Biochemistry

It has recently been shown that the biocatalyst iron nitrogenase not only fixes nitrogen, but also carbon dioxide. However, this nitrogenase form has so far been the least studied. Now two proteins have been identified that are crucial for the energy supply of the enzyme. Credit: Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology/GeiselDiscovering essential electron carriers in nitrogenases opens new paths for eco-friendly chemical production, addressing a long-standing research bottleneck.Nitrogenases are considered…

Scientists discovered that using Torulaspora delbrueckii yeast in carbonic maceration wines significantly enhances their color, aroma, and overall quality, while also accelerating the fermentation process. This breakthrough provides winemakers with a valuable tool to differentiate their products in a highly competitive industry.A study conducted by the Universitat Rovira i Virgili has discovered that a specific yeast can accelerate the winemaking process and enhance the organoleptic properties of wines.The market is…

Scientists have spent decades researching clean and efficient ways to break down plants for use as biofuels and other bioproducts. A species of ants works with a type of fungus to accomplish this naturally. Kristin Burnum-Johnson and her team set out to investigate how this is accomplished at the molecular level. Credit: Illustration by Mike Perkins and Nathan Johnson | Pacific Northwest National LaboratoryScientists at PNNL have devised a novel technique to visualize tiny inner workings of complex fungal communityFor…

The advancement of self-driving labs in chemistry and materials science, employing AI and automation, promises to revolutionize research by accelerating the discovery of new molecules and materials. Milad Abolhasani highlights the need for standardized definitions and performance metrics to compare and improve these technologies effectively. Credit: SciTechDaily.comStandardized metrics for self-driving labs aim to accelerate discovery in chemistry and materials science through collaborative improvement.The fields of…

Researchers have uncovered the specific pheromone blend used by male moths in courtship, highlighting the importance of methyl salicylate, a plant-derived substance, in attracting females. This discovery marks a significant advancement in understanding the chemical communication essential for moth mating rituals, revealing evolutionary adaptations and the role of diet in pheromone composition. Credit: SciTechDaily.comResearch identifies methyl salicylate as a key component in male moth pheromones, sourced from plants and…

Researchers have unveiled a complex blend of pheromone chemicals used by male moths in courtship, including an aphrodisiac known as methyl salicylate. This discovery enriches our understanding of moth communication and mate selection, demonstrating how male moths signal their prowess by overcoming plant defenses, thereby attracting females. Credit: SciTechDaily.comMale moths use a blend of pheromones, including the newly discovered aphrodisiac methyl salicylate, to attract mates, a strategy that underscores the complexity…

Scientists have engineered an enzyme to break down silicon-carbon bonds in siloxanes, marking a significant step towards making these widespread and environmentally persistent chemicals biodegradable. This innovation, achieved through directed evolution, paves the way for more effective management of silicone waste. Above is an artist’s depiction of an artificially evolved enzyme breaking a silicon-carbon bond. Credit: Caltech/DowScientists have successfully engineered an enzyme capable of breaking down the stubborn…

Researchers at City of Hope have identified a crucial interaction between two proteins that facilitate cancer cell growth, offering a new target for developing effective cancer treatments. Credit: SciTechDaily.comScientists identify treatment target that disrupts proteins’ interaction, offering hope for new therapeutic approach.Scientists at City of Hope, one of the largest cancer research and treatment organizations in the United States, have discovered a new cellular mechanism that plays an important role in cancer…

Delving into the chemistry of counterfeit detection pens, this video covers various experimental attempts to modify their reaction with starch. It also discusses the broader context of counterfeit money detection, underscoring the intricacies involved.Counterfeit detector pens use a starch-iodine reaction to identify fake bills. But could you fool them with chemistry? In today’s episode, we dive into the chemistry of iodine, its color and its clock reactions, all while making a little extra cash on the…

Researchers at the University of Cordoba, in collaboration with other institutions, have developed a new type of battery using hemoglobin as a catalyst in zinc-air batteries. This biocompatible battery can function for up to 30 days and offers several advantages, such as sustainability and suitability for use in human body devices. Despite its non-rechargeable nature, this innovation marks a significant step towards environmentally friendly battery alternatives, addressing the limitations of current lithium-ion batteries.…