Turning Pollution into DVDs Apr 10, 2008
ller of the Center for Catalysis Research at RWTH Aachen University in Germany said yesterday at a press conference at the semiannual meeting of the in New Orleans. "It can be a contribution to solving the CO2 problem.". (Scientific American)
Carbon Dioxide Removed From Smockstacks Could Be Useful In DVD And CD-ROM Manufacture Apr 10, 2008
He is at the new research center for catalysis CAT, a joint 5-year project of RWTH Aachen and industrial giant Bayer Material Science AG and Bayer Technology Services GmbH. "And it's a very cheap starting material. If we can replace more expensive starting materials with CO2, then you'll have an economic driving force.". In another ACS presentation, scientists from Japan also reported using CO2 as an alternative feedstock to change carbonates and urethanes into plastics and also battery... (Science Daily)
Breakthrough In Biofuel Production Process Apr 9, 2008
"Green gasoline is an attractive alternative to bioethanol since it can be used in existing engines and does not incur the 30 percent gas mileage penalty of ethanol-based flex fuel," said John Regalbuto, who directs the Catalysis and Biocatalysis Program at NSF and supported this research. "In theory it requires much less energy to make than ethanol, giving it a smaller carbon footprint and making it cheaper to produce," Regalbuto said. (Science Daily)
CDs and DVDs to be made with CO2 emissions Apr 9, 2008
ller of RWTH Aachen University in Aachen, Germany, who works at CAT Catalytic Centre a new catalysis research centre backed by the industrial giant Bayer. advertisement. (Telegraph.co.uk)
Symposium on energy research highlights future challenges, opportunities Apr 9, 2008
The review, which included research from multiple scientific and engineering fields, covered solar and nuclear energy, the hydrogen economy, electrical energy storage, and catalysis for transportation fuels. The symposium was a joint collaboration between the American Chemical Society (ACS) and the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE). (EurekAlert!)
Are Carbon Cuts Just A Fantasy? Apr 4, 2008
If anyone has any other proposals that don t rely on new technologies or some magical and unproven chemical catalysis advances I d like to hear them. It s not as if we haven t been doing research to find better catalysts for he past 200 years. (New York Times)
Hydrogen Storage In Nanoparticles Works: Outlook For Hydrogen Cars Improved Apr 2, 2008
ACTS is the public-private partnership within NWO in the area of sustainable chemistry and catalysis. Together with the Division for Chemical Sciences, ACTS forms the contact point for chemistry and chemical engineering related grant applications in combination with life sciences and physics. (Science Daily)
New System Aims To Efficiently Convert Biomass To Ethanol Apr 1, 2008
Victor Lin, a professor of chemistry and director of the Center for Catalysis, will lead the Iowa State project ... Victor Lin, an Iowa State University professor of chemistry and director of the Center for Catalysis, is leading a project that's developing a system to convert plant biomass into ethanol. (Science Daily)
Towards Bio-inspired Hydrogen Production Without Noble Metals Apr 1, 2008
To reproduce and adapt these processes, researchers have developed molecular systems capable of both photosensitisation, which captures light energy, and catalysis, which uses the energy collected to liberate hydrogen from water. To date, all the technological systems developed to produce or use hydrogen rely on noble metals(1) such as platinum. (Science Daily)
Environmentally Friendly Fireworks And Other Pyrotechnics Mar 20, 2008
In addition to fireworks, the field of pyrotechnics includes applications like airbags, signal flares, propellants and charges for civil and military purposes, and the production of nanoporous metal foams for catalysis, hydrogen storage, and insulation. Pyrotechnical materials contain an oxidizer and a reducing agent; depending on the application, binding material, propellant charges, coloring agents and smoke- and sound-producing agents can be added. (Science Daily)
Scientists see Norwalk virus' Achilles heel Mar 19, 2008
Structural insights into mechanisms of catalysis and inhibition in Norwalk Virus polymerase. Journal of Biological Chemistry, Vol. 283, Number 12, pp. (EurekAlert!)
