Features
Features January 2012
Bright sparks
From the Olympics to New Year's Eve events, fireworks are synonymous with celebration. James Mitchell Crow looks into some pyrotechnic research worth celebrating in itself
DNA motors on
With the relentless rise of DNA nanotechnology's popularity, Emma Davies explores the role chemistry has played in its success
Chasing the wave
With the authorities, medics and analytical chemists struggling to break the flow of new legal highs, the bad guys appear to be getting the upper hand. Sarah Houlton reports
Climbing the data mountain
Clare Sansom takes a 'peak' at the databases that stop researchers being buried under an avalanche of chemical information
Features December 2011
A shade of green
Major retailers are starting to consider the environmental impact of the fabric dyeing and finishing processes used by their manufacturers. Fiona Case reports
Getting stuck in
Nature produces a wide variety of glues that outperform all synthetic adhesives. Michael Gross looks into this sticky subject
A nutritional revolution
Mike Sutton bites into the life of Sir Frederick Gowland Hopkins, the biochemist credited with discovering vitamins
Features November 2011
Quasicrystals scoop prize
This year's Nobel laureate in chemistry fought hard to win acceptance of his discovery: quasicrystals. Laura Howes tells how perseverance led to the ultimate recognition
Reaching out
The explosion is the doyenne of chemical demonstrations, but is the web taking over as a tool for researchers to enthuse the public about chemistry? Phillip Broadwith investigates
Waving goodbye to the paper lab book
With electronic lab notebooks finally making waves in academia, Anthony King asks whether the time has come to part company with the much loved paper lab book
Curiosity to take off
When Nasa's latest Mars rover is launched into space later this year, it'll carry the most advanced analytical instruments ever sent to the planet. David Pittman reports
Features October 2011
Fuelling the future
Fuel cell vehicles have taken a back seat to battery and hybrid power in recent years. But hydrogen still holds promise in the long term, as Laura Howes finds out
Engines of innovation
Our desire for economical but environmentally friendly transport has driven progress in fuel and oil additives. But as Andy Extance discovers, further development is needed
Hold your breath
Particulates from vehicles cause significant issues in urban environments. Emma Davies uncovers the chemistry that is causing and potentially solving the problems
Where the rubber meets the road
A tyre's composition affects grip, fuel economy and its lifetime. Fiona Case investigates how new materials are improving tyre performance and reducing environmental impact
Changing planes
A new breed of aircraft built from lightweight carbon composites is taking flight. But are these materials all they're cracked up to be, asks Hayley Birch
Features September 2011
Diamonds are for everything
No longer valued simply for its glamour and durability, diamond is turning its hand to applications in solar power, laser design and bionic eyes. James Mitchell Crow reports
Where the ocean meets the sky
Ocean fertilisation is controversial, but politicians are starting to take it seriously. So will it ever be worth the hassle, asks Hayley Birch
Stemming the tide
Are drug-immune cancer stem cells the root of recurring tumours? And if they are, can we treat them? Sarah Houlton joins in the hunt
Orphans come in from the cold
Rare diseases are less rare than you might think, reports Bea Perks, and finding drugs for them can mean big business
Graphene by the kilo
Durham Graphene Science founder Karl Coleman is forging ahead in production of single-layer carbon. Sarah Houlton talks to the 2011 Chemistry World entrepreneur of the year
Features August 2011
Clever comestibles
Controlling the microscopic structure of foods could make diet products that help you feel fuller for longer. Emma Davies gets her teeth into some edible colloids
Anarchy in the proteome
15 years ago, the idea that proteins might be functional without a well-ordered 3D structure was heretical. But Michael Gross discovers, a little flexibility can go a long way
A sticky end?
