Chemistry

Researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles, have synthesized cage-shaped molecules featuring unusually warped double bonds, defying long-held principles of organic chemistry. This breakthrough builds on their 2024 overturning of Bredt's rule and could influence future drug design. The findings appear in Nature Chemistry.

January 16, 2026 Reported by AI

A new study suggests that hydrogen cyanide, a highly poisonous chemical, could have played a key role in the origins of life by forming reactive ice crystals in extreme cold. Computer simulations show these crystals promote unusual chemical reactions that produce building blocks for life. The findings highlight the chemical potential of frozen environments, including those beyond Earth.

Scientists have observed atoms that remain motionless within liquid metals at high temperatures, influencing how materials solidify. Using advanced microscopy, researchers from the University of Nottingham and the University of Ulm captured this phenomenon in molten metal nanoparticles. The finding reveals a new hybrid state of matter with potential implications for catalysis and materials engineering.

December 11, 2025 Reported by AI

Researchers have created a catalyst from lignin, a byproduct of paper production, that enhances clean hydrogen generation through water electrolysis. The material demonstrates low overpotential and high stability, offering a sustainable alternative to costly precious metals. This advancement could make large-scale hydrogen production more economical and environmentally friendly.