Remote Alkynylation of Aliphatic Amines.

Advancements in transition metal catalyzed C-H activation/functionalization cascades have allowed the synthetic chemist's toolbox to be significantly expanded. Despite this, protocols for the remote alkynylation of linear aliphatic amines still remain limited. Herein, a palladium-catalyzed directing-group approach to alkynylation of aliphatic amines is disclosed.

X-Ray Multibeam Ptychography at up to 20 keV: Nano-Lithography Enhances X-Ray Nano-Imaging.

Hard X-rays are needed for non-destructive nano-imaging of solid matter. Synchrotron radiation facilities (SRF) provide the highest-quality images with single-digit nm resolution using advanced techniques such as X-ray ptychography. However, the resolution or field of view is ultimately constrained by the available coherent flux.

Efficient natural plasmid transformation of enables zero-capital molecular biology.

The fast-growing microbe is capable of natural transformation where it draws DNA in from media via an active process under physiological conditions. Using an engineered strain with a genomic copy of the master competence regulator from in combination with a new minimal competence media (MCM) that uses acetate as an energy source, we demonstrate naturally competent cells which are created, transformed, and recovered entirely in the same media, without exchange or addition of fresh media. Cells are naturally competent to plasmids, recombination with linear DNA, and cotransformation of both to select for scarless and markerless genomic edits.

Efficiency estimates for electromicrobial production of branched-chain hydrocarbons.

In electromicrobial production (EMP), electricity is used as microbial energy to produce complex molecules starting from simple compounds like CO. The aviation industry requires sustainable fuel alternatives that can meet demands for high-altitude performance and modern emissions standards. EMP of jet fuel components provides a unique opportunity to generate fuel blends compatible with modern engines producing net-neutral emissions.

Multiple Rounds of Random Mutagenesis and Selection in Result in Substantial Increases in REE Binding Capacity.

Rare earth elements (REE) are essential ingredients in many modern technologies, yet their purification remains either environmentally harmful or economically unviable. Adsorption, or biosorption, of REE onto bacterial cell membranes offers a sustainable alternative to traditional solvent extraction methods. But in order for biosorption-based REE purification to compete economically, the capacity and specificity of biosorption sites must be enhanced.