Latest news with #molecules
Gizmodo
4 days ago
- Science
- Gizmodo
First-Ever Look at Exploding Molecules Reveals Their Quantum Secrets
In the quantum world, molecules are always on the move. And for the first time ever, scientists have directly captured these tiny quantum dances in action—and they did so by blowing them up real good. Even at absolute zero, individual particles constantly vibrate without a fixed position, a phenomenon referred to as zero-point motion. In a paper published August 7 in Science, researchers at European XFEL harnessed this behavior for the 2-iodopyridine molecule, which consists of 11 atoms. By blasting the molecule with powerful, short bursts of X-ray pulses, the team created a 'microscopic big bang' that allowed them to track, reconstruct, and therefore visualize the molecule's quantum fluctuations. 'We were able to see that the atoms don't just vibrate individually, but that they vibrate in a coupled manner, following fixed patterns,' study senior author Till Jahnke said in a statement. Jahnke, a physicist at the Institute for Nuclear Physics at Goethe University Frankfurt in Germany, added that iodopyridine 'features a whole repertoire of 27 different vibrational modes,' a fascinating quantum behavior that cannot be explained classically. The team used a technique called Coulomb Explosion Imaging, which zaps molecules with X-rays to knock out swathes of electrons from the target molecule. This makes the molecule positively charged overall, causing the atom parts to repel each other and eventually fly apart. A special instrument quickly recorded the shape and motion of each fragment from the explosion, which lasted less than a femtosecond (a quadrillionth of a second). Based on the records, the researchers modeled the explosion to 'visualize' the motion of the molecule, confirming that it aligned with the correlated zero-point motion they were hoping to observe. Other than bringing us a tangible representation of the quantum world, the new results represent the 'fingerprints' of the atoms' quantum behavior. Using this technique to study similar phenomena for other molecules could open entirely new avenues for physicists to investigate individual molecules with unprecedented precision, the researchers state. 'In the future, this technique could be used to study even larger molecules, and time-resolved movies of their internal motions are now possible,' said Michael Meyer, study co-author and a scientist at the Hamburg Centre for Ultrafast Imaging in Germany, in an XFEL statement. 'Our goal is to go beyond the dance of atoms and observe in addition the dance of electrons—a choreography that is significantly faster and also influenced by atomic motion,' said Jahnke. 'With our apparatus, we can gradually create real short films of molecular processes—something that was once unimaginable.'
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
Scientists just recreated the universe's first ever molecules — and the results challenge our understanding of the early cosmos
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. For the first time, researchers have recreated the universe's first ever molecules by mimicking the conditions of the early universe. The findings shake up our understanding of the origin of stars in the early universe and "calls for a reassessment of the helium chemistry in the early universe," the researchers wrote in the new study, published July 24 in the journal Astronomy and Astrophysics. The first stars in the universe Just after the Big Bang 13.8 billion years ago, the universe was subject to extremely high temperatures. A few seconds later, though, temperatures decreased enough for hydrogen and helium to form as the first ever elements. Hundreds of thousands of years after those elements formed, temperatures became cool enough for their atoms to combine with electrons in a variety of different configurations, forging molecules. According to the researchers, a helium hydride ion — or HeH+ — became the first ever molecule. The ion is needed to form molecular hydrogen, now the most abundant molecule in the universe. Both helium hydride ions and molecular hydrogen were critical to the development of the first stars hundreds of millions of years later, the researchers said. For a protostar to begin fusion — the process that enables stars to create their own energy — atoms and molecules within it must collide with each other and release heat. This process is largely ineffective at temperatures under 18,000 degrees Fahrenheit (10,000 degrees Celsius). Related: Universe's First Molecule Detected in Space for the First Time Ever However, helium hydride ions are particularly good at continuing the process, even under cool temperatures, and are considered to be a potentially integral factor of star formation in the early universe. The amount of helium hydride ions in the universe may therefore have had significant bearing on the speed and efficacy of early star formation, the researchers said in a statement. Far more important than previously assumed In the new study, the researchers recreated early helium hydride reactions by storing the ions at minus 449 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 