Rather than evolving to increase complexity, could protein-protein interactions be part of a self-protection strategy gone too far? Philip Ball investigates
Innovation ticks the boxes
The UK's Technology and Innovation Centres will provide research services to bridge the gap between industry and academia. Elisabeth Jeffries reports
Features July 2011
Beyond the frontiers
In space and Antarctica, planning and running research projects transcends national borders. Laura Howes finds out how this affects the way researchers operate
Redesigning nature's catalysts
Harnessing the power of enzymes to perform reactions outside their normal abilities is adding powerful tools to the synthetic chemist's armoury. James Mitchell Crow investigates
Blazing a trail
Robert Bunsen's explosive career left an indelible impact - both in advancement of knowledge and the ubiquitous gas burner. Mike Sutton follows in his footsteps
Turning the tables on Alzheimer's
As our understanding of Alzheimer's disease develops, Clare Sansom takes a look at emerging strategies for treating this enigmatic illness
Features June 2011
Breaking through the barrier
Getting drug molecules into the brain means crossing the defensive blood-brain barrier. Anthony King investigates how chemists are infiltrating the brain's fortress
Cast from the same mould?
Development of generic biological drugs is gathering momentum. But as Rajendrani Mukhopadhyay finds out, the welcome they are receiving looks very different in the EU and the US
No laughing matter
Had it not been for nitrous oxide's subversion as a recreational folly, its utility as an anaesthetic could have been uncovered much earlier, as John Mann discovers
Extreme potential
The world's least hospitable environments are treasure troves for synthetic organic chemists and drug developers, reports Bea Perks
Features May 2011
Chemistry in every cup
Coffee has a conflicting reputation - is it a guilty pleasure or a life saving elixir? Emma Davies gulps down an espresso and investigates
Wealth of opportunity
Chemists in developing countries face unique challenges. But as Mike Brown discovers, for those willing to take them on, the benefits can be enormous
When is a catalyst not a catalyst?
This riddle has come to vex certain corners of the catalysis community. But once solved, it could potentially point to new kinds of chemistry, as James Mitchell Crow discovers
Liquid assets
Nazi Germany and apartheid South Africa helped found the Fischer-Tropsch synthetic fuel industry. Andy Extance discovers how it is now adapting to polish its reputation
Features April 2011
Waste not, want not
Modern devices waste a lot of energy as heat, noise and vibration. James Mitchell Crow investigates a new breed of energy scavenging materials that could recapture some of it
Of mice and men
2009 marked the first year that more genetically modified animals were used in UK scientific procedures than animals deemed 'genetically normal'. Katrina Megget investigates
Doubts and paradoxes
Robert Boyle's The sceptical chymist still holds lessons for the modern chemist - 350 years after its publication, as Mike Sutton discovers
Forensic flow
Microfluidic technology is finally ready for forensic DNA profiling labs, as Rajendrani Mukhopadhyay reports
Features March 2011
60 years of innovation
To celebrate the international year of chemistry, James Mitchell Crow looks back at some of the discoveries and developments made by chemists over the past six decades
On the origin of proteins
A series of mistakes over 3.7 billion years has left us with a spectacular array of protein structures and functions, which are responsible for life itself, writes Bea Perks
Nanotech decade
Ten years of investment has turned nanotechnology into a booming research and industrial landscape. Fiona Case investigates whether it has lived up to the hype
Sizing it up
Andrew Turley takes a tour of the latest tools for particle sizing, and finds that the answer depends very much on the way you ask the question
Features February 2011
Rehabilitating captured CO2
Rather than burying it underground, companies are developing processes that use carbon dioxide emissions as chemical starting materials. Andy Extance investigates
Fighting the flu
The threat of pandemic influenza is constantly on the horizon. Clare Sansom explores the latest attempts to tackle an ever-changing foe
Mummy mania
Mummified remains from Egypt and beyond hold chemical information about the daily lives of ancient civilisations. Emma Davies reports
Idle cures
