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.

A new technology developed at Tel Aviv University and implemented at Barzilai Medical Center in Ashkelon has demonstrated a significant increase in the success rates of fertilization, pregnancy, and the birth of a healthy baby through in vitro fertilization (IVF). According to the findings collected thus far, the technology has increased IVF success rates from 34% to 65% — resulting in 20 pregnancies out of 31 embryo transfers compared to only 14 pregnancies out of 41 embryo transfers in the control group. Among the notable cases was a couple who, after enduring 15 unsuccessful IVF cycles over several years, conceived for the first time using this technology and finally became parents.

Researchers have proposed using polymer membranes modified with copper, zinc, and chromium metal ions for water purification. These polymers were used for the first time in water purification via electrodialysis. Copper-based membranes demonstrated record selectivity for monovalent ions, opening new possibilities for sustainable water recycling. The study has been published in the Journal of Membrane Science. Researchers have proposed using polymer membranes modified with copper, zinc, and chromium metal ions for water purification. These polymers were used for the first time in water purification via electrodialysis. Copper-based membranes demonstrated record selectivity for monovalent ions, opening new possibilities for sustainable water recycling. The study has been published in the Journal of Membrane Science. 

Detailed study of a Greenland glacier’s flow rate reveals the impact of environmental conditions.