Chemistry
Discovery challenges chemistry rules on Saturn's moon Titan
Researchers from NASA and Chalmers University have found that polar and nonpolar substances can mix on Titan's surface, defying the 'like dissolves like' principle. This occurs under the moon's extreme cold, where hydrogen cyanide forms stable crystals with methane and ethane. The finding could reshape understanding of Titan's geology and prebiotic chemistry.
Scientists solve mystery of highly reactive oxygen
Researchers have unraveled a decades-old puzzle in chemistry by explaining how oxygen becomes highly reactive in certain conditions. The breakthrough, detailed in a recent study, reveals a new mechanism involving atomic oxygen reactions. This discovery could reshape understandings of atmospheric processes and combustion.
Auburn scientists create materials to control free electrons
Researchers at Auburn University have developed a new type of material that precisely controls free electrons, potentially revolutionizing quantum computing and chemical manufacturing. By immobilizing solvated electron precursors on stable surfaces, the team achieved tunable electron behavior. The findings were published in ACS Materials Letters.
Google's Willow quantum computer interprets NMR data for molecules
Researchers at Google Quantum AI have demonstrated how their Willow quantum computer can augment Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy to reveal molecular structures. The technique, called Quantum Echoes, uses qubit perturbations to emulate molecular analysis. While promising, it has not yet shown a clear advantage over classical methods.