Taking a coffee break could help find cures for cancer or Aids. Katrina Megget looks at the future of research that harnesses the computing power of the World Community Grid
Features January 2011
Elements of inspiration
Unerring in her enquiry and not afraid of hard work, Marie Curie set a shining example for generations of scientists. Bill Griffith explores the life of a chemical heroine
Picture perfect pentacene
Advances in microscopy are letting us see not just atoms but the chemical bonds in between them. James Mitchell Crow takes a closer look
Critical thinking
As our supply of some essential elements dries up, it's time to start urban mining. Emma Davies reports
Faking it
Counterfeit medicines can kill - so shouldn't we lock up the people producing them? Bea Perks finds out it's not quite that simple
Features December 2010
Shaken, not stirred
Can't we just enjoy cocktails at Christmas without worrying about the science behind them? Not if the molecular mixologists get their way. Hayley Birch ventures to the bar
With a little help from our friends
Pursuing a scientific career with a disability presents a unique set of challenges. But as Mike Brown discovers, anything is possible with a little support
The spiders' apprentices
For years scientists have tried and failed to artificially reproduce the properties of spider silk. Michael Gross untangles the latest strands of research
Securing the supply chain
Terrorism, piracy and theft are becoming increasingly serious problems for chemistry companies. Phil Taylor finds out how they're protecting themselves
Features November 2010
Carbon couplers take the prize
Three giants of organic chemistry, who pioneered palladium-catalysed cross coupling reactions, have shared this year's Nobel prize. Simon Hadlington catches up with them
The bones of it
Isotope and DNA analysis of archaeological remains offer new insights into the diets and origins of ancient populations. Emma Davies digs up more information
Paper-based diagnostics
Paper's ubiquity and cheapness make it uniquely suitable for creating low-cost medical and environmental diagnostic devices. Rajendrani Mukhopadhyay investigates
What's in store for European biotech?
The global economic crisis has made funding even harder to come by, but positive long-term trends provide some cause for optimism, as Maria Burke discovers
Features October 2010
Biology meets click chemistry
A decades-old reaction that has become the poster boy for the field of 'click chemistry' is now expanding into biology, as Hayley Birch discovers
Artificial blood
Synthetic alternatives to donor blood have been stuck in development for decades. Nina Notman reports on recent promising progress
Dynamic degrees
The University of Bristol's innovative teaching labs are marketing their electronic laboratory manuals around the world. Emma Davies reports on an education success story
Airs and graces
Henry Cavendish was instrumental in unveiling the components of the air that we breathe. Mike Sutton looks back at his life
Features September 2010
Repulsive chemistry
Simon Hadlington discovers why some people get bitten by more insects than others, and how new chemical deterrents are helping fight them off
Gold fever
The catalytic potential of gold nanoparticles was overlooked for years, but researchers are making up for lost time, writes Bea Perks
Picking the pockets of philanthropists
With many funding sources being slashed, Justine Davies delves into the deep pockets of endowment charities to see what she can find for today's cash-strapped scientists
The birth of the pill
Fifty years after its birth, John Mann reports on the conception and evolution of the contraceptive pill
Features August 2010
Let's get physical
Physical chemists are finding themselves more in demand than ever. Emma Davies finds out why
Saudi science breaks the mould
Sarah Houlton speaks to research pioneers at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology as it approaches its first anniversary
Receptive receptors
One route to developing new drugs is to look at targeting the hundreds of G-protein-coupled receptors that are not currently exploited clinically. Clare Sansom investigates
The lost Boys of quantum chemistry
Dermot Martin profiles Frank Boys, an unsung hero of theoretical chemistry
Features July 2010
Roadblock on memory lane
The ability to wipe out traumatic memories is just around the corner. Katrina Megget looks into the science of forgetting
I spy with my MRI
Boundaries of magnetic resonance imaging are continuing to be pushed to reveal more about the human body and aid disease diagnosis
