Arrays of endless possibility : Without template or catalyst, high‐purity ZnO nanoarrays were patterned though a rapid, tunable and repeatable method (see picture). Their potential contributions in both electrical and biomedical fields were also discussed and demonstrated.
Singled out for its singularity : In a single‐step, single‐component, fluorescence‐based method for the detection of single‐nucleotide polymorphisms at room temperature, the sensor is comprised of a single, self‐complementary DNA strand that forms a triple‐stem structure. The large conformational change that occurs upon binding to perfectly matched (PM) targets results in a significant increase in fluorescence (see picture; F=fluorophore, Q=quencher).
Empty glass : Subjecting ethylene glycol silica sodalite to heat (680 °C) under a nitrogen atmosphere (i) successfully removes the templating agent to give cubic silica sodalite, which, upon consequent heating under an oxygen atmosphere (ii), transforms into a rhombohedral form of the empty sodalite, in effect a novel polymorph of silica.
Easy and direct : Regioselective Mizoroki–Heck‐coupling reactions using heteroaromatic tosylates as electrophiles were achieved, thus providing direct and easy access to highly functionalized α‐heteroarylvinyl amides and ethers.
Delving into digallides : The characteristics of the chemical bonding of the digallides of the alkaline‐earth metals (see figure) have been studied by application of experimental methods, such as single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and solid‐state NMR spectroscopy, in combination with quantum mechanical calculations.
Electrochemistry down to the molecular level was the main theme of the 59th annual meeting of the International Society of Electrochemistry (ISE, see logo). Around 1400 scientists from all over the world met in Seville to discuss modern aspects, progress in methods and new mechanistic insights.
Star formation : A novel and easy method is reported for the synthesis of well‐defined star polymers with high star yield by applying conventional radical copolymerization of linear macromonomer and divinyl cross‐linkers in a homogeneous solution (see figure).
