Scientists have discovered an exciting way to convert CO2 into methane more efficiently. The secret? Light. By shining light on a special mix of ruthenium and titanium dioxide, researchers found that the process speeds up. This isn't just any mix—it's particularly good at this task. The light, whether UV or visible, plays a crucial role in boosting the reaction. The...
A young star named HD 100453 is making waves, and it's not just because it's larger than our sun. Scientists have spotted methanol, a type of alcohol, swirling around this star, and it's not just any methanol—it's got some rare versions called isotopes. This isn't the first time methanol has been found in space, but it is the first time these specific isotopes have b...
The quest to convert trash into biogas has led to some interesting discoveries. Scientists have been tinkering with temperature and particle size to see how they affect the breakdown of organic waste. They tested three types of waste: food scraps, paper, and yard clippings. The temperatures they used were 35, 45, and 55 degrees Celsius. For the particle sizes, they v...
Zeolites are like superheroes in the chemical world. They are used to separate and process things in both gas and liquid forms. They are known for their special abilities: they can pick out specific molecules, soak up lots of stuff, be reused, and stay stable. One type of zeolite, called H-MFI, has been studied to see how it interacts with methanol and ethanol when w...
In the world of sustainable energy, hydrogen is a big deal. It's clean, it's powerful, and it's everywhere. One way to get hydrogen is through a process called methanol steam reforming. It's like breaking down methanol to get hydrogen. This method is pretty cheap and efficient. However, making the right catalyst for this process can be tricky. Catalysts are like the ...
Yeast, specifically Saccharomyces cerevisiae, faces big problems when it comes to making bioethanol. Two major issues are high temperatures and the presence of ethanol. These factors stress the yeast out, making it harder for it to do its job. Researchers decided to look into how a special strain of yeast, called E-158, handles these stresses. They used a method call...
Reed straw, a common plant waste, can be turned into a valuable resource. It's part of a group called lignocellulosic biomass, which can be used to make biofuels. The trick is getting past the plant's tough structure to access the good stuff inside. A recent experiment showed a smart way to do this using a substance called L-glutamic acid. First, let's talk about wh...
The world's largest reservoirs are significant sources of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Yet, the role of organic matter from land in driving methane emissions from these vast water bodies is not well understood. To shed light on this, a study was conducted at Lake Qiandao, a massive reservoir in China, spanning over 580 square kilometers. Researchers collected s...
Bacteria that munch on nitrous oxide are vital in the battle against this harmful greenhouse gas. These tiny organisms, known as nitrous oxide-reducing bacteria, play a crucial role in breaking down nitrous oxide. However, there is still much to learn about these bacteria, including their origins, behaviors, and how they work. Scientists have made a significant ...
Flexible electronics are becoming more and more popular. They are used in many places. However, they often do not work well in different situations. This is a problem. So, scientists have been working on a new material. It is a special type of polyurethane elastomer. This material is different. It can heal itself. It is also very strong and can be recycled. This is ...