All articles by Anna Demming
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ResearchCentrosymmetric crystal displays chiral optical responses previously believed to be impossible
Crystal with perfect symmetry around its centre surprises scientists with its asymmetric response to light
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ResearchDesigner protein switches conformations like a natural one
Researchers design, produce and test a synthetic protein with a dynamic structure
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ResearchJWST reveals exoplanet composition with unprecedented clarity
Direct evidence of carbon enrichment in the planets around HR 8799 provides clues to their formation
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ResearchSuperheavy element half-life measurements push back the limits of stability
Experimental observations of the half life of rutherfordium-252 demonstrate that its stability lies well within the limits required for full atoms to form
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ResearchPhotoswitch brings energy storage and a cool efficiency boost to photovoltaics
Energy harvesting molecules can halt heating that hits solar cells’ efficiency while storing energy
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FeatureThe irregular habits of crystals
Centuries of study have refined theories of how substances with periodically ordered structures behave. Anna Demming talks to the researchers exploring where these theories can apply in materials that are not ordered periodically, or even ordered at all
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ResearchOptical trap experiments pick up recoil of a single alpha particle blasting off
High sensitivity measurements were able to detect electrons ejected by force of departing helium nucleus
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ResearchWater droplets accelerate formation of mineral nanoparticles essential for life
Calculations and experiments reveal that water microdroplets may play role in soil formation
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ResearchMystery of discrepancies in speed of sound in water cleared up by study of ions
Anions and cations found to have wildly different effect on the speed of sound in solutions
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ResearchTelling left from right: chirality detection faces up to its weaknesses
New solutions are being found to an enduring problem in chemistry
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FeatureThe surprising organic chemistry in interstellar space
Even in the bleak wastelands of interstellar space complex organic molecules seem to find a way to form. Anna Demming finds out how
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ResearchElusive ‘supersolid’ phase observed in experiments
Antiferromagnet Na2BaCo(PO4)2 shows serious promise for supercooling experiments
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ResearchCarbon fibre plasma reactor enables extreme synthesis without compromise
Reactor can reach temperatures of 8000K without the need to choose between high temperatures or stability
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ResearchCrystal structure predictions get real with accurate calculations that will aid pharma
Characterisation engine could help drug companies avoid costly mistakes like those that hit Aids drug ritonavir
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ResearchMoiré materials stretch their scope
More boundaries crumble following the latest flutter of results
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FeatureThe hunt for natural hydrogen reserves
For a long time, nobody thought there could be large quantities of the gas underground. Anna Demming talks to the people proving otherwise
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ResearchGlow-in-the-dark proteins offer cheap and fast diagnostic tests
Covid-19 can be detected with the sensitivity of PCR and the ease of lateral flow
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ResearchLoofah-structured hydrogel could help meet global clean water demands
Hydrogel water purification technology goes from a curiosity to a contender through a change in its structure
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OpinionMary Sherman Morgan: The best kept secret in the space race
Anna Demming reveals the scientist who invented the fuel that powered the first US satellite into orbit, yet died with barely a trace on record of her achievements
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ResearchComplex molecule diffraction can start to Bragg
Diffraction with a drug and a dye takes interferometry with large molecules to the next level