3D Virus Image, At Highest Resolution Ever Mar 6, 2008
3D Virus Image Taken At Highest Resolution Ever. 3D Virus Image Taken At Highest Resolution Ever. (Science Daily)
Enerkem announces progress on construction of Canada's first cellulosic ethanol plant Mar 4, 2008
Enerkem's gasification, sequential gas conditioning and catalysis technology converts sorted municipal solid waste and forest residues into cellulosic ethanol and other biofuels. The Company has operated a pilot plant since 2003 and is currently building an industrial-scale cellulosic ethanol production plant in Canada. (Canada Newswire)
Catalysis Discovery Takes Aim At NOx Emissions Feb 27, 2008
"Penta-coordinated Al3+ Ions as Preferential Nucleation Sites for BaO on -Al2O3." Journal of Catalysis 251(1):189-194 ... DOE's Office of Basic Energy Sciences, Division of Chemical Sciences funded the research, which was facilitated by the laboratory's Institute for Interfacial Catalysis. (Science Daily)
Lab-on-Chip Technology: Scientists Bring MRI/NMR To Microreactors Feb 8, 2008
This work, the first application of gas-phase MRI to microfluidic catalysis, shows that parahydrogen-enhanced MRI can be used to track gases and liquids in microfluidic devices as well as in the void spaces of a tightly packed catalyst reactor bed ... It opens the door for future studies of heterogeneous catalysis in which all the unique benefits of MRI, such as velocimetry and spatially dependent quantities, are available ... Other co-authors of this paper were Sabieh Anwar, who is a former... (Science Daily)
Synthesized DNA Used To Create Materials Feb 4, 2008
This "bottom-up" approach will allow scientists to take inorganic materials and build structures with specific properties for a given application, such as therapeutics, biodiagnostics, optics, electronics or catalysis. Most gems, such as diamonds, rubies and sapphires, are crystalline inorganic materials. (Science Daily)
Enerkem announces its executive team Feb 1, 2008
About Enerkem Enerkem is a leader in the production of cellulosic fuels using a unique clean gasification and catalysis technology, which transforms sorted municipal solid waste and wood residues into ethanol and other biofuels. Enerkem operates a pilot plant since 2003 and is currently building an industrial-scale cellulosic ethanol plant in Quebec. (Canada Newswire)
Toward A Cleaner, More Effective Method For Destroying Hormone-like Pollutants In Wastewater Jan 31, 2008
The article "Destruction of estrogens using Fe-TAML/peroxide catalysis" is scheduled for the Feb. 15 issue of ACS' Environmental Science & Technology. Adapted from materials provided by , via , a service of AAAS.. (Science Daily)
GM, Coskata partnership builds on Oklahoma State University biofuels research Jan 30, 2008
According to Coskata, the proprietary microorganisms do what syngas conversion from chemical catalysis cannot do, which is make a pure stream of ethanol at the lowest cost target in the industry. In addition, the process is net energy positive, providing up to 7. (EurekAlert! -- Business News)
Washington libs lead backlash against Bill... Jan 29, 2008
catalysis: Jan. 28, 2008 - 7:50 PM EST. Clinton supporters are scary. (The Drudge Report)
Extremely Novel Drugs Possible With New Method Jan 28, 2008
Through catalysis, the chemical synthesis method the UB researchers developed allows for highly unusual functionalizations of carbon-hydrogen bonds, Davies explained. "The method allows you to transform a molecule from a simple structure to a much more elaborate, drug-like material," he said, "so it goes from a cheap building block to a potential drug-like candidate. Without a catalyst, it won't happen.". (Science Daily)
Low-cost, 'Green' Way To Make Antimicrobial Paints Developed Jan 25, 2008
Using the same approach we should be able to produce a large variety of nano-particle dispersions useful in applications ranging from healthcare to catalysis, added co-investigator Dr. Ashavani Kumar, a postdoctoral research associate at Rice. The nanoparticle embedded coating can be applied like traditional paints to such surfaces as metal, wood, polymers, glass, and ceramics. (Science Daily)
Argonne's Blue Gene/P to Host Large Cadre of INCITE Researchers Jan 18, 2008
