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.
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
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
