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.
ResearchHelium hydride ion detected in space for the first time
Terahertz rotational spectroscopy identifies long-sought molecular bond in a nebula
ResearchSupple sugars enable smallest cyclodextrins ever
Bridge that connects hydroxyls enables control over ring conformations in synthetic breakthrough
ResearchFlexible catalyst systems open up nitrile chemistry
One new strategy enantioselectively produces amines from nitriles, and another generates valuable alkenyl nitriles
ResearchCan sodium make organic cross-couplings sustainable?
Microparticle dispersions make abundant but feisty sodium safer to use as replacements for organolithium in carbon–carbon bond formation
ResearchCoulomb explosion uncovers laser-driven chirality
Blowing formic acid apart like a firework sheds light on asymmetric photochemical synthesis
Research‘Predator particles’ give mice infrared vision
Upconversion nanoparticles that bind to rods and cones shift invisible light to look green
ResearchLow wind power costs pump up hydrogen economy prospects
Combining clean energy sources with electrolysis is already cost competitive for producing gas for niche applications
ResearchInorganic isomerism uncovered in cadmium sulfide clusters
CdS nanocrystals reversibly transition between ‘wurtzite-like’ and ‘zinc blende-like’ forms in a single step
ResearchMirrors in the dark enable chemical control
Vibrational strong coupling with electromagnetic fluctuations can tilt a molecule towards one reaction pathway or another
ResearchForceful treatment stabilises drug antibody linkages
Ultrasonic energy could modify maleimide–thiol connections in cancer treatments in volume
ResearchHydrides come within a whisker of room temperature superconductivity
High pressure lanthanum superhydride sets a new critical temperature record, validating theoretical predictions
ResearchFirst quantum degenerate molecules unite in chemical go-slow
Potassium–rubidium at 50 billionths above absolute zero reacts at a quarter of expected speed thanks to quantum effects
ResearchLightning-inspired method makes ammonia with no catalyst
Plasma-enabled electrolysis produces the vital gas in high purity – but also consumes much more energy than current methods
NewsFirst building-integrated deployment shows perovskite solar’s growing maturity
Modules based on lightweight printed hybrid organic-inorganic films start to collect important real-world data
ResearchCatalytically, is copper the new gold?
Approach for depositing copper on silica support influences how easily it oxidises, and in turn the reactions it catalyses
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