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.
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
BusinessUS sanctions threaten Iran–Europe petrochemical ties
Companies review their options after Trump administration’s withdrawal from nuclear deal
ResearchBrain chemistry hints at how obesity impairs antidepressants
Histamine released in response to obesity or bacterial toxins prevents benefits from SSRIs – and that drugs that target these inflammatory signals may restore them
Research‘Cyborg ribosome’ reads polystyrene message to create catalyst
A simplified artificial molecular machine with a useful catalyst product hints at the potential of synthetic systems
BusinessNovartis’ $8.7bn AveXis deal shows gene therapy appeal
Acquisition indicates the value of potentially permanent cures for inherited diseases
ResearchNew AFM tip reopens hydrogen bond imaging debate
Putting rigid copper oxide on probe prevents artefacts – but what is it actually measuring?
FeatureStep-by-step synthesis of DNA
Andy Extance discovers how scientists are delivering the extremely accurate DNA chemistry and biochemistry needed to make genes – and even genomes
ResearchOptogenetic control puts biosynthesis into – and out of – the spotlight
Using light to switch which enzymes brewer’s yeast produces boosts concentrations of biofuel candidate isobutanol fivefold.
ResearchBeer engineered in pursuit of hoppiness
Crispr-augmented brewer’s yeast produces flavour molecules, enabling hoppy beer without adding extra hops
NewsBrexit analysis predicts chemical industry contraction
UK government forced to publish briefing that suggests production will fall by up to 16%
ResearchBoron clusters turn titanium oxide to the dark side
Titanium-tipped ‘hedgehog’ molecules become a robust – and black – high-performance electronic material
NewsToyota promises cheaper electric car motor magnets within a decade
Careful material engineering enables alloys using more abundant rare earth elements than neodymium
BusinessBMS stimulates cancer drug hopes with giant collaboration
Immunooncology pioneer will pay up to $3.6bn in hope Nektar drug will help non-responders
ResearchCarbyne equivalents fire up carbon–carbon bond formation
‘Easy-to-make’ reagent adds a wide variety of functional groups to aromatic rings
FeatureHandheld spectrometers
Andy Extance discovers how portable infrared absorption and Raman scattering analysis tools are inspiring new uses – even within people’s homes
