The biggest chemistry-related stories from 2017

Surprise at the grain boundary

For the first time, an international research team has been able to observe how solute elements introduce new grain boundary phases using state-of-the-art microscopy and simulation techniques

Life of zinc batteries drastically extended

Improvement to several 100,000 loads

Hydrogen: Breakthrough in alkaline membrane electrolyzers

Bi-fuel hydrogen injection in conventional diesel engines as an option for the use of green hydrogen in shipping

Machine learning can predict the mechanical properties of polymers

A machine learning algorithm can use X-ray diffraction data from polymers to predict the behaviour of new materials.

Data archiving with molecules

Reading synthetic polymers as data storage more efficiently

Towards new reaction pathways

Insights on molecular dynamics in the ultrashort time window following UV excitation

Material with innovative stretch properties developed

KIT researchers produce metamaterial that stretches and compresses differently than conventional materials

Evaluating the link between chemicals and declining insect populations

Using a library of 1,000+ agrochemicals, scientists saw significant changes in behaviour and long-term survival of different insect populations

Carbon Capture on Board Ships as a Valuable Transition Technology

“The integration of robotics and AI is poised to revolutionize science labs”

By automating routine tasks, scientists can focus on higher-level research questions, paving the way for faster breakthroughs

Research breakthrough could be key to low-cost, long-lasting renewable batteries for electric vehicles

A cost-effective solution that delivers more energy

The fireproof battery

Salt batteries

A “chemical ChatGPT” for new medications

AI learns chemical connections

New method for producing innovative 3D molecules

Research team synthesises three-dimensional ring structures as potential alternatives to biologically active flat rings

Plasticisers impair normal brain function in vertebrates

"This is a factor that must be taken into account in future risk assessments of these substances"

Revolution in electric vehicle battery management

New technology for the precise diagnosis of electric vehicle batteries using small currents​

Scientists unveil new insights into air pollution formation

Groundbreaking discovery in understanding how air pollution forms at the molecular level

Femtosecond-fieldoscopy accesses molecules fingerprints at near-infrared spectral range

"This research...has potential applications across various fields, including chemistry and biology, where precise molecular detection is essential"

Fraunhofer ISE Inaugurates New Research Center for Batteries

Research Focus: Sustainability, Safety, Performance

Magnetism without metal: a milestone for materials science

“This is fundamentally new”

Start-up wants to revolutionise fluorochemical production

Groundbreaking innovation with high appeal for numerous potential customers in the core markets of battery electrolyte salts and agrochemicals

Start-up aims to revolutionise CO₂ capture and conversion technology

Aerleum raises $6M in seed round

Octopus-inspired adhesive works well in wet conditions

Flower Power: Lavender Oil Fuels Batteries for the Future

Unique material created to solve a persistent failure problem

Sustainably producible covalent organic networks capture carbon dioxide

"For the first time, a solid-phase synthesis of COFs has been developed that works completely without solvents"

Cobalt-copper tandem successfully converts carbon dioxide to ethanol

Sustainability in the focus of chemical research

Innovative catalyst produces methane using electricity

A study opens up new ways to produce important chemical compounds

UK bioplastics breakthrough wins US plastics industry prize

“2024 is our year – we've scaled up three products, secured investor backing, brought new talent onboard and successfully launched our first commercial application"

No significant PFAS emissions from waste incineration

Researchers investigate the effectiveness of combustion processes

A “chemical ChatGPT” for new medications

AI learns chemical connections

Are trees the future for the production of industrial chemicals?

Finding could help turn trees into affordable, greener industrial chemicals

Scientists discover "pause button" in human development

Findings have possible implications for reproductive technologies

Fasting and blood sugar

New test improves diagnosis of allergies

Higher diagnostic accuracy than standard tests

Is the physics of red blood cells in bats a key to "artificial hibernation" for humans?

The new findings could contribute towards the development of new medical treatments

Ferments du Futur: New Innovation Center for Future Foods Opens

Europe's unique partnership accelerates research in healthy and sustainable nutrition

Kaspar Hauser was 99.9994 percent not a prince

New DNA analyses spark controversy over origins

New drugs from toxic birds

Investigation of the symbiosis between bacteria and birds leads to the discovery of new natural products with antimicrobial properties

Vegan Trademark: 70,000 products now vegan certified

34 years of innovation for an animal-friendly and sustainable future

Are tattoos safe?

Tattoo inks in Europe are mislabeled and some contain banned ingredients

How the brain processes the number zero

1.3 million pizzas with solar power

Gustavo Gusto produces with a PV system from E.ON

“The integration of robotics and AI is poised to revolutionize science labs”

By automating routine tasks, scientists can focus on higher-level research questions, paving the way for faster breakthroughs

Why the flu vaccine is less effective in older people

Study identifies key molecules and possible approaches to improve the vaccination response

Sustainable antibacterial food wrap that changes colour when food goes bad

Smart protection against food waste

New insights into the genetics of the common octopus: genome at the chromosome level decoded

Scientific milestone provides deeper insights into the evolution and biology of Octopus vulgaris

Possible trigger of Crohn’s disease discovered

Dysfunctional mitochondria disrupt the gut microbiome

Full-bodied cheese flavor–prediction of flavor development soon possible thanks to new method

Start-up receives funding for animal-free methods for drug testing

Ethically safe, fast, cost-effective and reliable

Microbe of the Year 2023: Bacillus subtilis – for health and technology

Already, Bacillus subtilis is indispensable in many industries, and many more innovations are expected

Children, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers should avoid Brazil nuts

Brazil nuts can contain unusually high levels of radioactive radium

Cost-effective modular system for optical imaging from the 3D printer

Like building with Lego bricks

Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for the discovery of microRNA

Surprising discovery revealed an entirely new dimension to gene regulation

Victory against fast food giants

German Environmental Aid forces McDonald's to offer mandatory reusable packaging

Light on – light off: the test result is ready

Inspired by nature - Light-controlled bio-based OptoAssays can diagnose diseases more easily and cost-effectively

Dietary fibre powers the multivitamin factory in your gut

Luxembourg Institute of Health reveals critical link between fibre intake, gut bacteria, B vitamins and immune health

When it comes to building muscle, not all proteins are created equal

Researchers find ground beef packs bigger muscle-building punch than soy-based alternative

AI does not necessarily lead to more efficiency in clinical practice

Researchers analyse the effects

ONE microscopy: from molecule to 3D structure with conventional microscopy

The simple and cost-effective method developed using a few simple but effective tricks

Plastic pollution harms bees: risks for global food security

A new review study is the first to systematically show the harmful effects of nano- and microplastics on bees and other beneficial insects

Automated analysis of German insect diversity

DNA provides almost 32,000 species