Andy Extance
Before becoming a full-time science writer, Andy Extance worked for six and a half years in early-stage drug discovery research, followed by brief stint in silicone adhesive and rubber manufacturing.
However, when he had his first feature – on a cause of common heart-related problems in new drug candidates – published in Chemistry World in 2004, the course of his career shifted. After working as news editor for Compound Semiconductor magazine, he went freelance in 2009. Today Andy’s science writing explores everything related to chemistry, from Earth’s environment to space, from food to fusion, and from solar cells to how we smell.
ResearchCatalyst predictor shows drug manufacturing promise
Joint industrial–academic team develops and validates force-field tool for identifying ligands for enantioselective catalysis
BusinessSartan drug contamination brings cancer uncertainty
Levels of nitrosamines and other carcinogens in affected tablets of valsartan and related drugs similar to smoking 20 cigarettes a day
ResearchRobotic organic synthesis to make reproducibility simple in chemistry
Chemputer claims universality after making three drugs without human intervention
ResearchGold melted at room temperature using electric fields
Controllable change from crystalline to disordered in a tiny cone tip might help chemical catalysis
FeatureThe marvellous Maillard reaction
Andy Extance looks at the culinary reaction cascade that goes beyond Christmas and Thanksgiving dinner and has worrying links to health
ResearchDrug precursor made by solar-powered cyborg yeast
Indium phosphide nanoparticles supply electrons for shikimic acid synthesis
ResearchTuring patterns explain shark scale development
The tooth-like scales on a shark’s skin show signs of reaction-diffusion molecular patterns, like human hair and chicken feathers
NewsChemistry graduate student admits poisoning co-worker
Victim at Queen’s University in Canada videoed carcinogen being pipetted into a loaf of bread while he was in a group meeting
ResearchChemical pulse animates lifelike colour-changing system
Purple–pink oscillation could herald strong and stimuli-responsive materials
ResearchCryoEM method offers organic analysis certainty
MicroED technique gives rapid, unambiguous structure determination with small, amorphous samples
BusinessLandmark China cancer drug full approval ‘first of a wave’
Chi-Med’s fruquintinib is a result of China’s evolving drug innovation and regulation
BusinessBuilding resilience to climate threats
As extreme weather events become more frequent, chemical and pharmaceutical producers are taking steps to fend them off in future
ResearchGenentech antibiotic quells resistance
Modified arylomycin combines high potency with new mechanism of action
ResearchAtomic Eiffel tower looms over quantum computing landscape
Many-atom arrays may become ideal quantum simulators for chemical systems
BusinessBusinesses use blockchain to take on trustlessness
Big companies are looking to blockchain technology to track transactions, finds Andy Extance, while upstarts exploit its cryptocurrency origins
ResearchMOF turns ‘crumple zone’ weakness into strength
Enhanced water stability improves chances of using materials to adsorb toxic contaminants in gas masks
BusinessVaccine scandal and heart drug recall show China’s pharma struggles
Fifteen arrests amid evidence of bribery related to vaccines, despite new standards and penalties for fraud
NewsIndian institute investigates nanoscientists for indiscriminate image manipulation
Four new retractions bring the total for Rashmi Madhuri and Prashant Sharma up to 14, with at least another 50 papers potentially affected
FeatureThe chemistry of synapses
Scientists are decoding the brain’s exquisite molecular machinery – but there is still a long way to go, finds Andy Extance
NewsNew chemistry enables UK negative carbon dioxide emissions pilot
Carbon capture is back at Drax, thanks to more energy efficient absorption technology
