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.
ResearchComputer reconstruction gives microscopy 100-fold precision boost
Confocal microscopy enhancement costing just a few dollars per image could be applied to all imaging
ResearchFirst liquid MOF could get material discovery flowing
Data and modelling show framework and porous structure are retained after melting
FeatureThe rising tide of 'legal highs'
Andy Extance investigates the chemistry that has helped recreational drugs evade the law, and its consequences
NewsNitrous oxide causes UK drug law confusion
Successful defences based on laughing gas’ medical uses follow prominent convictions that have resulted in a legal lottery
ResearchChemists find the σ-hole reason gold catalysts work
Calculations show low electron density makes nanoparticle corners and edges reactive
ResearchStructural sleuthing salvages superbug slayer
Combining ‘assembly line’ synthesis, spectroscopy and computational predictions solves stereochemistry riddle
BusinessGSK stops over 30 research programmes to prioritise innovation
New boss Emma Walmsley outlines sweeping changes in order to focus on high-return drug projects
BusinessAstraZeneca shares tumble after antibody failure
Imfinzi and tremelimumab checkpoint inhibitor pairing fails to beat chemotherapy in lung cancer
BusinessNovartis coasts towards first CAR-T approval
Unanimous recommendation for CTL019 ahead of October decision builds confidence in T-cell genetic reprogramming
FeatureChemical fossils
Andy Extance finds out what organic molecules made by microorganisms and plants far in the past can tell us about climate
ResearchBiological fuel cell could power cleaner ammonia production
Harnessing nitrogenase enzyme makes key fertiliser material while generating electricity
ResearchSulfur linkage takes click chemistry in a different direction
Thionyl tetrafluoride-based ‘sleeping beauties’ enable click chemistry in a tetrahedral shape
BusinessUniversity–industry collaborations aspire to pharmaceutical innovation
Three new UK partnerships illustrate drug research co-operation approaches that are growing in popularity
ResearchDo hydrogen bonds have covalent character?
Scientists wrangle over disagreement between charge transfer measurements
ResearchUltrafast lasers promise to make lead ‘look like’ gold
Theoretical study suggests atomic mimicry could reshape spectroscopy, information processing – and even chemical reactivity
FeatureCovalent inhibitor drugs
Exceptions to a long-held rule against chemically bonding to biological targets are powering new cancer medicines, finds Andy Extance
CareersForging a future for glassblowing
Creating scientific instruments is a rare but highly desirable skill
ResearchCatalyst fuels hydrogen car vision
Platinum–molybdenum carbide expedites hydrogen formation from water and methanol
BusinessHow do chemical firms last hundreds of years?
What distinguishes companies that thrive from others that failed?