267 degrees Celsius) for up to 60 seconds to cool them down before forcing them to collide with heavy hydrogen. Researchers studied how the collisions — similar to those that kickstart fusion in a star — changed depending on the temperature of the particles. They found that reaction rates between these particles do not slow down at lower temperatures, which contradicts older assumptions. RELATED STORIES —2 stars covered in unusual elements have a puzzling origin story —'Immortal' stars at the Milky Way's center may have found an endless energy source, study suggests —The Milky Way's 'thick disk' is 2 billion years older than scientists thought "Previous theories predicted a significant decrease in the reaction probability at low temperatures, but we were unable to verify this in either the experiment or new theoretical calculations," study co-author Holger Kreckel, who studies nuclear physics at the Max Planck Institute for Nuclear Physics in Germany, said in the statement. This new finding of how helium hydride ions function challenges how physicists think stars formed in the early universe. Reactions between the ions and other atoms "appear to have been far more important for chemistry in the early universe than previously assumed," Kreckel said. Periodic table of elements quiz: How many elements can you name in 10 minutes? Solve the daily Crossword
Observer
10-02-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman's first oral care factory set to open, boosting local industry
MUSCAT, FEB 10 In a significant development for Oman's manufacturing sector, molecules — 100% Omani factory — is set to launch the country's first specialised oral care production facility. The initiative, which aligns with Oman Vision 2040's economic diversification goals, aims to reduce dependency on imports and position Oman as a regional hub for oral hygiene products. In an interview with the Observer, Tariq bin Mohammed al Balushi, CEO of molecules, highlighted the strategic vision behind the project. 'Oral care is a fundamental part of personal hygiene, yet a significant portion of products in Oman and the region are imported. We identified an opportunity to localise production, ensuring that high-quality oral care products are available at competitive prices while reducing dependency on imports,' he said. GOVERNMENT SUPPORT AND ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION molecules has received strong backing from Omani authorities, reinforcing the country's push for self-sufficiency in essential consumer goods. 'The Omani government has been instrumental in fostering local manufacturing initiatives and we have received valuable support from various government entities. This includes assistance in regulatory approvals, access to industrial zones and incentives aimed at encouraging local production,' Al Balushi noted. Key institutions, including the Authority for SME Development (Riyada) and the Development Bank, have played a critical role in facilitating the project's success. 'Their financial assistance, advisory services and SME-focused programmes have helped us overcome challenges and accelerate the establishment of this factory,' he added. Tariq bin Mohammed al Balushi, CEO of molecules. QUALITY AND INNOVATION AT THE CORE Setting itself apart from international competitors, molecules has invested heavily in advanced formulations and modern manufacturing processes. The company's commitment to quality ensures that its toothpaste and mouthwash products meet international standards. 'Our formulations are developed in collaboration with industry experts, incorporating scientifically proven ingredients. Additionally, being locally based allows us to respond swiftly to market demands and customise products to suit regional preferences,' said Al Balushi. This agility, he explained, provides a competitive advantage over imported brands, which often do not cater specifically to the needs and preferences of Omani consumers. REGIONAL EXPANSION ON THE HORIZON With its state-of-the-art facility now operational, molecules is already looking beyond Oman's borders for growth. The company has identified significant opportunities in the GCC and beyond. 'Our vision extends beyond Oman and we are actively exploring opportunities to expand into the GCC and broader international markets. The high quality of our products and our competitive pricing strategy position us well for exports,' Al Balushi stated. Initial discussions with potential distributors in neighbouring countries are already underway, reinforcing molecules' ambition to become a trusted name in the oral care sector across the region. A MILESTONE FOR OMANI INDUSTRY The launch of this factory marks a turning point for Oman's industrial landscape, demonstrating the potential of local manufacturing in previously import-dependent sectors. With strong government support, a commitment to quality and clear expansion plans, molecules is poised to redefine oral care in Oman and beyond. As Al Balushi summed up, 'With this project, we confirm our commitment to providing local products with global standards, reflecting the Sultanate of Oman's ability to lead in various sectors.'
