Chemspy chemistry news and views

(DOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory) A little disorder goes a long way, especially when it comes to harnessing the sun's energy. Berkeley Lab scientists jumbled the atomic structure of the surface layer of titanium dioxide nanocrystals, creating a catalyst that is both long lasting and more efficient than all other materials in using the sun's energy to extract hydrogen from water.

(New York City College of Technology) Lasers aimed from a space probe positioned near an NEO could help determine its surface composition. Using that information, solar sail technology could more accurately focus the sun's rays to penetrate the asteroid's surface to the proper depth, heating it to the correct degree for generating a jet stream that would redirect the asteroid.

(Indiana University School of Medicine) An antibiotic known for its immunosuppressive functions could also point the way to the development of new anti-cancer agents.

(Princeton University, Engineering School) Princeton University engineers have developed a new laser sensing technology that may allow soldiers to detect hidden bombs from a distance and scientists to better measure airborne environmental pollutants and greenhouse gasses.

(University of Michigan) DNA, that marvelous, twisty molecule of life, has an alter ego, research at the University of Michigan and the University of California, Irvine reveals.