A new type of chemical sensor to detect explosive related compounds has been designed and fabricated with an organic photovoltaic cell as the active element. The detection of chemical molecules is performed by optically exciting the cell while its photovoltaic open-circuit voltage is continuously sampled. Upon exposure to compounds like nitroaromatics, the sensors exhibit a significant increase...

Advanced observational facilities allow to trace back the chemical evolution of the Universe, on the one hand, from local objects of different ages and, secondly, by direct observations of redshifted objects. The chemical enrichment serves as one of the cornerstones of cosmological evolution. In order to understand this chemical evolution in morphologically different astrophysical objects model...

Trace elements diffuse negligible distances through the pristine crystal lattice in minerals: this is a fundamental assumption when using them to decipher geological processes. For example, the reliable use of the mineral zircon (ZrSiO4) as a U-Th-Pb geochronometer and trace element monitor requires minimal radiogenic isotope and trace element mobility. Here, using atom probe tomography, we doc...

Introduction Selenium (Se) is a group VI element with chemical properties very similar to those of sulfur, it has been demonstrated as an essential element for ruminants. Selenium is required to prevent deficiency diseases such as white muscle disease, maintain growth rates of young animals and promote reproductive performance. Camel sensitivity to trace element imbalances has been reported (Fa...

The concept of plant defense using toxic mineral elements originated as an explanation for extremely elevated concentrations of some elements (termed hyperaccumulation) in some plant tissues. The Defensive Enhancement Hypothesis suggests that hyperaccumulation evolved because, after an initial defensive benefit accrued from a relatively low initial concentration, increased concentration of an e...