Digging into the molecules of fossilized dinosaur eggshells
Dinosaurs roamed the Earth more than 65 million years ago, and paleontologists and amateur fossil hunters are still unearthing traces of them today. The minerals in fossilized eggs and shell fragments provide snapshots into these creatures' early liv.....»»
New study reveals evidence of diverse organic material on Mars
A new study featuring data from the NASA Mars Perseverance rover reports on an instrumental detection potentially consistent with organic molecules on the Martian surface, hinting toward past habitability of the Red Planet. The research, led by a tea.....»»
Molecular scissors caught in the act: Describing the function of tRNA splicing endonuclease TSEN based on its structure
In all living organisms, the biomolecule transfer RNA (tRNA) plays a fundamental role in protein production. tRNAs are generated from precursor molecules in several steps. The enzyme tRNA splicing endonuclease (TSEN), among other things, catalyzes on.....»»
Chemists develop reaction cascade to produce fluorinated molecules
Fluorine is rarely found in naturally occurring organic molecules. However, this chemical element is indispensable for the production of pharmaceuticals or agrochemicals. Synthetic chemistry has an important role to play in the development of new flu.....»»
"Lava lamp" vesicles show how cells could self-organize
The inside of a living cell is crowded with large, complex molecules. New research on how these molecules could spontaneously organize themselves could further our understanding of how cells manage their essential biochemistry in the crowded space. T.....»»
Rover sampling finds organic molecules in water-altered rocks on Mars
No clear implications for life, but some samples could be brought back to Earth. Enlarge / Jezero crater shows clear signs of water-formed deposits, so it's not a surprise to find water-altered material there. (credit: NASA/MSSS/.....»»
Rover sampling finds organic molecules in water-altered rocks
No clear implications for life, but some samples could be brought back to Earth. Enlarge / Jezero crater shows clear signs of water-formed deposits, so it's not a surprise to find water-altered material there. (credit: NASA/MSSS/.....»»
Recent advances in vacuum ultraviolet photochemistry of astrochemically important small molecules
The photodissociation of an isolated molecule from a well-defined initial quantum state provides a lens through which one can investigate how and why chemical reactions occur, and provides numerous opportunities for fruitful, synergistic collaboratio.....»»
New findings shed light on the chemical evolution of the Earth
The sun as a source of energy, and catalysts to accelerate chemical reactions, were of critical importance in the emergence of the first biochemical molecules on Earth. A research team has now shown that a solid deposited from ammonia and methane pla.....»»
Biologists" mapping method illustrates paths to new proteins
Scientists at The University of Texas at Dallas are using machine learning to study proteins—the molecules that carry out essential life functions—in a way that could impact protein engineering, human health and the evolutionary tracking of prote.....»»
In search of a lost cemetery, dig begins at a former Native American school in Nebraska
Bodies of dozens of children who died at a Native American boarding school have been lost for decades, a mystery that archeologists aim to unravel as they begin digging in a central Nebraska field that a century ago was part of the sprawling campus......»»
Underwater mining of high seas inches closer, worrying environmentalists
Governments will soon likely be able to apply for deep sea mining contracts in international waters, a plunge into the unknown that is worrying conservationists as calls for a moratorium on such digging grow......»»
Just add dendrimers, cellulose and graphene: New eco-friendly, long-lasting light-emitting electrochemical cell
In research that could lead to a new age in illumination, researchers from Japan and Germany have developed an eco-friendly light-emitting electrochemical cells using new molecules called dendrimers combined with biomass derived electrolytes and grap.....»»
Laser pulse creates exotic order in quantum material
Water flows, ice is rigid—this clear difference between the liquid and solid state of substances is part of our everyday experience. It follows from the very regular arrangement of atoms and molecules in crystalline solids, which is lost when they.....»»
How one of nature"s most fundamental molecules forms
Life runs on ribosomes. Every cell on Earth needs ribosomes to translate genetic information into all the proteins needed for the organism to function—and to in turn make more ribosomes. But scientists still lack a clear understanding of how these.....»»
Chemists develop new process for the production of ring-shaped molecules
Most drugs on the market consist of cyclic (ring-shaped) molecules, many of which contain multiple rings. Developing simple and powerful methods for constructing important and novel ring systems remains a task and challenge for chemists in order to p.....»»
Smelling in stereo—a surprising find on a fossilized shark
Fossils and modern experiments are telling us what a shark's nose knows. Enlarge / Artist's reconstruction of the shark as it once lived. (credit: Klug et. al.) Sharks are largely cartilaginous, a body structure that oft.....»»
Chemists develop sustainable method to remove "forever chemicals" from water
Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are highly versatile chemicals. These fluorine-containing organic molecules are the reason why rain drops simply slide off outdoor jackets. They are used in the greaseproof coating of paper food packaging and are key.....»»
Fossils reveal how ancient birds molted, could explain why modern birds survived while other dinosaurs died
Every bird you've ever seen—every robin, every pigeon, every penguin at the zoo—is a living dinosaur. Birds are the only group of dinosaurs that survived the asteroid-induced mass extinction 66 million years ago. But not all the birds alive at th.....»»
Apple releases third developer betas for iOS 17, macOS Sonoma, and more
Here we go, folks. iOS 17 beta 3 is out and we’re digging in to see what’s new. New betas for macOS Sonoma, watchOS 10, iPadOS 17, HomePod OS 17, tvOS 17, and the Apple Studio Display are also out now. more… The post Apple releases third deve.....»»
Fossilized beaches help scientists understand impacts of past global warming
Fossilized beaches along the UK coastline have enabled scientists to demonstrate for the first time how melting Antarctic ice sheets impacted global sea levels during a period of pronounced climate warming more than 100,000 years ago......»»