Nitrogen is an essential component in the production of amino acids and nucleic acids — both necessary for cell growth and function. Atmospheric nitrogen must first be converted, or “fixed,” into a form that can be used by plants, often as ammonia. There are only two ways of fixing nitrogen, one industrial and one biological. To better understand a key component of the biological process, University of California San Diego Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry Akif Tezcan and Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry Mark Herzik took a multi-pronged approach. Their work appears in Nature.

Recently researchers from SEOULTECH have pioneered a graphene-based laser lift-off technique that prevents damage while separating ultrathin OLED displays. By utilizing graphene's ability to absorb UV light and distribute heat, they have achieved pristine, flexible displays. This advancement opens doors for ultra-thin, stretchable devices that fit comfortably against human skin, revolutionizing wearable device technology.