Medicine made to measure
Healthcare tailored to suit the genetic makeup of the patient is finally coming to fruition, as Anna Lewcock reports
Cracking crystal codes
Cholesterol, penicillin, vitamin B12...? Mike Sutton completes the list and explains the connection
Features June 2010
How to disappear completely
Animals use all sorts of optical trickery to make themselves invisible to predators. Hayley Birch finds out how the natural world can help develop new camouflage materials
Sweets for my sweet
Could new sweet enhancers and natural sweeteners finally make zero-calorie products taste more like the real thing? Emma Davies finds out
Cultivating the seeds of hope
There are 250 million cases of malaria each year, and effective medication is expensive and in short supply. Justine Davies explores possible solutions
Solar storms
Storm clouds looming over Solar Valley in Germany, the world's largest cluster of solar panel producers, as Ned Stafford reports
Features May 2010
One extreme to another
It takes a mix of ingenuity and engineering expertise to develop mass spectrometers for use in extreme environments. Emma Davies investigates
A barrel load of compounds
As the world's petroleum supply dries up, Phillip Broadwith goes hunting for oil armed with a mass spectrometer, a chromatography column and state-of-the-art data-mining software
Spinning around
Electron spin resonance is emerging as a valuable analytical tool with a wide range of uses. Michael Gross reports
Solvents reveal their ionic powers
Katharine Sanderson unveils the proof that finally showed quite how special the green solvents ionic liquids really are
Features April 2010
LEDs to light up the world
White light emitting diodes are set for a bright future in the household and commercial lighting markets. Ned Stafford investigates
A catalytic collaboration
In a new collaborative effort to develop better catalysts for energy applications, computational and experimental chemists are joining forces. Hayley Birch reports
Model molecules
As computational chemistry's footprint expands, Clare Sansom considers the technical challenges that remain
The iconic curly arrow
Robert Robinson pioneered the use of curly arrows to show electron movement. David O'Hagan and Douglas Lloyd report on this eminent historical figure
Features March 2010
Painting the town green
As new environmental legislation alters the allowed constituents of paint and varnishes, Sarah Houlton reports on how paint manufacturers are tweaking the contents of their tins
Beyond terra firma
Matt Wilkinson reports on InXitu's award winning portable x-ray diffraction/x-ray fluorescence system
The Perkin family legacy
Today's colour lovers, organic chemists and university students have a lot to thank the late 19th century Perkin family for, as Mike Sutton explains
Houston, we've had a problem
On the 40th anniversary of the explosion on board Apollo 13 , Richard Corfield reports on the cause and how teamwork returned the astronauts to Earth safely
Features February 2010
What's bugging the bees?
Insecticides, pathogens, stress? Michael Gross reports on possible explanations for the mysterious vanishing of honeybee colonies
Chemistry bites
Simon Hadlington previews the novel materials coming soon to a dental surgery near you
The will to win
While Canada may win medals when it hosts the 2010 Winter Olympics, when it comes to innovation the nation is still finding its feet. Helen Carmichael reports
Identifying the lost soldiers of Fromelles
More than 90 years on, recently found bodies of 250 soldiers who died during the Battle of Fromelles in the first world war need identifying. Richard Corfield investigates
Features January 2010
The art of Raman
Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy is allowing art conservators to rewrite sections of art history, reports Rajendrani Mukhopadhyay
Operation outsource
Western companies are now outsourcing highly skilled science work to China. Can the industry's growing demands be met, asks Sarah Houlton
Shining a light on vitamin D
Vitamin D deficiency is on the up. With links to bone diseases and even cancer and MS, we need sun sense, says Justine Davies
Welcome to the machine
Molecular machines have promised so much but are they more whimsical than technical? Philip Ball investigates
Features December 2009
Reading between the lines
We will surely never solve all the mysteries of the universe. But, as Jon Cartwright reports, spectroscopy holds the key to unravelling many planetary secrets
