Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) — commonly known as bad cholesterol — have long been on scientists’ radar as a major contributor to heart disease. But these microscopic troublemakers have hidden their inner workings behind a maze of complexity. That is, until now.

In a new study published in Nature, University of Missouri researchers have, for the first time, revealed the specific shape and structure of one of the body’s most important yet complicated proteins: ApoB100. Acting as a kind of molecular exoskeleton, this protein wraps around LDL particles, allowing them to travel through the bloodstream, researchers found.

Early detection of earthquakes could be vastly improved by tapping into the world's internet network with a groundbreaking new algorithm, researchers say. Fibre optic cables used for cable television, telephone systems and the global web matrix now have the potential to help measure seismic rumblings thanks to recent technological advances, but harnessing this breakthrough has proved problematic. A new paper published today in Geophysical Journal International seeks to address these challenges by adapting a simple physics-based algorithm to include fibre optic data that can then be used hand-in-hand with traditional seismometer measurements.

Ammonium nitrate (NH₄NO₃, AN), is an excellent oxidizer, or a chemical that enhances a material’s ability to combust and release energy, that could be employed as a more environmentally friendly blasting agent, propellant or component of explosives because of its lack of metal atoms. However, due to the hygroscopicity and phase transitions of the compound, AN wasn’t considered a suitable oxidizer. Researchers recently cocrystallized AN with the amino acid glycine (Gly) to stabilize the molecules, eliminating temperature-induced phase transitions and decreasing hygroscopicity, making AN/Gly a safe, suitable and more environmentally friendly oxidizer alternative.

Thioxanthones are versatile but complex compounds used in several industrial fields, including printing, pharmaceuticals, and electronics. Now, researchers from Japan have developed an innovative synthesis method involving double aryne insertion, which streamlines the production of these chemicals. This approach has the potential to reduce complexity, lower costs, and minimize environmental impact, opening the door to advanced applications of thioxanthones in drug development, materials science, nanotechnology, and electronics.