The Mars Ocean Theory suggests that about one-fifth to one-third of the planet’s surface was covered by a primordial sea approximately 4 billion years ago, according to NASA. Now, scientists are delving into the details of this water loss using data from NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope and the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) mission.…

A recent study focused on polymer binders could point to future breakthroughs in solid-state batteries, enabling safer, more powerful, and longer-lasting energy storage. Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have discovered that the molecular weight of these often-overlooked components plays a crucial role in the performance and durability of sulfide solid-state electrolytes (SSEs), a key…

Scientists at Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, New Mexico, have announced that they are pioneering an environmentally friendly method to purify rare-earth elements for an array modern technologies. This research follows other recent announcements from Sandia, including a new computer simulation tool designed to accelerate scientific discovery. Exploiting metal-organic frameworks The crux of the new…

Move over, neural networks. Scientists at the University of Reading have taught a simple hydrogel to play the 1970s game Pong, which, for those unfamiliar, is something like an uber-simple game of table tennis (pingpong). The discovery, published in Cell Reports Physical Science, could pave the way to a new era of ‘smart’ materials that…

A new class of nanoscale materials that act like microscopic mood rings, changing color with temperature, could help measure temperature at the tiniest scales, with potential applications in electronics, biology, and beyond. Published in Advanced Materials, this research from scientists at the University of California, Irvine involves a one-dimensional nanoscale material known as indium selenium…

The current Biden-Harris administration and Project 2025, a potential blueprint for a second Trump term, offer starkly different visions for the future of American science. Harris. While vice president, Harris joined Biden in proposing substantial investments and reforms aimed at addressing major issues like climate change, public health, and advancing equity across various domains. In…

A novel wearable microbial fuel cell technology to reduce the risk of infection in wounds. The product of research at Binghamton University, State University of New York (SUNY), the living dressing also makes use of the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus subtilis, a probiotic and the chief microbe in the stringy fermented Japanese soybean dish, natto. By…

Berkeley-based advanced materials startup Thintronics has secured an undisclosed Series A Extension, led by Maverick Capital and Translink Capital, to accelerate its mission of revamping insulator technology for high-performance electronics. The round, which includes strategic investments from M Ventures (Merck KGaA’s corporate venture capital (CVC) arm) and TGVP (Toppan Holdings’ U.S. CVC arm), will fuel…

For six decades, the R&D 100 Awards have been a benchmark of achievement in science and technology, often referred to informally as “The Oscars of Innovation.” This year, we’re offering a new interactive experience, allowing you to explore the remarkable work of both winners and finalists across diverse fields. From advances in mechanical and material…

Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, is naturally produced in many crucial industries, such as agriculture and wastewater treatment. What if we could grab that gas before it enters the atmosphere and make something useful out of it? Mango Materials, a California-based biomanufacturing company, has invented a way to do just that. Using a special mixture…

Los Alamos National Laboratory and OpenAI are joining forces to conduct the world’s first real-world evaluation of AI’s potential role in biological threats. The partnership between OpenAI and Los Alamos goes beyond previous text-based assessments of AI in biological contexts. OpenAI highlighted two aspects that set this research apart, noting the “research will involve real…

Imagine a future where researchers discover groundbreaking materials with properties exceeding conventional expectations at an unprecedented pace. Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) are turning this vision into reality with a groundbreaking autonomous materials synthesis tool. The system marries the power of AI, automated experimentation, and real-time diagnostics to accelerate the hunt for new…

Hy2gen Canada Inc., a subsidiary of Hy2gen AG, has won a block of electricity by Quebec’s Ministry of Economy, Innovation and Energy (MEIE) for producing green hydrogen and ammonia in Baie-Comeau. This project is a significant step towards the decarbonization of Quebec. It will contribute to the local economy through job creation and the development…

While economic uncertainty and inflation continue to make headlines, the broader STEM job market remains resilient, channeling LL Cool J’s line: “Don’t call it a comeback, I’ve been here for years.” Yes, there have been a wave of layoffs in the tech sector in 2023 and 2024, but the demand for STEM and R&D talent…

I predicted collateral damage as regulators addressed PFAS. I was right. On December 1, the EPA effectively killed Inhance Technologies’ barrier packaging business. The press on the EPA action is pretty bifurcated. Most are taking a victory lap, cheering that a producer of PFAS will cease production. A minority ask what will replace the technology…

The chemical and materials industry contributes roughly $5.7 trillion to global GDP and supports an estimated 120 million jobs according to a recent report published by the International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA). To meet the massive demand, chemicals and materials R&D teams face many challenges including the need to move quickly. These teams need…

The American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) will present awards to 14 leaders and innovators in chemical engineering, at a ceremony to be held in connection with the 2023 AIChE Annual Meeting in Orlando, November 5 – 10. The awards ceremony is slated for Sunday, November 5. AIChE’s highest honor, the Founders Award for Outstanding…

From the American Chemical Society (ACS) Imagine using insects as a source of chemicals to make plastics that can biodegrade later — with the help of that very same type of bug. That concept is closer to reality than you might expect. Today, researchers will describe their progress to date, including isolation and purification of…

From University of Missouri Microscopic materials made of clay designed by researchers at the University of Missouri could be key to the future of synthetic materials chemistry. By enabling scientists to produce chemical layers tailor-made to deliver specific tasks based on the goals of the individual researcher, these materials called nanoclays can be used in…

MaizeCare Clarity Polymer is Dow’s next generation, 100% bioderived, made from non-GMO corn starch and readily biodegradable hair styling polymer, with excellent clarity in water-based formulas. The diversity of hair types demands high-performance hair care products that create and maintain the best style. Many synthetic polymers have been developed, aiming for better performance. However, these…

Titration is a method of determining the concentration of a substance, otherwise known as volumetric analysis. The substance for which the concentration is to be determined is known as the analyte. The analyte is in a solution at an initially unknown concentration. A substance is added that is known to react with the analyte (a…

Fluorescence spectroscopy is a method of determining the composition of a sample. It excites a sample with electromagnetic radiation, causing it to emit characteristic radiation. This is a non-destructive method of analyzing sample composition. Instruments used to perform fluorescence spectroscopy are known as fluorometers. Most commonly the sample is excited using ultraviolet light and the…

An elemental analyzer is an instrument that can determine the elemental composition of a sample. The analyzer may simply determine which elements are present, or it may make a quantitative analysis to identify how much of each element is present. In some cases, isotopic composition may also be determined. Elemental analyzers are used in many…

By Mark Jones It looks innocuous in my hand, yet there are growing calls to ban it. It may use technology created for the Manhattan Project, but, in my hand, it doesn’t feel like a weapon. It feels natural, in spite of the very unnatural materials it may contain. I’m not at all cautious as…

PPG’s Comex VINIMEX TOTAL Antiviral and Antibacterial is a 100% acrylic decorative wall paint and the only premium paint in the Mexican market that delivers proven antiviral and antibacterial technology. This paint can reduce up to 99.9% of viruses and bacteria on the surface, such as COVID-19 or H1N1 Influenza, hence generating safer environments. This…