-- Christopher Mundy of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory was awarded 750,000 hours at both Argonne and ORNL to develop a new understanding of chemical reactions in solutions and at interfaces, especially in the area of hydrogen storage and catalysis in order to establish a protocol for the application of high-performance computing to current and future Grand Challenges in the chemical sciences. -- Christopher Wolverton of Northwestern University was awarded 1 million hours to rationally... (PR Newswire)
Big Predators May Need Large Size To Conquer Prey, But Not True For Bacteria Jan 8, 2008
"Theoretically, smaller cells are more favored under transport limitation for resource uptake than under limitations by biological processes, such as membrane uptake or catalysis within cells. As resource molecules become smaller, the molecular diffusion speeds up. And then the transport limitation for resource uptake is relaxed, and the optimal cell size becomes larger," states Kohei Yoshiyama, the study's leading author. He adds, "Species diversity, at least at stable environments, is... (Science Daily)
China awards top science prize Jan 8, 2008
As an innovator in petrochemical technology, Min laid the foundation of petroleum refining applied catalysis in China, according to the award review committee. Min has dedicated his life to the study of petrochemical and chemical engineering, as oil demand soars globally. (Xinhuanet, China)
Hillary Booed at NH Dem Party Dinner... Jan 5, 2008
Hillary Booed at NH Democratic Party Dinner - Swampland - TIME. January 4, 2008 9:18. (The Drudge Report)
January American Naturalist highlights Jan 5, 2008
Theoretically, smaller cells are more favored under transport limitation for resource uptake than under limitations by biological processes, such as membrane uptake or catalysis within cells. As resource molecules become smaller, the molecular diffusion speeds up. (EurekAlert!)
Research analyst Dec 29, 2007
The Business Unit Chemicals is providing high-quality Rices in the area of (heterogeneous) catalysis. The Technologist will be working in the Chemicals project teams with some of the most advanced reactor equipment in the world, supporting the execution of a wide variety of projects. (Nature News Service)
Protons Extracted Into New Transfer Beamline From ISIS Accelerator Dec 25, 2007
Professor Keith Mason, CEO of the Science and Technology Facilities Council said "The ISIS Second Target Station will keep us at the forefront of materials research, enabling UK scientists to make breakthroughs that will underpin the next generation of super-fast computers, data storage, sensors, pharmaceutical and medical applications, materials processing, catalysis, biotechnology and clean energy technology.". "The ISIS Second Target Station is a part of the much needed expansion of... (Science Daily)
Caught in the act: The dynamic dance of enzymes Dec 12, 2007
Harnessing a slew of sophisticated technologies to capture a key enzyme changing shape in near real time, Kern was able to show that these proteins are not the wallflowers of the biological world scientists had once thought, essentially passive until catalysis occurs. Rather, Kern and her team demonstrated that the enzyme adenylate kinase, and presumably many more, engages in a dynamic dance even before its catalytic datethe substrate to which it bindsshows up. (EurekAlert!)
Design Of New Biomaterials From Lactic Acid Dec 7, 2007
These new materials are obtained through molecular catalysis, and require breaking the cyclic dimer of lactic acid lactide to obtain polylactic acid (PLA). The lactide is a renewable natural resource that occurs as a by-product of the fermentation of biomass with high starch content, such as maize, wheat, or sugar beet. (Science Daily)
Between water and rock -- a new science Dec 1, 2007
Over billions of years, nature produced iron-oxide nanoparticles that carry elements and compounds great distances in rivers and groundwater, and that are also involved in catalysis and organic transformation. And these nanoparticles account for a disproportionately large amount of potentially reactive surface area in the environment. (EurekAlert!)