Twinkle, twinkle little star
Mike Sutton delves into the history of telescopes, spectroscopes and stellar chemistry
Running on air
The battery is enjoying a comeback as the star of a modern low carbon epic. Elisabeth Jeffries reports on the technologies being developed to store renewably generated electricity
Proteins unravelled
Philip Ball explores the phenomenon of protein unfolding, and considers new techniques for keeping the egg unscrambled
Features November 2009
Biology's Nobel molecule factory
Three scientists who revealed the structure and workings of the ribosome have shared the 2009 Nobel prize in chemistry. Phillip Broadwith unravels the story
A redesign for life
Work in the fashionable new field of synthetic biology is gathering pace. Hayley Birch looks into some of the latest developments in a rapidly evolving area
Molecules made to measure
HIV protease inhibitors have been one of the big successes of rational drug design. Clare Sansom looks at the impact of structural biology on drug discovery
Design for life
A new drug for treating prostate cancer, developed by rational design and currently making its way through clinical trials, could improve the prognosis, says John Mann
40 years of crystal growth
The development of the British Association of Crystal Growth maps changes in the industry over the past 40 years. Hayley Birch caught up with members at this year's conference
Features October 2009
The spice of life
Many of the world's favourite ingredients have more to offer than just flavour, says Ned Stafford. Many also show health benefits
In a fix
Billions of people owe their lives to our ability to grab nitrogen out of the air to fertilise our crops. But there can be too much of a good thing, reports Kira Weissman
Boxing clever
Food scientists are developing increasingly sophisticated packaging materials to extend shelf life of many foods. Nina Notman looks at the delicacies on offer
On the rise
The ancient tradition of bread baking depends on a cascade of chemical reactions. Scientists have found myriad ways to modify the process, say Bryan Reuben and Tom Coultate
The food detectives
Every day, scientists at RSSL's food analysis labs in Reading, UK, investigate cases of food adulteration. Hayley Birch was let in on a few secrets of the trade
Features September 2009
Living the Nobel life
Matthew Chalmers and Nina Notman get the lowdown on life as a Nobel laureate at the the 59th meeting of Nobel laureates
Drugs for a developing world
Diseases affecting the developing world have long been neglected, but new partnerships between governments, charities and pharmaceutical firms could change that, says Sarah Houlton...
Wealth from Greenland, honour from London
19th century Danish chemist Julius Thomsen dedicated his professional life to a systematic search for a unifying theory of chemical reactivity. Mike Sutton finds out more
Quotient multiplied
Less than three years after forming, Quotient Bioscience is one of the fastest growing pharmaceutical outsourcing companies in the UK. Matt Wilkinson went to meet them
Features August 2009
A vital blow for chemistry
Chemistry may have become an increasingly high tech discipline, but it still relies on glassware - and the age-old skill of glassblowing - says Simon Hadlington
A radical old age
As we expand our knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of ageing, could we soon see a jump in 'healthspan'? Emma Davies talks to the scientists tackling age-related disease
One giant leap
NASA's Apollo missions answered many questions about the Moon - and as NASA unveils plans to return, lunar chemistry will again play a prominent role, says Richard Corfield
Pill-popping pets
Over the past decade there has been a dramatic increase in the number of drugs prescribed to pets. What are the factors behind this trend, asks Elisabeth Jeffries
July 2009
Hoisting the solar sail
Flying through space by catching sunlight on ultra-thin sails could revolutionise space travel - and the idea could soon take off, says Ned Stafford
Temozolomide - birth of a blockbuster
The history of anticancer drug temozolomide can be traced back over 30 years - and it all started with some novel nitrogen chemistry, says Clare Sansom
Spin-outs: business built on chemistry
Graham Richards, former head of chemistry at the University of Oxford, shares some of the lessons learned from spinning out companies based on good novel chemistry
Spin-outs: protecting your assets
