Light-powered method creates tiny housane molecules for medicine

20 Mwezi wa tano, 2026

Imeripotiwa na AI

Researchers at the University of Münster have developed a new technique that uses light to produce highly strained housane molecules. These compact structures could support advances in drug development and materials science.

A team led by Prof. Frank Glorius at the University of Münster's Institute of Organic Chemistry in Germany introduced the method. It converts simple hydrocarbons known as 1,4-dienes into housanes through photocatalysis, which supplies the energy needed for the transformation.

Makala yanayohusiana

ETH Zurich scientists with single-atom indium catalyst converting CO2 to methanol in a high-tech lab reactor, sustainable energy theme.

Scientists develop single-atom catalyst for CO2-to-methanol conversion

20 Mwezi wa tatu, 2026 Imeripotiwa na AI Picha iliyoundwa na AI

Researchers at ETH Zurich have engineered a catalyst using isolated indium atoms on hafnium oxide to convert CO2 and hydrogen into methanol more efficiently than previous methods. This single-atom design maximizes metal use and enables clearer study of reaction mechanisms. The breakthrough could support sustainable chemical production if powered by renewables.

Scientists use iron photocatalyst to convert methane into building blocks for medicines, including dimestrol

Researchers at the University of Santiago de Compostela report a light-driven method that directly “allylates” methane—adding an allyl group that can be used to build more complex molecules—and they demonstrate the approach by producing the nonsteroidal estrogen dimestrol from methane.

Scientists develop sunlight method to convert plastic waste into hydrogen

4 Mwezi wa tano, 2026 Imeripotiwa na AI

Researchers at the University of Adelaide have devised a solar-powered process to transform plastic waste into clean hydrogen fuel and other chemicals. The technique, known as solar-driven photoreforming, uses sunlight and photocatalysts to break down plastics at low temperatures. Early experiments show promising hydrogen yields and system stability.

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Tiny metajets could steer light sails for interstellar travel

Researchers have developed minuscule devices that use light to control movement in multiple directions, advancing the potential for light-powered spacecraft. The metajets, made from silicon, were tested in a lab setting and showed promising results for steering large sails through space. This breakthrough could help overcome current limitations in directing such vessels over vast distances.

Researchers create light-guided evolution for dynamic proteins

9 Mwezi wa tatu, 2026 Imeripotiwa na AI

Scientists at EPFL have developed a technique called optovolution, using light to evolve proteins that switch states, sense environments, and perform computations. By engineering yeast cells to survive only if proteins behave dynamically, the method selects optimal variants rapidly. The approach, published in Cell, advances synthetic biology and optogenetics.

Ijumaa, 1. Mwezi wa tano 2026, 10:24:40