'Wiring Up' Enzymes For Producing Hydrogen In Fuel Cells Nov 22, 2007
Currently, precious metals, such as platinum, are typically needed to perform this catalysis. The researchers combined hydrogenase enzymes with carbon nanotubes, submicroscopic strands of pure carbon that are excellent electrical conductors. (Science Daily)
Car Catalyzers Works Differently Than Previously Thought Nov 20, 2007
They considered the formation of a thin layer of oxide on the catalysator as detrimental to catalysis ... He was able to make these findings during the course of his work with a team of scientists and technical specialists who are collaborating on developing a technique which for the first time makes it possible to study catalysis at atomic level under real-life circumstances, namely at high temperature and under high gas pressure. (Science Daily)
A programming language for DNA Nov 16, 2007
Unlike biological catalysis, the reaction requires no enzymes. Using this system, the authors achieved two types of signal amplification found in natural biological regulatory networks. (The Scientist)
Key To Unlocking The Secret Of Highly Specific DNAzyme Catalysis Discovered Nov 14, 2007
"Our next step is to look for other metals that use the lock and key mechanism with other specific DNAzymes. In addition, we want to investigate the structural details at the metal-binding sites and see how they change during catalysis.". With Lu and Ha, co-authors of the paper are graduate research assistant and lead author Hee-Kyung Kim and former postdoctoral researchers Ivan Rasnik and Juewen Liu. (Science Daily)
A scientific maverick Oct 29, 2007
Dubbed the "king of catalysis", his research on how atoms and molecules behave on metal surfaces formed part of the science underpinning catalytic converters in car exhausts. In 1988, he was appointed 1920 Professor of Physical Chemistry at the University of Cambridge, but his regular sojourn in the public eye really came with his appointment as the chief scientific adviser in 2000, in time for the fall out from the BSE inquiry report. (BBC News -- UK)
New Giant Molecule Created Oct 10, 2007
Polyoxometalates are anionic metal-oxygen clusters of large structural diversity with chemical properties, which make them especially interesting for applications in catalysis, but also in materials science and nanotechnology. Ulrich Kortz and his co-workers now achieved the synthesis of the tungstogermanate*, which belongs to the polyoxometalates, by condensation of the precursors [ -GeW9O34]10- and Cerium(III) ions in aqueous solution. (Science Daily)
Story ideas from Molecular & Cellular Proteomics Oct 6, 2007
The proteins identified in this study perform various functions inside the cell, such as the transport of other proteins, the activation of neighboring proteins, and the catalysis of biochemical reactions. Among these proteins, the scientists found that at least half a dozen are known to be associated with neurodegenerative diseases, but examining the role of the other proteins may show that some of them also are involved in these diseases. (EurekAlert!)
Tenure-Track Faculty Positions Oct 3, 2007
While all areas encompassed by chemical engineering are acceptable, there are several broad areas of particular interest, including surface reactivity and catalysis, fuel cells, environmental or atmospheric studies, molecular transport processes and mechanics, soft materials physics and chemistry, computation and simulation, biochemical and biomolecular engineering, nanomaterials processing, and the energy sciences. In general, we give higher priority to the overall originality and promise of... (Nature News Service)
Building blocks of life Oct 2, 2007
It will enable scientists to continue to make breakthroughs in materials research for the next generation of super-fast computers, data storage, sensors, pharmaceutical and medical applications, materials processing, catalysis, biotechnology and clean energy technology. About ISIS. (EurekAlert! -- Business News)
Two Nanostructures Are Better Than One Sep 6, 2007
The lab's research encompasses topics such as thin films and laminates, spintronics, molecular wires, optical fiber sensing, and properties such as catalysis, corrosion and friction. New materials, cool features. (Science Daily)
News in brief Sep 4, 2007
Topics include plant production, plant transformation, chemical catalysis and engine and vehicle testing. The event is open to the public with walk-in registration. (Daily Collegian, PA)
Kai Siegbahn Aug 30, 2007
This has spawned many important fields of application, for instance in the study of surface chemistry processes such as catalysis and corrosion, wear rates on prostheses and contaminants on electrical circuits. Commercial electron spectrometers based on Siegbahn's innovation have been available for many years, and electron spectroscopy is now a standard technique at hundreds of laboratories throughout the world. (Guardian Unlimited -- Life)
Saudi Arabia's KAUST and French IFP to collaborate on sustainable transport energies and materials Aug 17, 2007
Both institutions agreed to focus specifically on research in carbon capture, clean fuels, catalysis, polymers and chemical engineering modeling. We expect that KAUST and IFP will complement one another perfectly as we move ahead with our relationship, Mr. Al-Nasr said. (EurekAlert! -- Business News)
LSU professors work to improve efficiency of ethanol fuel Aug 14, 2007
It is CAMDs vision to be in the forefront of development of nanomaterials for a broad range of applications ranging from catalysis to medical diagnosis and therapy, said Kumar. The DOE is definitely interested in seeing a commercial project come out of this, said Spivey. (EurekAlert!)
