News from across RSC Publishing.
Japanese researchers have developed a model that mimics photosynthesis, the process by which biological systems convert energy from sunlight into chemical energy. To successfully mimic the process, the scientists had to devise light-harvesting, charge-separation and -diffusion, and accumulation functions which are the three key aspects of natural photosynthesis. They did this by assembling a thin film with each different layer performing a specific function. This strategy is an important step forward in the design of biomimetic photosynthesis systems.
American scientists have measured NO production from pulmonary artery endothelial cells immobilized in a microchip channel. Dana Spence from Wayne State University, Detroit, and co-workers at Saint Louis University, immobilised cells in microchannels coated with fibronectin and then resealed them over micromolded carbon ink electrodes. The system was used to measure the cells' production of NO when adenosine triphosphate (ATP) was added, and should help to clarify the roles of NO and ATP in controlling vascular dimensions.
Using high-throughput combinatorial synthesis, researchers at the University of Minnesota, US, led by Wayne Gladfelter have developed a new process for depositing amorphous films. The process developed gives remarkably high rates of deposition at temperatures as low as 130°C. These films composed of HfO2 or ZrO2 and SiO2 are important in the search for materials with high dielectric constants, and as alternatives to SiO2 for use as gate dielectrics in field effect transistors.
A team of researchers, led by David Cahen, at the Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel, has developed a method of creating electrical contacts using palladium on organic molecules. The advanced method, called indirect, collision-induced, cooled electron beam evaporation, applied to an organic film deposits palladium with little damage to the film itself. This advance furthers technology towards producing reliable metal/molecule/metal devices using monolayers, which still remains a considerable challenge to chemists.
The RSC has launched a new website for crystal engineers.
A new intelligent coating for windows.
Molecular diodes bring single molecule devices a little closer.
Stable isotope mass spectrometry is linking batches of materials used in crimes.
Evaporation and condensation kinetics of ice clarify confusing observations.
Light sensitivity is no longer a problem for studying anti-microbial silver.
Newborns are unable to process bilirubin, which causes jaundice that is treated by exposure to blue and white light.
A potential new generation of anti-cancer agents is on the horizon, if different DNA forms can be unravelled using new technology.
Researchers in Denmark and India have prepared synthetic DNA analogues known as oligonucleotides that have the potential for use as antisense drugs.
Part of a natural compound that can lower cholesterol has been made by cloning a fungal gene.
Chemists at the University of Munich, Germany, have made a new porous material that can be dehydrated with no structural effects.
Chemistry gets a bad press for creating 'nasty' molecules, such as chemical warfare agents, or pesticides.
The mystery about plants' internal 'light switches' is slowly being unravelled, thanks to theoretical chemists in Sweden.