molecular
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Physics
Investigating the role of valence electrons in the magnetism of molecular crystals
Using synchrotron infrared light and near-infrared/visible laser without applying a magnetic field, we observed the response of valence electrons in the (C₂H₅)(CH₃)₃As(Pd(C₃S₅)₂)₂ crystal. The results revealed that about half of the valence electrons contribute to antiferromagnetism, while the other half form weak pairs associated with charge ordering and lattice distortion. By comparing the valence electron configurations identified in this study…
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Nanotechnology
Light-driven methods enable molecular adaptations not possible with other methods.
Schematic illustration of self-assembly of cyclodextrin-azobenzene complex under the action of darkness and light. The circles next to the complex structures represent the relative abundance of each complex in the dark (black, equilibrium distribution) and under visible light illumination at a wavelength of 453 nm (yellow). Credit: University of Bologna A team led by Professor Alberto Credi from the University…
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Physics
Scientists use machine learning to develop molecular can opener
Credit: American Physical Society In an era of medicine that strives for more targeted drug therapies, more individualized therapies, and more effective treatments, doctors and scientists want to introduce molecules into biological systems that can perform specific actions. Masu. Examples include gene therapy and drug delivery, which need to be effective and inexpensive for widespread use. To achieve this goal,…
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Physics
Novel molecular design increases scintillator radiant emission by 1,300x
The process of energy transfer from the molecular antenna to the lanthanide center (Eu3⁺) via triplet excitons. X-ray irradiation (1) triggers a cascade of secondary X-ray excitations, which are then captured by organic ligands (2) after thermalization, (3) and subsequently returned to the lanthanide center by resonance energy transfer (4 ). Enhanced radioluminescence (HV). Credit: Nature Photonics (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41566-024-01586-w…
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Science
Researchers make ‘significant progress’ in quantum simulations of molecular electron transport
Front row, left to right: Peter Wallins, Guido Pagano, Jose Onucic. Back row, left to right: Roman Jurabel, Midodna Duraisamy Suganti, Vithal So. Credit: Alex Becker/Rice University Rice University researchers have made significant progress in simulating molecular electron transport, a fundamental process that underpins countless physical, chemical, and biological processes. The study, published in Science Advances, uses a trapped ion…
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Nanotechnology
Stabilized ferrocene molecules create the world’s smallest electrically controlled molecular machine
A complex of ammonium-bound ferrocene (Fc-amm) and crown ether is built on a Cu(111) surface, and its sliding motion is activated by hole injection into the ferrocene group using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). . Credit: Toyowa Yamada / Chiba University Artificial molecular machines are nanoscale machines made up of a few molecules and have the potential to transform fields such…
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Biology
A new twist: Molecular machines that loop chromosomes also twist DNA
A drawing of the double helix structure of DNA. The four coding units (A, T, C, G) are color-coded pink, orange, purple, and yellow. Credit: NHGRI Scientists at Delft University of Technology’s Kavli Institute and IMP Vienna Biocenter have discovered new properties of the molecular motors that shape our chromosomes. Six years ago, they discovered that these so-called SMC motor…
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Chemistry
Scientists provide new insights into how air pollution forms at the molecular level
The combination of spectroscopy and atomic simulations improves our understanding of the specific molecular-level processes that govern the formation of air pollution. Credit: Fuji Heavy Industries, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center A team of researchers has made a discovery in understanding how air pollution is formed at the molecular level. Their research, published in the journal Nature Communications, sheds light…
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Chemistry
Discovery of lignin’s molecular properties could help turn trees into affordable, greener industrial chemicals
Bob Kelly (left) and Jack Wang look at the poplar trees in the greenhouse on North Carolina State University’s Centennial Campus. Credit: Dee Shore, North Carolina State University. Trees are the most abundant natural resource on Earth’s landmass, and North Carolina State University scientists and engineers are using trees as a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to producing industrial chemicals…
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Biology
Study provides molecular insight into sexual dimorphism in chicken feathers
Ovarian-derived estrogen converts default (primitive) male-type feathers into female-type feathers by regulating hormonal systems within the feather follicle. Provided by: Professor Sakae Takeuchi, Okayama University Birds have unique skin appendages called feathers that are derived from the outermost layer of skin cells. Feathers are important for several functions, including flight, temperature regulation, protection from external stimuli, and mating behavior. The…
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