Porphyrin electron-transfer reactions observed at the molecular level Aug 3, 2007
Researchers at Temple University have observed and documented electron transfer reactions on an electrode surface at the single molecule level for the first time, a discovery which could have future relevance to areas such as molecular electronics, electrochemistry, biology, catalysis, information storage, and solar energy conversion. The researchers have published their findings, Dynamics of Porphyrin Electron-Transfer Reactions at the ElectrodeElectrolyte Interface at the Molecular Level,... (EurekAlert!)
Rhodia Completes Alumina Washcoat Acquisition Aug 2, 2007
The Group occupies leading positions in Rare earth-based formulations for automobile catalysis, which improve the performance and reliability of pollution-control systems while reducing their cost to the end user ; Engineering plastics, increasingly used by the automotive industry instead of steel or aluminium, allowing vehicle weight to be reduced and high performance silicas for tires, invented by Rhodia, which make it possible to reduce a vehicle s fuel consumption and improve their adhesion... (BusinessWire)
Bush awards science, technology medals Aug 1, 2007
- Tobin J. Marks, Northwestern University, for pioneering research in homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis and areas of chemistry. - Lonnie G. Thompson, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, for his research in paleoclimatology analyzing fingerprints found in tropical ice cores from the world's highest mountain glaciers. (Herald Online, SC -- Technology)
Extremely Short Bursts Of Light Produced: Could Probe Motion Of Electrons Jul 29, 2007
Using this strong light, researchers can "kick" molecular processes such as catalysis or electronic switching (important for developing data storage media) into action and watch their mechanisms on a very short timescale. The team also found something surprising: the intensity of their THz pulses is so great that they introduce so-called "nonlinear optical effects," specifically, a phenomenon known as cross-phase modulation. (Science Daily)
Remarks by President Bush in Presentation of 2005 and 2006 National Medals of Science and Technology Jul 28, 2007
2005 National Medal of Science to Tobin J. Marks, for his pioneering research in the areas of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis, organo-f-element chemistry, new electronic and photonic materials, and diverse areas of coordination and solid state chemistry. 2005 National Medal of Science to Lonnie G. Thompson, for his pioneering research in paleoclimatology analyzing isotopic and chemical fingerprints found in tropical ice cores from the world's highest mountain glaciers and for his courage... (PR Newswire)
Elsevier announces significant increases in impact factors Jul 19, 2007
In addition, 53 Elsevier titles ranked number one in their respective categories, including: Seminars in Radiation Oncology (#1 in Radiology); Landscape and Urban Planning (#1 in Urban Studies); Gastroenterology (#1 in Gastroenterology ology); Annals of Emergency Medicine (#1 in Emergency Medicine); The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (#1 in Allergy), Biomaterials (#1 in Materials Science, Biomaterials); and Journal of Catalysis (#1 in Engineering, Chemical). The continued increase in... (EurekAlert! -- Business News)
Microscopic jets, diamonds unlikely on Uranus, and amazing mosquito legs Jul 17, 2007
Physicists have yet to devise a way to keep the balls heading in a particular direction, but chemical reaction catalysis may prove a useful method for propelling microscopic objects in liquids. - KM. (EurekAlert!)
