With the support of the Austrian Science Fund FWF, an interdisciplinary Vienna-based team is investigating the nature of carbonaceous particles that play a key role in the formation of ice clouds. These “ice nuclei” act as catalysts inducing the phase change from water to ice. Understanding the process leading to such ice clouds is an […] Continue reading “The formation of ice clouds”
With the support of the Austrian Science Fund FWF, the chemist Zita Csendes has defined and tested iron complexes as a sustainable, inexpensive and efficient alternative to precious-metal catalysts. The shift from catalyst solution to reusable pore coating required mastering many chemical parameters. Continue reading “Catalytic converter with a green profile”
The chemist and materials scientist Miriam Unterlass produces high-performance materials that can withstand temperatures above 600 degrees as well as cosmic radiation – and she only uses hot water to do it. Continue reading “High-performance materials from a pressure cooker”
Eduardo Carrascosa applies his expertise in physics and chemistry to decoding fundamental processes in nature and technology. In Australia, this Schrödinger Fellow has developed a special machine for his purposes and also experienced extraordinary encounters. Continue reading “Of complex molecules and surreal animals”
The physicist Bernadette Rosati investigates how salt particles from the sea influence the weather and climate. The Schrödinger fellow has found the perfect conditions for her research at the University of Aarhus in Denmark. The chemistry is just right – not only at sea, but also within the team and across all the faculties. Continue reading “The atmospheric group”
In the context of her Erwin-Schrödinger project at the Technical University of Denmark, Elisabeth Varga investigates compounds produced by microalgae that are potentially toxic to fish. In Denmark, the natural scientist has broken new ground not only professionally, as she reports in her contribution for scilog. Continue reading “Hygge, Hamlet and HABs”
Once they can synthesise molecules of active natural substances, scientists will be able to harness nature’s medicine cabinet for the drugs of the future. By testing newly developed synthesising processes and catalysts, a project funded by the Austrian Science Fund FWF managed to produce the promising natural substance Brefeldin A faster and in larger quantities. Continue reading “How to make a protein trap”
Rita Fürst does research at the renowned Scripps Research Institute in Florida, where the chemist enjoys reaping the fruit of her interdisciplinary work and making friends with manatees. Continue reading “Welcome to the Sunshine State, welcome to Scripps Florida!”