Nobel prize for quantum dots
The highest prize in chemistry has been awarded to three scientists who pioneered research into quantum dots – semiconductor nanocrystals measuring a few nanometres, with applications ranging from solar cell technology to medical imaging. Moungi Bawendi (MIT, US), Louis Brus (Columbia University, US) and Alexei Ekimov (Nanocrystals Technology, US) were announced as the joint recipients of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences on 4 October, 2023.
Chameleon coating that cools and warms
A chameleon-inspired coating that changes colour depending on the weather could save energy and help to keep homes warm or cool across the seasons. The Namaqua chameleon, which dwells in the desert regions of southern Africa, adjusts its body temperature by altering its skin colour to reflect more or less sunlight. Inspired by this adaptation, researchers created a coating that turns white – and reflects more sunlight – at temperatures above 25°C but turns black to absorb more heat at lower temperatures. Conventional paints that cool buildings by reflecting sunlight are useful in the summer but also increase energy consumption during the winter, says Yan Dong, an engineer at the Harbin Institute of Technology in China.
C-H bond breakthrough: alcohols unlocked
Chemists in California, US, have achieved the remarkable feat of functionalising the carbon-hydrogen bonds in alcohols. This opens a path to valuable compounds using a chemical class that comprises two-thirds of the starting materials in the chemical industry.
AI detects disease from eye scans
In a recent study, an international team of researchers introduced RETFound, an AI tool to diagnose multiple health conditions from eye scans. The technology outperforms existing AI disease-detection models.
Microbes divide and conquer PET
Microbial teamwork could be the answer to recycling a common plastic waste into valuable chemicals. Two engineered strains of a soil bacterium deal better with the two products from the hydrolysis of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic, according to researchers in the US.
Improving on nature: the scientists boosting material properties
Wood and spider silk and other natural materials have unique and valuable properties, but they often lack the toughness required for real world applications. But could that be about to change? Lou Reade reports
Deep space: can we boldly go.... and keep going?
To reach distant planets, let alone stars, in a reasonable timescale, researchers are having to completely rethink spacecraft propulsion technologies. Jon Evans reports
Permafrost and lava pools: extreme adaptations influencing cosmetics
From Arctic fish to desert algae, creatures thriving in extreme and inhospitable environments are inspiring the development of more effective cosmetics and anti-ageing creams, reports Jasmin Fox-Skelly
Advanced materials
Read the latest Advanced Materials highlights in C&I Magazine Issue 10 2023 written by Arno Kraft, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK.
Applied chemistry
Read the latest applied chemistry highlights for October 2023 by Nigel P Freestone, University of Northampton, UK.