Figure 1: A microscopic image of Chlorella vulgaris, a species of green algae. Green algae have specialized enzymes that can produce clean hydrogen gas from H+ cations under anaerobic conditions. This hydrogen gas could be used as a clean alternative to fossil fuels Source: Wikimedia Commons In the quest for developing renewable energy sources, many …
“Living” Droplets Can Produce Renewable Hydrogen Read More »
Figure 1: This diagram demonstrated how CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) works to inhibit the expression of certain genes at the transcription level. This mechanism has been used to study how changes in the expression of certain enzymes impacts a cell’s metabolism. Source: Wikimedia Commons The strength of enzymes present in a bacterium plays a significant role …
Mechanisms of Metabolic Robustness Discovered in E. Coli Read More »
Figure 1: A sample of the metal palladium. As a transition metal, palladium plays a significant role in the catalysis of many organic reactions, especially for cross-coupling reactions to form carbon-carbon bonds. Source: Wikimedia Commons In building complex organic molecules needed for medicines, nanotechnology, and other synthetic purposes, catalysts are absolutely necessary. Chemical catalysts are …
New Palladium Catalyst Developed for Coupling of Aryl Halides and Alkyl Lithium Reagents Read More »
Figure 1: This shows the resonance structures for a Ketyl radical. Due to the presence of an oxygen atom, this radical is significantly more stable due to resonance. Resonance-stabilized radicals have been suggested as efficient catalysts in the synthesis of complex organic products and medicines Source: Wikimedia Commons For modern synthetic strategies in the production …
A New Tool in The Box: Radicals and Organic Synthesis Read More »
Figure 1: Aerial view of the 1.1 billion gallons of fly ash slurry spilled outside the Kingston Fossil Plant in Kingston, Tennessee. With geopolymer cement rising in popularity, spills like this will be preventable as fly ash is a promising geopolymer precursor, taking them out of quarries and into industry. Source: Wikimedia Commons When you …
Figure 1: The representation of cellular activity of SARS-COV-2 as it passes throughout the human body and looks to contaminate organs. Source: Wikimedia Commons The novel coronavirus, otherwise known as SARS-CoV-2, belongs to the broader classes of coronaviruses (some of which, like SARS-CoV-1 and MERS, have a known history of causing widespread death). After performing …
The Immunological and Physiological Effects of SARS-COV-2 on the Human Body Read More »
Figure 1: This is an image of Venus with its surface obscured by a thick atmosphere composed of carbon dioxide, sulfuric acid, and with trace amounts of other gases, including phosphine. Phosphine has been a particular source of interest for researchers as it is normally produced by biotic organisms, and it could be the first …
Possible Biosignature for Life Discovered on Venus Read More »
Figure 1: The logo of a commonly used moisturizer, Cetaphil. Typically available in a cream, this lotion promises to provide lightweight, all-day hydration. Source: Wikimedia Commons Despite their frequent recommendation by dermatologists and daily use in both personal routine and medical care, relatively little time has been afforded to the scientific study of moisturizers. Doctors …
Figure 1: This figure illustrates the interaction between an enzyme, a substrate, and a cofactor. The enzyme is glucosidase, which catalyzes the breakdown of its substrate maltose to glucose. This reaction is facilitated by the cofactor nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+). This cofactor is derived from vitamin B3.3 The images above (of NAD+ and glucosidase) have …