Chemistry

In a new study in the Soft Matter Emerging Investigators Series, the Xu Research Group demonstrates how micelle–polymer coacervates can be tuned by simple dilution, spreading well on rough, water-repellent surfaces. Their findings point to promising applications in advanced coatings, adhesives, and delivery systems.

Mudiyanselage et al.

Near-infrared dyes are vital for bioimaging and therapy due to their deep tissue penetration and reduced background interference, with aza-BODIPYs standing out for their stability and tunability. The Vicente group synthesized new aza-BODIPY derivatives with absorption and emission between 678–855 nm, demonstrating how specific para-phenyl substitutions precisely modulate absorption, emission, and fluorescence efficiency.

Dhingra, Olajuwon et al.

When X-rays knock out a core electron, they trigger electron motion that unfolds in attoseconds. The Lopata research group used advanced simulations to test whether the shape of the core-hole changes this motion and found it remains nearly the same across inner-shell orbitals, a discovery that expands opportunities for ultrafast X-ray experiments at the attosecond scale.

Hua et al.

Coastal wetlands are vital for shoreline protection, carbon storage, and storm resilience; however, studying belowground root biomass and necromass is a challenge using traditional methods. A new paper co-authored by Prof. Les Butler demonstrates how Optical Coherence Tomography and machine learning can deliver fine-scale, non-destructive insights into root morphology and decay.

Hassan et al.

The Rivera Research Group presents a novel strategy targeting bacterial iron storage with small-molecule inhibitors. Disrupting iron mobilization triggers iron starvation, leading to potent bactericidal effects and improved outcomes when combined with existing antibiotics.

Behm et al.

Zintl phases can convert waste heat into energy, but arsenic-based compounds remain understudied. The Baranets Group reports Eu₂₁Mn₄As₁₈ and revisits Eu₂₁Zn₄As₁₈, revealing key structure–property relationships critical for next-generation thermoelectric materials.

Ishtiyak et al.

The Pojman Research Team published a new study on using 1,1,2,2-tetraphenylethanediol (TPED) as a safer, shelf-stable alternative to peroxide initiators in the frontal polymerization of acrylates. TPED produces void-free materials, offering the added benefit of commercial availability and longer shelf life. 

Al Mahmud et al.

Bismuth clusters are non-toxic, non-radioactive, and promising catalysts for fine chemicals. The Baranets research group reports the first full structure of a rare [Pd@Bi₁₀]⁴⁺ cluster, revealing new insights into its bonding and electronic behavior.

Samarakoon & Baranets

The Pojman research team developed an innovative one-pot method for creating thiol-acrylate and thiol-epoxy coatings using ammonia as a catalyst, eliminating the need for volatile organic compounds and introducing a novel curing strategy for coatings.

Al Mahmud & Pojman