How chemical “sponges” could change the world: A conversation with Zach Zheng Chemist Zach Zheng, in Arts & Sciences, is using artificial intelligence to create metallic-organic compounds that could potentially transform fields from mining to medicine. His mentor, Omar Yaghi, won the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, and Zheng will attend this week’s ceremony in Stockholm. 12.08.2025
Extrudable hydrogels act as bioelectronic conductors Research in Alexandra Rutz’s lab creates hydrogels that could measure biological activity 10.14.2025
Institute for Materials Science and Engineering adds state-of-the-art electron microscope Danforth Shared Instrumentation Facilities Expo set for Oct. 7 to feature GRAND ARM 2, other highlights 09.25.2025
Bae selected as a Rising Star by Advanced Materials journal The honor recognizes the work of early-stage independent researchers 09.22.2025
Strengthening soy for better bioplastics Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis using surface chemistry to improve the strength of soy and cellulose-based biomaterials 09.19.2025
Light as data and power source Mark Lawrence plans to develop light-powered sensors with NSF CAREER Award. Photo Credit: iStock 09.17.2025
New quantum sensors can withstand extreme pressure With NSF support, WashU physicists create quantum sensors that track stress and magnetism at pressures exceeding 30,000 times Earth’s atmosphere 09.15.2025
To better detect chemical weapons, materials scientists are exploring new technologies A team of Washington University researchers, led by Prof. Jennifer Heemstra are developing an easy and reliable way to detect toxic chemicals in the environment. 08.07.2025
Sun exposure changes chemical fate of littered face masks Masks physically degrade into nanoplastics but also chemically change with exposure to sunlight and metals in the surrounding environment 07.31.2025
