and synthesize cell materials. With this better understanding of how cyanobacteria make energy, it might be possible to genetically engineer a cyanobacterial strain to synthesize 1,3-butanediol -- an organic compound that is the precursor for making not only biofuels but also plastics. Thu, 15 Dec 2011 14:16:16 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111215141613.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111214102928.htm Researchers have developed a new way of revealing the presence of specific chemicals -- whether toxins, disease markers, pathogens or explosives. The system visually signals the presence of a target chemical by emitting a fluorescent glow. Wed, 14 Dec 2011 10:29:29 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111214102928.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111213122629.htm Researchers have developed "Shrilk," a new material that replicates the exceptional strength, toughness, and versatility of one of nature's more extraordinary substances -- insect cuticle. Tue, 13 Dec 2011 12:26:26 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111213122629.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111209105746.htm Researchers have developed a new method to design antibodies aimed at combating disease. The surprisingly simple process was used to make antibodies that neutralize the harmful protein particles that are believed to lead to Alzheimer's disease. Fri, 09 Dec 2011 10:57:57 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111209105746.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111208173712.htm Scientists have successfully used NMR to analyze the structure of infinitesimal gold nanoparticles, which could advance the development and use of the tiny particles in drug development. Their approach offers a significant advantage over routine methods for analyzing gold nanoparticles because it can determine whether the nanoparticles exist in a both right-handed and left-handed configuration, a phenomenon called chirality. Thu, 08 Dec 2011 17:37:37 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111208173712.htm