New Catalyst May Revolutionize Biodiesel Production Jul 10, 2007
And I ll continue to do research in the catalysis and biorenewables area. Note: This story has been adapted from a news release issued by Iowa State University. (Science Daily)
Inexpensive Bio-Inspired Materials That Could Make Hydrogen Fuel Cells Feasible Jul 1, 2007
Both Bullock and DuBois are members of the Molecular Interactions and Transformations group and the Institute for Interfacial Catalysis at PNNL. ... Recent structural studies of hydrogenase enzymes from these microorganisms have revealed that sites where electrocatalysis takes place contain nuclei made up of iron-iron or nickel-iron complexes. (Science Daily)
FlexOracle: predicting flexible hinges by identification of stable domains Jun 23, 2007
Protein motions play an essential role in catalysis and protein-ligand interactions, but are difficult to observe directly. A substantial fraction of protein motions involve hinge bending. (BioMed Central)
How Enzymes Work: Central Mechanism Discovered Jun 21, 2007
The research provides critical insight into why catalysis is so complex and may help pave the way for improving the design of synthetic catalysts. "The more that is known about catalysis, the better chances we have of designing active catalysts," said John P. Richard, Ph ... "Attempts to replicate evolution and design catalysts of non-biological reactions with enzyme-like activity have failed, because scientists have yet to unravel the secrets of enzyme catalysis," Richard said. (Science Daily)
Plastic That Grows On Trees? Fuel, Polyester And Other Chemicals From Biomass Jun 16, 2007
"What we have done that no one else has been able to do is convert glucose directly in high yields to a primary building block for fuel and polyesters," said Z. Conrad Zhang, senior author who led the research and a scientist with the PNNL-based Institute for Interfacial Catalysis, or IIC. ... "This work opens the way for fundamental catalysis science in a novel solvent.". (Science Daily)
Chemist Gabor Somorjai to receive Priestley Medal UCB, Jun. 12 Jun 13, 2007
The American Chemical Society announced last week that it will bestow its highest honor, the Priestley Medal, on Gabor A. Somorjai, University Professor and professor of chemistry at the University of California, Berkeley, for his "extraordinarily creative and original contributions to surface science and catalysis." ... "It honors pioneering research in surface chemistry and heterogeneous catalysis by our 40 years of research with more than 300 outstanding Berkeley graduate students and... (University of California Newswire, CA)
German x-ray laser tunnel gets the go ahead Jun 8, 2007
Researchers at XFEL will include chemists, materials scientists, plasma physicists, structural biologists, and geologists, with potential applications for biomedicine, pharmacy, or combustion and catalysis. Construction of the 986 million Euro (668) facility will start by the beginning of next year. (Chemistry World)
Shelton Intermediate students explore science May 26, 2007
Joe Donini, 14, decided to test catalysis using enzymes in pineapples, by testing various forms of the fruit --- dried, heated, fresh --- to determine how soon it would gel when gelatin was added to the fruit. "This experiment could be applied to the fruit business, as well as to the medical field," said Donini, whose project was complete with microscopic photos of the enzymes in the pineapple. (Valley News, CT)
Three faculty members receive Humboldt research awards May 25, 2007
Yamamoto will continue his ongoing research on Lewis and Bronsted acid catalysis chemistry. Both acids play important roles in triggering or driving chemical reactions in the synthesis of new organic molecules that are biologically important or that contain interesting physical properties. (Univeristy of Chicago Chronicle, IL)
Brookhaven nanomaterials center tackles energy research May 23, 2007
Research will focus on three primary disciplines: electronic materials such as those with optoelectronic properties; catalysis, or the study of catalyst behavior; and bio-inspired" processes such as photosynthesis. "One of the most exciting aspects is the opportunity to be plugged in, so when the nation thinks of energy research, they will think of us at BNL," said Black. "Cutting-edge science with a practical edge. " Black comes to BNL which also houses the Alternating Gradient Synchrotron,... (EETimes)
ADB opens annual meetings in Shanghai May 17, 2007
The ADB Annual meeting is regarded as a catalysis for Sino-African relations since they fostered a new strategic partnership last year. With a ever expanding economic context, the two sides are taking pragmatic measures for win-win results the shared goal is to both opportunities and challenges brought by economic globalization. (Xinhuanet, China)
New impetus through networking May 12, 2007
In the Priority Programme of the same name, chemists and physicists seek to create tailor-made MOFs, which can be used for energy storage, the separation of materials, selective catalysis and as sensors with special optical and electrical properties. (Coordinator: Professor Stefan Kaskel, Technical University of Dresden). (EurekAlert! -- Business News)
