Tag Chemistry
Bioenergy research discovery paves way to production of new hydrocarbon
A team of researchers have described a pathway for furan fatty acid production in bacteria and other cells. This long chain fatty acid could substitute for petroleum-based products including fuel, engine lubricant, medicines and food additives.
Merging solar cell and liquid battery produces efficient, long-lasting solar storage
While solar flow batteries are years away from commercialization, they offer the potential to provide reliable electricity generation and storage for lighting, cell phones or other fundamental uses for homes in remote areas.
New approach for breaking plastics down shows promise for ‘upcycling’ them
“Thirty percent of our plastic is ending up in the environment," says chemical and biological engineering Professor George Huber. "The current plastic infrastructure is not sustainable right now.”
School of Pharmacy team produces hand sanitizer for UW Health
The school's Zeeh Pharmaceutical Experiment Station started production on March 20 and, in less than a week, provided more than 100 gallons of vitally important sanitizer.
Deleting a gene prevents Type 1 diabetes in mice by disguising insulin-producing cells
The cellular sleight of hand, says biomolecular chemist Feyza Engin, may also suggest ways to prevent other diseases in which the immune system targets the body’s own cells.
Cheap nanoparticles stimulate immune response to cancer in the lab
If they are shown to work as well in the body as they do in pharmacy Professor Seungpyo Hong's lab, the nanoparticles might provide an effective and more affordable way to fight cancer.
Mimicking enzymes, chemists produce large, useful carbon rings
The work may represent preliminary progress toward deciphering just how enzymes, honed by evolution, so efficiently produce natural compounds.
‘Christmas in the Lab’ celebrates 50 years of chemistry and comedy
What began as a holiday treat for long-suffering freshman chemistry students has turned into a 50-year tradition for chemistry Professor Bassam Shakhashiri.
Can ‘smart toilets’ be the next health data wellspring?
Wearable, smart technologies are transforming the ability to monitor and improve health, but a decidedly low-tech commodity — the humble toilet — may have potential to outperform them all.
Lifelike chemistry created in lab search for ways to study origin of life
The work is far from jumpstarting life in the lab. Yet, it shows that simple laboratory techniques can spur the kinds of reactions that are likely necessary to explain how life got started on Earth some four billion years ago.
UW–Madison chemist searches for ways to bioengineer proteins within cells
Chemistry Professor Andrew Buller wants to add more building blocks to the body’s protein-making kit, making it easier and less expensive to create the new molecules for research and medicine.
Sen. Tammy Baldwin takes in ‘locally sourced science’ at Morgridge Institute
Forward-thinking science and childhood memories came full circle on Wednesday for U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, who visited a lab at the Morgridge Institute for Research that is carrying on the inspired legacy of her grandfather, David E. Green.
150 years ago, periodic table brought order to the chemical universe
"You could say that we take the periodic table (of the elements) for granted," says UW–Madison chemistry instructor Matt Bowman. "But I could not imagine chemistry without it.”
Remembering Heidi Dvinge
On Sept. 20, Professor Heidi Dvinge passed away unexpectedly. Her colleagues describe her tragic loss as “devastating.”
New faculty focus: New chemists join UW
The Chemistry Department has welcomed new faculty members with specialties ranging from quantum chemistry to STEM education. Read Q & A's with them in this New Faculty Focus.
Relieving two headaches with one process
A team of UW–Madison researchers has been awarded a patent for a method to synthesize acetaminophen — the active ingredient in Tylenol — from a natural compound derived from plant material.
UW–Madison, chemical society partner to train underrepresented students
Aspiring scientists who previously experienced limited course or research opportunities will build stronger application portfolios for chemistry doctoral programs in the ACS Bridge Program.
Bio-based chemicals could help reduce fossil fuel use
Petrochemicals, the oil- and gas-derived compounds that serve as the molecular backbones for much of modern commerce, commanded a $539.3 billion market value in 2018.
Novel approach promises ready access to hard-to-study proteins
The new strategy promises a trove of biological insights and, importantly, may help identify therapeutically relevant proteins and provide new disease diagnostic techniques.
Master glassblower’s art, work on exhibit at Madison Children’s Museum
Tracy Drier wants to increase interest in scientific glassblowing as a career choice by demonstrating the precision and artistry involved in constructing these delicate, almost ice-like glass instruments.