From fresh steak to new phones, the goods we buy are usually wrapped in one thing: plastic. And plastic dominates how we pack and store products for good reason – it is lightweight, cost-efficient, and durable. Plastic helps us transport and receive goods in perfect condition, thus reducing food waste and preventing damaged goods from heading to landfills.
Biological macromolecules are fundamental components of every cell and are therefore essential for all life. These vital molecules are categorized into four major classes: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. Characterizing biological macromolecules is important for understanding their functions and relationships, which empowers the development of new therapies and treatments. Under this branch of macromolecule research, biotherapeutic drug therapy focuses on macromolecular interactions which can lead to disease and/or cell death.
In autumn of 2021, the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP 26) met in Glasgow to work out agreements to curb greenhouse gas emissions and prevent additional climate change. COP 26 built upon the Paris Agreement to limit global warming below 2-degrees Celsius by achieving net zero carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. These two agreements will shape how governments and industries work together to reduce climate change over the next decade.
Differential scanning calorimetry is an analytical technique used to measure the amount of heat released or absorbed by a sample during heating or cooling over a range of temperature. As well as being used to characterize the thermal properties of a material, a differential scanning calorimeter is used to determine the temperature at which particular phase transitions occur, including glass transition temperature, fusion and crystallization events.
Lithium-ion batteries are transforming key industries through efficient power storage. Today’s battery scientists must build upon previous discoveries while focusing on the battery elements that will drive progress in leading application areas.