Patents are crucial for any spin-out to thrive, say patent attornies Bob Pidgeon and Jennifer Delaney
Armageddon in slow motion
Nobel peace prize winner and doctor Eric Chivian believes environmental change poses a serious threat to human health. Maria Burke talks to him
June 2009
Bubble-wrapped frogs
Tropical frogs create remarkable foams to protect their spawn. Exploration of the underlying chemistry has only just begun, as Michael Gross discovers
At the crossroads
Fifteen years after Nelson Mandela won South Africa's first democratic election, the 'rainbow nation' continues to face challenges as diverse as its people. Linda Nordling reports
Monsters from the deep preserved
Finding and then raising historic ships wrecked centuries ago is challenging business - but it's just the first part of the rescue process, says Elisabeth Jeffries
Nanopores for thought
Sarah Houlton talks to Hagan Bayley, the 2008 Chemistry World Entrepreneur of the year
May 2009
The artificial leaf
Using sunlight to split water molecules and form hydrogen fuel is one of the most promising tactics for kicking our carbon habit. Hayley Birch examines the options
The spin doctors
Researchers around the world are looking to develop advanced computers based on electron spin. Matthew Chalmers examines how close these devices are to becoming reality
Long life foods
Could the foods we eat be engineered to stave off disease, keeping us fit and healthy far into old age? Ned Stafford looks into the growing trend for functional food
Northern lights
Scotland is an established home for the chemicals industry - but is now increasingly attracting biotech and life sciences companies. Yfke Hager reports
April 2009
Pittcon 60 years on
The Pittsburgh Conference on Analytical Chemistry and Applied Spectroscopy celebrates its 60th birthday this year. Matt Wilkinson finds out how the show has evolved
The biofuel future
The chemistry to convert waste into fuels is now being tested at pilot plants around the world. We may have the science, but are governments and industry ready, asks Emma Davies
Is DNA nanotechnology coming of age?
DNA nanotechnology has moved a long way since its first public appearance in 1991 - and its first applications are already on the horizon, says Michael Gross
Reinvesting in the future
Northern Ireland-based Almac is ploughing the profits from its pharmaceutical support divisions into a range of new research ventures. James Mitchell Crow visits the company
March 2009
Fruits of the forest
Last summer a team of UK scientists dragged the contents of their lab out into the jungle, to analyse the local atmosphere. Emma Davies finds out what they discovered
Periodic change
The periodic table, cherished by generations of chemists, has steadily evolved over time. Eric Scerri is among those now calling for drastic change
Molecular healing
Biomaterials engineers are hijacking the chemistry behind the healing process to create a new generation of smarter wound treatments. Victoria Gill investigates
Fight for rights
A few male chemists were fervent supporters of the women who sought to joining their ranks at the turn of the 20th century, as Marelene and Geoff Rayner-Canham find out
February 2009
The sweet scent of success
Emma Davies pokes her nose into some of the world's most celebrated perfume molecules
Magic MOFs
Metal organic frameworks are molecular mops that have the potential to solve some of the world's most pressing environmental problems. Hayley Birch finds out more
Catalytic dreams
Being able to break selected C-H bonds empowers the synthetic chemist and could revolutionise the petrochemical industry, as Emma Davies discovers
Pushing the boundaries
One drug can be useful for many different conditions - some of which it isn't licensed for. Peter Mitchell finds out how far is too far when it comes to off-label promotion
January 2009
Cells with potential
Beyond the medical breakthroughs, the hype and the controversy, how are the big drug companies developing their use of stem cells? Sarah Houlton reports
Into Africa
China's national petroleum companies have built some of the biggest refinery projects in Africa, in a resource rush not without controversy
Chemical lift-off in the sub-Sahara?
Sean Milmo reports on new opportunities for the chemicals industry as foreign funds flow into sub-Saharan Africa
Feynman's fancy
Richard Feynman's famous talk on atom-by-atom assembly is often credited with kick-starting nanotechnology. Fifty years on, Philip Ball investigates how influential it really was
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