June 2006
Vol 3, No 6
News and analysis
US firms accuse Reach of raising trade barriers
03 May 2006
American industry warns EU chemicals directive will cause 'unnecessary barriers to trade'.
Cancer charity takes on shelved drugs
04 May 2006
An untapped source of potential cancer drug molecules is being exploited by the UK's leading cancer charity
Chilling warnings on receding permafrost
02 May 2006
The annual loss of around one per cent of the world's permafrost areas could trigger the release of even more greenhouse gases.
Marriage of science and innovation
26 April 2006
Significant changes to UK government science set-up have been announced, in an attempt to embed science into the Department of Trade and Industry.
Secret of tasty tomatoes revealed
05 May 2006
Vine-ripened tomatoes are officially tastier than gas-ripened supermarket equivalents, thanks to their umami.
Detecting brain damage before it happens
24 May 2006
New NMR technique could detect brain damage early enough to provide treatment for stroke victims.
In the blink of an eye
21 April 2006
There is much more to tears than salty water, report UK chemists. The liquid film that moistens our eyes has a coating similar to a cell membrane.
Plasticiser debate continues
26 April 2006
European commission conclusions on risks posed by phthalate plasticisers have brought mixed reactions.
Making fun of Beagle 2 (again)
10 May 2006
Colin Pillinger, who ran the failed Beagle 2 mission to Mars, has launched an exhibition of cartoons charting man's obsession with reaching the red planet.
Sussex reprieve raises intervention issue
15 May 2006
Plans to close Sussex chemistry department scrapped, new department created.
News briefs
Short items
Funding briefs
Short items
New on the market
New products - June 2006
In the papers...
Short items
Chemical Science
'Sticky trees' glue molecules to proteins
27 April 2006
Researchers have developed a chemical 'glue' that binds molecules to proteins without compromising protein function.
Biochemists reveal hidden drug effects
17 May 2006
Canadian researchers have identified unexpected drug activities by probing biochemical pathways inside living cells.
Biomolecular traffic control
12 May 2006
Dutch researchers have developed a biomotor that steers microtubules to a specific location on a chip.
Sea water assumes the xenon mantle
11 May 2006
British geochemists have uncovered evidence that sea water incorporates noble gases into the Earth's mantle.
Dynamic designer fragrances
23 May 2006
Designer fragrances might conjure up images of Calvin Klein and JLo, but chemists have added new meaning to the phrase by designing perfumes that provide a longer-lasting scent.
Organogels offer control over nanofibre formation
22 May 2006
Scientists in Spain say they have tuned the shape and size of silica nanofibres by using pH-responsive gels as templates.
Putting some backbone into bacterial killers
24 April 2006
Molecules need a bit of backbone in order to punch through bacterial membranes, say US chemists.
Viruses display liquid crystal control
18 April 2006
Researchers in the US have discovered that viruses can control the orientation of liquid crystals
DNA sequencing reaches the space age
25 April 2006
The smallest ever DNA sequencing device needs just 1 femtomole of DNA.
Double-whammy analysis to probe nanotubes
28 April 2006
US chemists and physicists have probed the structure of carbon nanotubes in unprecedented detail
Coating protects organic materials from photodegradation
05 May 2006
Materials scientists in Spain have used sol-gel technology to develop a UV protective coating, which they say can protect organic materials from light damage.
Fluorescent bursts aid nano-imaging
09 May 2006
US chemists have measured nanometre distances previously unattainable by conventional microscopy.
DNA beacons
16 May 2006
Researchers in the US have prepared a molecular beacon that allows the quantitative detection of DNA.
Selective binding of modified nucleic acids
10 May 2006
Scientists in India have made a series of modified nucleic acids that show potential as gene-targeted drugs.
Precious platinum photographs
18 May 2006
A photograph printed in platinum and then modified with the gum bichromate process, has sold for nearly $3 million at Sotheby's.
Switching off polymerisation in the dark
16 May 2006
With summer on the way, polymer science is about to get a boost following news that sunlight can kick-start polymerisation.
Functional materials from peptides
08 May 2006
Chemists in Japan have made nanotubular structures from cyclic peptides that could be used in molecular electronic devices.
Simulating cells on a surface
16 May 2006
Simulating the movement of model biological cells could help predict cell behaviour, say researchers in the US.
Ordered molecular nanoarrays
17 May 2006
Researchers have made ordered nanoarrays of molecules on a surface, which they say could be useful for many emerging nanotechnologies.
Wrapping adds stability to luminescent probes
19 May 2006
Chemical wrapping enhances the effectiveness of luminescent probes used in medical imaging, say chemists in Switzerland.
Features
Chancing upon chemical wonders
Serendipity has played a big part in many of chemistry's major discoveries, from electrically conducting polymers to mauve dye, as Philip Ball finds out.
Science in the sky
Compounds emitted by plants during West Africa's monsoon are thought to have a profound impact on global atmospheric chemistry.
Maverick who made a shed load
Chemistry World Entrepreneur of the year, Matthew Baker, created a multi-million-dollar company in his back yard, reports Sarah Houlton.
Exploiting a powerful science base
Europe is striving to become the world's leading knowledge-based economy but those in the corridors of power do not recognise the contribution chemistry can make. Sean Milmo report...
Regulars
Comment: RSC prepared for the future
Simon Campbell reflects on the RSC's achievements during his presidency.
Your views...
There is no role for bench chemists: technology will replace them. Discuss.
Careers: The diverse world of regulatory affairs
Davina Stevenson enjoys a career where people's lives and vast sums of money are at stake , reports Yfke Hager.
Crossword and Su Doku
Prize crossword and Su Doku, June 2006
The last retort: Somerset morn
I have nights when I wake up at three and have great difficulty returning to that blissful state whence I came.
Flashback
June - 35 years ago; 75 years ago; 80 years ago; 95 years ago; 110 years ago.
Chemistry World Letters, June 2006
Chemistry World Reviews, June 2006
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