Tag Chemistry
Experiments test how easy life itself might be
UW scientists are trying to understand how life could arise from lifelike chemical reactions under the right conditions, with implications for understanding how common life might be in the universe.
Enzyme structures illuminate mechanism behind bacteria’s bioremediation prowess
The work is important because it provides a glimpse of the mechanics of a process that could be harnessed to help clean up oil spills and create valuable new chemicals.
High school and middle school students crystallize science
From March 1 to April 30, participating students will work to grow large and high quality crystals from safe, common materials.
Novel catalysts improve path to more sustainable plastics production
The second most-produced organic chemical in the world, propene is a key component of plastics found in consumer goods such as electronics, clothing and food packaging.
Gut’s microbial community shown to influence host gene expression
The upshot of the study is another indictment of the so-called Western diet, high in saturated fats, sugar and red meat.
Liquid crystal design method could speed development of cheap chemical sensors
The sensors could be used for detecting explosives, industrial pollutants or even the chemical markers of disease in a patient’s breath.
Life in ancient oceans enabled by erosion from land
As scientists continue finding evidence for life in the ocean more than 3 billion years ago, those ancient fossils pose a paradox that raises questions about whether there was more land mass than previously thought.
Chemistry method expedites path to useful molecules for medicine
The new method gives chemists prospecting for bioactive molecules a new tool in the search for novel drugs or chemicals for agriculture.
Symmetry crucial for building key biomaterial collagen in the lab
Functional human collagen has been impossible to create in the lab. Now, a team of University of Wisconsin–Madison researchers describe what may be the key to growing functional, natural collagen fibers outside of the body: symmetry.
Simulating complex catalysts key to making cheap, powerful fuel cells
UW–Madison chemical engineers have made an advance that brings cost-effective fuel cells closer to reality.
Mitochondrial maps reveal new connections to poorly understood diseases
Mitochondrial diseases strike about 1 in 4,000 people and there are currently no licensed therapies available beyond treatments with vitamins and supplements.
New UW–Madison center offers ultra-speed protein analysis
Knowing which protein forms are present in what quantities, their subcellular location and their function is critical to understanding health and disease.
Fundamental discovery slashes energy cost of chemical reactions
"We get two for the price of one," says researcher Shannon Stahl, "and we can save half a volt ... In a fuel cell, that is significant saving of energy."
Research may point to new ways to deliver drugs into bacteria
The results were surprising due to the breadth of the different proteins found to be involved, says biochemist Douglas Weibel.
Chemistry lessons from bacteria may improve biofuel production
Enzymes are one of the most expensive parts of making biofuels. UW researchers say if they can identify enzymes that work better, it could lead to cheaper energy.
Crystal growing contest gives middle, high school students a peek inside UW–Madison chemistry department
Hundreds of middle and high school students from across Wisconsin enjoyed some hands-on chemistry experience this spring through a crystal-growing contest organized by the University of Wisconsin–Madison Chemistry Department.
Single-step hydrogen peroxide production could be cleaner, more efficient
The work opens new avenues for the direct synthesis of a chemical needed in large volumes for the laundry and paper bleaching industry.
Gene regulatory mutation linked to rare childhood cancer
This basic knowledge of a specific cancer is essential to start drug testing, says researcher Peter Lewis.
Blowing glass in class
Few departments on campus use as much glassware as the Department of Chemistry. So it makes perfect sense to have a master glassblower within the department to help design and build innovative equipment.
Clarity of vision: Chemistry’s glass whisperer
In a lab built around tools and techniques that are more than a century old, Tracy Drier performs miracles of construction and reconstruction.