A magazine providing a snapshot of the latest developments across the chemical sciences.
Issue 12
Research Highlights
Chemical forensics: every contact leaves a trace
David Rendle surveys the chemical techniques currently available to forensic scientists.
A new non-destructive method for the detection of alkaloids in plant tissue has been developed by a team of US researchers.
The bones behind the cytoskeleton network
A newly discovered cyclic AMP (cAMP) receptor called Epac plays an important role in connecting the microtubule cytoskeleton network to intracellular cAMP-signalling.
Toxic elements in cigarette smoke
Heavy metals like arsenic, cadmium and lead have been detected in sidestream cigarette smoke, demonstrating that these toxic elements can travel different distances in air flow.
The self-assembly of metal nanoparticles at fluid interfaces has been successfully demonstrated by German researchers.
New fluorophilic phosphines for use in catalysis
Advances in the synthesis of ligands for use in rhodium-based catalysts could lead to industrially viable applications.
Acute toxicity testing of ionic liquids with zebrafish suggests that some of these compounds pose a risk to the aquatic environment.
A remarkable molecular gearbox with potential applications in nanoscience and smart materials has been developed.
A polymer that forms helices when dissolved in water could lead to new materials for bio and electronic applications.
Cyclodextrin vesicles receive molecular signals
Answers to how living cells and bacteria receive molecular signals and deal with the initial steps of viral infection may soon be revealed.
Scientists from Hong Kong have demonstrated a strategy for tuning the pitch of metal-organic helical polymers by choice of metal ion or counter anion.
Self-assembling dendrimers - reaching the core
A new structure has been developed that promises to serve as the core for a novel self-assembling dendrimer.
Controlling electron movement in molecular-scale wires
Modulating electron flow along a donor-connector-acceptor system by control of the central torsion angle of a bridging group could lead to improved communication systems.
New complexes with multi-bridging, multi-coordination mode thione ligands have been discovered.
Essential Elements
Are you good at solving puzzles?
This year has seen the anniversary of 40 years of ChemComm
A fascinating, new book series is being launched by the RSC
Downloadable Files
Chemical Science 2005 issue 12
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