Describing the kinetics of polymer reactions, such as the formation of loops and hairpins in nucleic acids or polypeptides, is complicated by the structural dynamics of their chains. Although both ...

Topochemical polymer synthesis and reactions exploit the unique spatial arrangement of reactant molecules in the solid state to achieve controlled polymer formation. By pre‐organising monomers within ...

With millions of tons of plastic going into landfills every year, chemists are racing to find end-of-life uses for materials like polystyrene. But these large polymers are notoriously hard to dissolve ...

In the quest to wring energy from every source imaginable, scientists are putting the squeeze on a common plastic ingredient. Applying force to polymers in water generates enough energy to drive ...

Biological enzymes don’t wait to bump into their targets inside of cells but make quick chemical work by sliding and hopping around on their DNA and RNA substrates. Now a team led by Wilhelm T. S.

The Donnelly Research Group at Heriot-Watt University (Edinburgh, UK) has published a compelling case study highlighting ...

Production of biocompatible and super-absorbent materials may become easier. Using a modification to the high-precision technique known as atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), which links ...

Tokyo, Japan – Mimicking the incredible skill of mother nature is never easy, especially when trying to match the remarkable chemical processes that take place in living organisms. Living systems, ...

After a long dry spell of abstinence from face-to-face meetings, the 14th International Workshop on Polymer Reaction Engineering will take place in Potsdam in September 2023 in presence. Usually held ...

Using a small block of aluminum with a tiny groove carved in it, scientists are developing an improved "green chemistry" method for making biodegradable polymers. A prime example of the value of ...

Each year, thousands of tons of nylon end up in landfills. But small-scale experiments may offer big hope for efficient recycling of some types of the material. Nylon-6, an artificial polymer used in ...

The gut microbiome plays a significant role in the immune system’s tolerance of potential food allergens, such as milk or peanuts. Research has shown that certain bacteria can protect against food ...