News January 2010
Ketene comes in from the cold
31 January 2010
Chemists show how a long-neglected but potentially versatile functional group can be incorporated into a range of polymer systems
Slack nano safety
31 January 2010
Many researchers working with nanomaterials use inadequate protection, if any at all, claims new study
UCLA faces possible criminal charges for chemistry lab death
29 January 2010
US university awaits news on whether it faces criminal charges for fatal lab accident
Polymer nanofibres smash energy record
29 January 2010
Direct-write piezoelectric 'nanogenerators' based on organic nanofibres could power miniature devices with their impressive energy conversion efficiency
Silicon goes aromatic
29 January 2010
An analogue of benzene made from Si atoms reveals a new kind of aromaticity
Gold nanoparticles highlight bone damage
29 January 2010
Three-dimensional imaging of damaged bone tissue could be used to predict weak points and the risk of fractures in humans
AstraZeneca's workforce slashed again
28 January 2010
Research and development takes a hit as AstraZeneca announces plans to slash another 8,000 jobs worldwide
Better batteries with nano-cables
28 January 2010
Bright future for high-capacity Li-ion batteries from titanium dioxide coated carbon nanotubes
US helium strategy threatens supply
28 January 2010
The US should change how helium is sold from its federal stockpile to remove influence over world markets and avert national shortages
Self-healing polymers prolong lubricant lifetime
28 January 2010
UK scientists have created polymers that can repair themselves and could maintain the physical properties of oils for longer
Interview: Unleashing Uranium
28 January 2010
Polly Arnold talks about Pac-man molecules, f-block chemistry and the countryside
Cracking carbon-carbon bonds
27 January 2010
US chemists discover a tungsten complex that can break a strong carbon-carbon bond in an aromatic ring
Fruity route to control asymmetric syntheses
27 January 2010
UK chemists find a quick, inexpensive route to make a key sulfide reagent for asymmetric organic syntheses with the help of limonene
Interview: Finding answers in blood
27 January 2010
Dana Spence discusses the role of red blood cells in diseases such as diabetes and multiple sclerosis and the importance of a foundation in Chemistry
EPA targets chemical confidentiality loopholes
26 January 2010
US Environmental Protection Agency to reject confidentiality claims that prevent names of chemicals identified as potential health risks being made public
Braskem aims for the skies
26 January 2010
Brazil's Braskem merges with its rival Quattor Petroquimica to become the Americas' largest resin producer
The Royal Institution: two centuries of impact
26 January 2010
A former director of research says the Royal Institution's key role in cutting edge research should not be forgotten
Interview: The beauty of fullerenes
26 January 2010
Nazario Martín talks about C60, the energy crisis and chemistry in Spain.
US science lead slips
25 January 2010
US could be losing its edge in science and engineering as China ramps up research efforts
Stabilising RNAs enhances gene silencing in tumours
25 January 2010
Chemically modified, stabilised RNA molecules find their way into cells more easily, claim researchers
Neuron array advances toxicity testing
25 January 2010
Scientists in Germany propose a reliable in vitro assay for neurotoxicology testing, which could offer an alternative to animal testing
Boron cluster forms unique ring system
24 January 2010
Concentric double pi-structure doesn't exist in organic compounds
Gel turns clear for cocaine detection
22 January 2010
Aptamer-based hydrogel can simply and quickly detect minute amounts of drug
Chaos at French nanotech debates
22 January 2010
Protestors have caused the public to be banned from nanotechnology debates taking place across France
Biosuccinic acid ready for take off?
21 January 2010
With oil prices rising, the chemical industry is looking for alternative feedstocks, could biosuccinc acid be the answer?
