Chiral chemical fuels trigger two very different supramolecular self-assemblies
Handedness of self-assembling peptides might explain the origins of homochirality in biological systems
Ultrapotent thrombin inhibitor combines peptide fragments from a trio of blood-sucking organisms
Hybrid molecule featuring leech, tsetse fly and flea peptide fragments binds thrombin at three sites
Electron transfer plays an underappreciated role in battery charging cycles
Ion transfer alone does not explain charging and discharging rates of lithium-ion batteries
One-step method uses clever precursor molecule to make graphene with regular irregularities
Films that include five and seven-membered rings offer new functionality for nanoelectronics, gas sensors and catalysts
Hydrogen battery relieves the pressure for clean energy storage
Floating photocatalyst turns sunlight into radicals that disinfect water in minutes
Fake microscopy images generated by AI are indistinguishable from the real thing
Chemical reaction almost as old as the universe was faster than thought
Next generation gene editors engineered to significantly reduce error rate
Hydroxylamine discovery complicates water purification efforts
Highlights
How the pioneers of metal-organic frameworks won the Nobel prize
From wooden models to thousands and thousands of structures, Julia Robinson tells the story of how Richard Robson, Susumu Kitagawa and Omar Yaghi won the 2025 Nobel prize in chemistry
Rethinking workplaces for neurodivergent staff
Neurodivergent people often excel in skills highly valued in chemistry. Nina Notman investigates how employers are breaking down barriers and harnessing these talents through workplace adjustments and recruitment reforms
Kesterite solar cells break efficiency ceiling after decade-long stall
Once-promising kesterite solar technology has finally broken through its efficiency ceiling, jumping from a decade-long stall at 12.6% to nearly 17% in just three years – putting commercial viability within reach.
From flying ointments to healing herbs: the forgotten chemistry behind historical witchcraft practices
The unusual concoctions of village witches have historically been dismissed as nonsense hocus pocus – but is this the whole story? Victoria Atkinson investigates the chemistry behind the myth and whether there was more to witchcraft than ritual and superstition
Consumers question safety of parabens and PFAS in personal care products amid health concerns
Growing research into cosmetic ingredients has been raising safety concerns among consumers. Bárbara Pinho explores the future of safer chemistry amid the ‘clean beauty’ trend
Topics
Modelling suggests waste heat from AI data centres could power carbon capture and water purification
Analysis considering thermodynamics, economics and emissions shows how AI could flip its environmental footprint to become both water-positive and carbon-negative
Antibiotics designed with the help of AI attack bacteria in entirely new ways
Two new compounds display potent activity against deadly drug-resistant bacteria
AI tools turned to creating designer proteins for personalised cancer therapies and antibiotics
Powerful new class of AI model could dramatically speed up process of producing new kinds of drug candidates
LLMs could rewrite how AIs predict reactions and plan syntheses
‘CrystalGPT’ set to enhance how chemists design crystals in silico
Unprecedented pentacoordinate oxygen cluster isn’t so new after all
An overlooked bonding motif appears in many more proteins than was previously realised
Fluorine surprises by becoming heaviest atom ever to quantum tunnel
How does Clarivate pick its potential Nobel prize winners?
Chemistry World talks to the head of research analysis at the Institute for Science Information on how they decide which researchers are producing Nobel-worthy research
First-generation graduate chemists face challenges throughout their entire academic lifetime
Study highlights need for mentorship and more inclusive networks
Ancient ‘Egyptian Blue’ pigment recipes recreated
Work could aid conservation of Egyptian artefacts
Snuff tube residues push back date of oldest hallucinogen use in Peruvian Andes
Chemical analysis reveals traces of a number of psychoactive compounds thought to have been used to secure leaders’ status
Exploring the frontiers of the periodic table: bismuth catalysis and its applications
Join us on 16 October to learn about state-of-the-art synthesis coming from one of the world’s leading catalysis research groups
US charity launches $100 million green chemistry initiative
Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation to fund seven year project headed by sustainable chemistry pioneer Paul Anastas
Pitfalls in cytotoxicity studies could be tripping up chemists
Team proposes how to broaden and standardise biological testing in sustainable chemical research
‘Chemistry changed the world before, we just need to do it again’: Stockholm declaration reimagines future
Paul Anastas talks to Chemistry World about organising call for chemistry to transform itself and make the world more sustainable
Chemists urged to build a greener future by Stockholm declaration document
‘Father of green chemistry’ Paul Anastas among those spearheading call to action
Filter paper simplifies squaramide synthesis
Capillary-driven flow distributes reagents evenly
Nasa’s Jet Propulsion Lab and home of Mars rovers loses 10% of its staff
The dismissal of 550 JPL workers is the fourth round of recent layoffs at the lab, prompting fears of a brain drain
The 2025 Nobel prize in chemistry as it happens – live
Join us as we provide analysis and commentary in the run up to the announcement of the biggest prize in chemistry
Fake microscopy images generated by AI are indistinguishable from the real thing
Materials scientists warn that raw data and replication studies are needed to tackle the looming threat of near-undetectable AI fraud
How does Clarivate pick its potential Nobel prize winners?
Chemistry World talks to the head of research analysis at the Institute for Science Information on how they decide which researchers are producing Nobel-worthy research
Teflon diet earns trio the 2025 Ig Nobel chemistry prize
The prizes that first make you laugh, then make you think reward more irreverent scientific ideas.