Biology
The latest chemistry news and research on biology, including biochemistry, biotechnology, synthetic biology and origins of life, from the Royal Society of Chemistry's magazine, Chemistry World
-
ResearchRecoded E. coli strain shows that life can function with significantly compressed genetic code
Researchers remove seven codons from E. coli’s genetic code
-
FeatureThe chemistry of fear
Recent advances in measurement techniques have shed light on the different roles of various biomolecules during frightening and stressful situations. Anna Demming looks at how it may lead to new therapeutic interventions for conditions like PTSD
-
ResearchLow lithium levels linked to Alzheimer’s
Immune cells’ ability to degrade amyloid-beta peptides restored in mice treated with lithium salt
-
OpinionLearning about chemistry in prenatal class
Opportunities for infographics to contribute to health literacy
-
NewsScience retracts controversial ‘arsenic life’ paper 15 years after it was published
Contentious study continues to make waves as authors and researchers argue over whether action is proportionate and beneficial
-
ResearchAI method makes designer binders for ‘undruggable’ proteins
Technique can create molecules that target disordered regions of proteins and peptides
-
ResearchMembrane protein’s unique structure helps bacterial predator devour its rivals
Pentameric protein’s bowl-like shape allows it to ‘capture’ lipid molecules and disrupt cell membranes
-
NewsExplainer: The chemistry of permastink and how to prevent it
How to avoid throwing out smelly polyester sportswear
-
FeatureSerial femtosecond crystallography reveals protein dynamics in real time
Proteins are constantly moving, but our structures of them are static. Clare Sansom talks to the researchers using free-electron lasers to make time-resolved structures
-
WebinarWomen’s health: insights in research and inclusion
Learn about the history and importance of the gender gap currently impacting women’s health sciences – Join us on 28 August
-
NewsWhy is a prehistoric creature still vital for the pharmaceutical industry?
Every year, horseshoe crabs are harvested for their blue blood, but alternatives are now coming through that could help protect these ancient animals
-
ResearchLichen sunscreen blocks extreme UV radiation and might enhance cosmetics, materials
Discovery also suggests that photosynthetic life might survive on planets circling powerful stars
-
NewsWhat’s the point of the Synthetic Human Genome Project?
Why are scientists working to recreate the human genome from scratch?
-
NewsWellcome backing gets project to recreate human genome from scratch off the ground
Effort to synthesise human genome will likely take decades but should provide insight into disease
-
ResearchBacterium engineered to produce paracetamol from plastic bottle waste
Research demonstrates new ways to remediate plastic and upcycle chemicals derived from waste
-
ResearchPitfalls in cytotoxicity studies could be tripping up chemists
Team proposes how to broaden and standardise biological testing in sustainable chemical research
-
NewsGene-edited crops set to arrive in England, but EU remains divided on them
Crops poised to be grown in England but renegotiation of trade agreement with EU could complicate matters
-
WebinarForensic taphonomy: the chemistry of delivering justice
Join us to discover the chemical processes that occur after death and how they’re revolutionising criminal investigations
-
FeatureHibernation awakens interest for drug discovery
With many different species entering torpor for a variety of reasons, scientists are looking to their sleepy secrets for ways to treat human diseases. Anthony King reports
-
BusinessRNA as a replacement for chemical pesticides
Argentinian start-up Apolo Biotech is teaching plants to fight infections