Chemist named new CNRS head
21 January 2010
Chemical engineer Alain Fuchs has been named the new president of the CNRS, France's massive government funded research organisation
FDA shifts on BPA safety
21 January 2010
US Food and Drug Administration revises previous stance on bisphenol A, admitting it does have concerns over the safety of the controversial chemical
Hydrogel self-heals in seconds
20 January 2010
New tough hydrogel heals itself after a cut in just three seconds and is a cinch to prepare
Screw tightens on pay-for-delay drug deals
20 January 2010
Pharma's delaying tactics for generic drug market entry come under closer scrutiny on both sides of the Atlantic
Disilicate synthesis success
20 January 2010
Researchers synthesise compound with direct bond between two silicate moieties for the first time
Cosmetic electrochemistry
20 January 2010
A cosmetic product lends a hand in fabricating microelectrode sensors
Cancer detection by electrical signature
20 January 2010
Separating live and dead leukaemia cells could provide an automated system for early cancer detection
Exploiting nanotubes for electrochemical sensors
20 January 2010
A cheap and easy to make carbon nanotube-based composite material for electrochemical sensors has been developed by Chinese scientists
Giving gold a smooth ride
19 January 2010
Gold surfaces polished atomically smooth by Fenton's reagent
New 'click' reaction to modify proteins
19 January 2010
A cyclic diazo compound can attach to the phenol ring of tyrosine under mild conditions providing a new route to modify proteins
Circular chips study nerve cells
19 January 2010
Investigating neurodegenerative diseases using a circular microfluidic platform
Simple biosensors for immune disease monitoring
19 January 2010
DNA-based electrochemical sensors allow simple quantitative monitoring of autoimmune-diseases
Magnetic iron nanocatalysts
18 January 2010
Unmodified iron nanoparticles make efficient catalysts for C-C bond forming reactions
Zwitterionic metal salt extractants
18 January 2010
Ligands that could allow recovery of industrially important metal ions have been developed by UK scientists
Sugars synthesised with help of promiscuous enzyme
17 January 2010
Researchers use an unfussy enzyme in new method to make sugar molecules that could lead to new vaccines and other important compounds
China: act on scientific fraud
15 January 2010
China called on to ensure researchers' scientific integrity after UK-based journal is forced to retract dozens of Chinese papers with falsified data
Quantum computer hits hydrogen bullseye
15 January 2010
A basic quantum computer has successfully calculated hydrogen's molecular energy
Capturing carbon with copper
15 January 2010
A team of researchers in the Netherlands have devised a trap that can pull carbon dioxide out of the air
Behavioural fingerprints point to potential drugs
14 January 2010
New high throughput screening technique generates behavioural fingerprints based on the responses of fish larvae to potential drugs
Cures in ancient Egyptian cosmetics
14 January 2010
New research suggests ancient Egyptians could have deliberately used lead-based cosmetics to help prevent eye infections
Japan research funding safe
14 January 2010
Research and university funding in Japan appears safe after recent threatened cuts, but some larger programmes still face sharp cutbacks
Tune in for sensitive explosive detection
14 January 2010
A fluorescent organic molecule can be tuned to provide sensitive detection of explosive vapours
Click chemistry reveals sugar synthesis in live animals
13 January 2010
Clever click chemistry allows the biosynthesis of glycans - key components in cellular processes - to be monitored in living mice
Tackling rogue tumour cells
13 January 2010
Secondary cancer could be prevented by removing residual cells in the blood
Enhancing catalytic activity
12 January 2010
Rare-earth metals increase hydrogen production from methane oxidation claim Chinese scientists
Symmetry springs a surprise
12 January 2010
Chemists discover two isomers with identical symmetry but different properties
Lords call for clarity over nanotech in food
12 January 2010
Report urges research into safety of nanomaterials and criticises food industry for lack of transparency
EU to look into chemical mixture exposure
12 January 2010
EU Council asks whether current legislation adequately assesses risks from exposure to multiple chemicals from different sources
EPA: Bankrupt chemical firms must pay for site clean up
11 January 2010
US Environmental Protection Agency proposal to ensure chemical firms have cash to clean up abandoned facilities should they go bankrupt
Evonik refocuses
11 January 2010
German conglomerate Evonik refocuses operations on its chemical business to push its position in the speciality chemicals arena
Locking molecular motors
11 January 2010
Dutch scientists have designed a molecular motor that can be locked using an acid and unlocked using a base
Photocatalyst sees the light
11 January 2010
Energy saving bismuth photocatalyst works under visible light
Monitoring drug release as it happens
11 January 2010
A drug-delivery system that tracks the fate of drugs has been developed by scientists in Israel
Antibiotic decay products reverse resistance
10 January 2010
Breakdown products of an antibiotic can reverse resistance to the compound, possibly explaining why sensitive and resistant organisms can co-exist
Hefce takes more hits over impact
08 January 2010
Independent report calls for flexibility in new research impact assessment as academics threaten to leave the UK if the measures are introduced
LED TVs spark trimethylgallium price rise
08 January 2010
TVs backlit by LEDs have caused the first price rise for trimethylgallium in industry players' memories
Chemists slam Science paper
07 January 2010
Scientists accuse the journal Science of failings in its peer review system as claims in a recent paper prompt harsh criticism from chemists
Upgrading biomass to gasoline
07 January 2010
Two-faced catalyst to upgrade crude bio-oil into useful fuel
Giant nanowheel mystery solved
07 January 2010
The self-assembly of huge molybdenum wheels relies on the spontaneous formation of an temporary internal template
Enzymes do the twist
06 January 2010
The way enzyme catalysts bind molecules to speed up their reactions is not as simple as once thought, say chemists from the UK and Spain
UK libel laws threaten scientific debate
06 January 2010
A libel lawsuit has succeeded in silencing a Danish radiologist who has questioned the safety of a drug
Minimising carbon dioxide emissions
06 January 2010
UK scientist demonstrate an integrated process to make energy and cyclic carbonates from methane combustion
Red card for REF
05 January 2010
Consultation exercise highlights controversy over impact assessment element of the UK's proposed Research Excellence Framework
Use mussels to look younger
05 January 2010
An amino acid found in mussels makes a biocompatible hydrogel for tissue engineering and wrinkle filling.
