RSC - Advancing the Chemical Sciences


Chemistry World

 

December 2010

Vol 7, No 12

December 2010

News and analysis

Smuggling key factor in China's rare earth actions

29 October 2010

Illegal smuggling of rare earth materials out of China and rapidly growing domestic demand central in the country's moves to severely restrict exports

Research impact rating to stay

11 November 2010

Impact assessment to remain a key part of the UK's new research assessment framework, following a pilot scheme at a number of universities

Universities to get £9000 fees option

03 November 2010

UK government plans to raise university tuition to at least £6000 but students will not pay upfront

Europe to plough billions into green energy

11 November 2010

European Commission launches the world's biggest investment initiative for carbon capture and storage and renewable energy sources

US science agencies poised for tough times

17 November 2010

Republican advance in Congress, concerns about national debt could spell trouble for US science agencies

Stanford to challenge patent rights in Supreme Court

09 November 2010

US Supreme Court will hear intellectual property case being fought between US university and pharma firm Roche

Company snapshot: Novo Nordisk

09 November 2010

What's the secret of Danish diabetes specialist Novo Nordisk's success?

Further questions over Deepwater Horizon cement mix

29 October 2010

Independent investigation into the BP oil spill reinforces concerns over the suitability and stability of cement used in the well

Business roundup

Industry news, December 2010

In the papers...

Short items

Market Place

New products, December 2010

News in Brief

Short items, December 2010

Note book

Short items, December 2010


Chemical science

Sulfur story unearths oxygen environment

10 November 2010

Complex life could have existed on Earth 400 million years earlier than thought, according to sulfur isotope signatures found in ancient rocks

Inhaled nanoparticles, from there to where?

07 November 2010

The size and surface charge of nanoparticles affects where they end up in the body after they are inhaled

Molecular motors find reverse gear

01 November 2010

Researchers use simple chemistry to trigger molecular rotary motors to switch direction

Safer sunscreens

17 November 2010

Titania, the main component of sunscreen, filters UV rays but can be improved with a carbon coating

Nanoparticles make leaves glow

22 October 2010

Can street lights be replaced by trees? Taiwanese scientists believe that they can using gold nanoparticles to induce luminescence in leaves

Medicine gets smart

26 November 2010

An inexpensive handheld device for urine testing in remote areas

World's smallest chromatography column

04 November 2010

Single metal-organic framework crystals can be used to separate mixtures of dyes just like a miniature chromatography column

Artificially controlling cell division

03 November 2010

An artificial mitotic spindle could help shed light on cell death and Down's Syndrome

Trapping and stretching DNA

12 November 2010

Using microfluidics, DNA can be analysed without immobilisation

Kiss of death for cancer cells

31 October 2010

Scientists have deciphered the surprising structure of the perforin pore, which delivers lethal enzymes that kill cancer cells in the body

Nanowire fuel cell for biological power

28 October 2010

A tiny fuel cell that can generate electricity from biological fluids could act as a power source for miniature sensors in living tissue

Detecting explosives hidden within clothing

12 November 2010

Near infrared identification of chemicals hidden behind clothing

Blocking cancer drug's toxic side effects

04 November 2010

Compound could drastically reduce toxic side effects associated with a widely used cancer drug by inhibiting bacterial enzyme in the gut

Studies probe key flu protein

21 October 2010

Two new papers focus on the structure of a protein that could hold the key to new anti-flu drugs

Interview: A sunny outlook

10 November 2010

Palani Balaya talks to Carl Saxton about climate change, the IPCC and solar energy research


Features

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


Opinion

Editorial: Full of festive cheer

The end of the year is fast approaching

A structure-based community for chemists

Antony Williams looks forward to a rich online resource of chemical reactions

Column: In the pipeline

Who's that asleep at the back? Don't be too quick to blame yourself when tedious talks and soporific seminars fail to inspire, says Derek Lowe

Column: The crucible

Philip Ball looks at the financial motivation needed to advance sustainable technology


Chemistry World Jobs

The insider: Environmental options

Interested in working outdoors, crossing disciplinary boundaries, and have keen analytical skills? You'll enjoy a career in environmental chemistry, writes Helen Carmichael

Profile: Flexibility on the move

Never underestimate the range of career options open to a chemistry graduate, John Milton tells Yfke Hager

Careers clinic: Transferable skills

Charlotte Ashley-Roberts looks at career opportunities in the UK's Knowledge Transfer Networks

Managing change: School of hard knocks

Peter Cook has woven together a love of rock music and science to create a novel team building experience for big business, as Emma Davies finds out


Regulars

Reviews

Chemistry World Christmas Reviews, December 2010



Letters

Chemistry World Letters, December 2010



Puzzles

Puzzles, December 2010

Chemistry through the lens

Rust on a round iron bar

Classic kit: Gouy's tube

How many physical scientists can really dance?

Flashback

20 years ago in Chemistry in Britain