Chemistry & Physics
Updates every hour. Last Updated: 12-Sep-2025 07:11 ET (12-Sep-2025 11:11 GMT/UTC)
24-Jun-2025
Halogens reveal the secrets of the lunar crust
University of MünsterPeer-Reviewed Publication
The distribution of halogens like chlorine reveals much about the formation of the lunar crust. An international research team has now shown in laboratory experiments that rocks with surprisingly high chlorine content formed on the near-side of the Moon. The results were published in "Nature Communications".
- Journal
- Nature Communications
24-Jun-2025
SPINNING project results highlight the enormous potential of spin-photon-based quantum computers
Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State PhysicsReports and Proceedings
The BMFTR-funded SPINNING project has successfully demonstrated that hybrid-integrable, scalable, and near-room-temperature solid-state quantum components represent a robust and energy-efficient alternative to established quantum computing hardware platforms. The developed spin qubits in diamond outperform comparable commercially available superconducting systems in terms of longer operation times and lower error rates. Photonic coupling over distances of more than 20 meters promises to serve as a foundation for more powerful distributed quantum computers.
24-Jun-2025
A Journal of Environmental Sciences study reveals that metal-organic frameworks may be toxic
Editorial Office of Journal of Environmental SciencesPeer-Reviewed Publication
Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are popular nanomaterials with applications in drug delivery, catalysis and sensor-based technologies. However, in a new study researchers from China identified that pulmonary exposure to MOFs (MIL-100 and NH₂-MIL-125) disrupts the production of blood and immune cells in mice. Flow cytometry studies revealed tissue-specific alterations in the bone marrow, spleen and lungs—posing potential biosafety risks. The study calls for stricter risk assessments to ensure safe deployment of MOFs.
- Journal
- Journal of Environmental Sciences
23-Jun-2025
When rain, snow, and soil align: The triple threat behind 2024's deadly central Asian floods
Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of SciencesPeer-Reviewed Publication
An international team of scientists led by Dr Zhang Wenxia at the Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (IAP/CAS), unravel the driving mechanisms underlying the record-breaking flood event from the end of March to April 2024 impacting large areas of Kazakhstan and neighboring southwestern Russia.
- Journal
- Advances in Atmospheric Sciences
23-Jun-2025
Rice recruits biophysicist to boost cancer research efforts
Rice UniversityGrant and Award Announcement
Rice University’s Department of Chemistry will soon welcome Pernilla Wittung-Stafshede, who will enhance the university’s research efforts in biophysics when she joins the faculty as a professor July 1, backed by a $6 million recruitment grant from the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT).
- Funder
- Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas
23-Jun-2025
Study finds early signs of widespread coastal marsh decline
Colorado State UniversityPeer-Reviewed Publication
Researchers have revealed the declining health of coastal marshes several years before visible signs of decline, providing an early warning and opportunity to protect an ecosystem that serves as the first line of defense against coastal flooding.
- Journal
- Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
- Funder
- U.S. National Science Foundation, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration