[Images above] Credit: ACerS
ENERGY
Discovery of glass-forming liquid electrolytes as a new liquid category
Niigata University researchers found a novel glass-forming liquid electrolyte, a two-component mixture of cyclic sulfone and lithium salt, which exhibits a glass transition across a broad compositional range.
Catalyst for ‘one-step’ conversion of methane to methanol
Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory and collaborating institutions engineered a highly selective catalyst that can convert methane into methanol in a single, one-step reaction. Traditional conversions require three separate reactions. The key to the new catalyst was adding a fine layer of carbon between palladium and cerium oxide.
BIOMATERIALS
Borate bioactive glass enhances sodium alginate in 3D bioprinting
Researchers showed that borate bioactive glass, particularly when integrated with sodium alginate, leads to enhanced 3D bioprinting precision and improved biocompatibility. This material solidifies during the printing process, eliminating the need for post-printing calcium immersion.
Scientists use magnetic nanotech to safely rewarm frozen tissues for transplant
Researchers advanced a technique to employ magnetic nanoparticles and magnetic fields to thaw frozen tissues rapidly, evenly, and safely. Complete freezing of tissues, rather than cooling and then thawing, could extend the viability of potentially life-saving organs.
Global experts help nanomedicines deliver on healthcare promise
Researchers led by the University of South Australia and the University of Groningen developed guidelines for nanomedicine development during design, experiment, manufacturing, preclinical, clinical, regulatory, and business phases, so as to maximize the chance of clinical translation.
ENVIRONMENT
All-in-one solution to catch and destroy ‘forever chemicals’
University of British Columbia researchers developed a single, integrated system that traps and breaks down PFAS substances. The system consists of an activated carbon filter with a special, patented catalyst.
Promising new method uses light to clean up ‘forever chemicals’
Ritsumeikan University researchers achieved a 100% breakdown of the PFAS perfluorooctanesulfonate in just eight hours and an 81% breakdown of Nafion (a fluoropolymer) in 24 hours using a photocatalytic method based on visible LED light.
OTHER STORIES
New material for optically controlled magnetic memory
University of Chicago researchers discovered that the magnetic properties of a complex material composed of manganese, bismuth, and tellurium changed quickly and easily in response to light. This behavior means that a laser could be used to encode information within the magnetic states of the material.
New tool detects fake, AI-produced scientific articles
Binghamton University researchers created a machine-learning algorithm that can detect up to 94% of bogus academic papers—nearly twice as successfully as more common data-mining techniques.
Teaching chemistry citizenship
At the University of California, Berkeley, first-year graduate students are required to take a step back to consider the impact of their work on the world. They do this as part of Scientific Responsibility and Citizenship—a discussion-based class about chemistry’s effects on people and the planet.
Third São Carlos School on Glasses and Glass-ceramics offering 30 student grants
The São Carlos Center for Research, Technology, and Education in Vitreous Materials is organizing the third São Carlos School on Glasses and Glass-ceramics from March 10–15, 2025, in São Carlos, Brazil. The school has no registration fee and offers a limited number of 30 student grants.