Opinion
The simple machine that visualised atomic orbitals
In 1931, Harvey Elliott White developed a device that traced out the shapes of electron clouds by approximating solutions to the Schrödinger equation
Research
Reviving organobismuth chemistry
Despite its low cost and low toxicity, bismuth has found limited applications in organic synthesis. Liam Ball is working to change that
Careers
Navigating parenthood and the return to the bench: A paternal perspective
Advice for how to combine fatherhood with a career in research
Research
Tale of Britain’s post-Roman economic crash overturned by ancient metal pollution discovery
Analysis points to metal-working industry continuing long after Romans left
Feature
From flying ointments to healing herbs: the forgotten chemistry behind historical witchcraft practices
The unusual concoctions of village witches have historically been dismissed as nonsense hocus pocus – but is this the whole story? Victoria Atkinson investigates the chemistry behind the myth and whether there was more to witchcraft than ritual and superstition
Careers
Comic book chemistry
The scientists using visual storytelling to communicate their work – and how you can do it too
Opinion
Ask probing questions to work effectively in diverse teams
Sometimes, what you really want may not be what you say you want
News
Proposal to limit US student visa durations draws criticism
Academic groups warn that the proposed rule will deter talented researchers, harm the economy and add bureaucracy
Highlights
From flying ointments to healing herbs: the forgotten chemistry behind historical witchcraft practices
The unusual concoctions of village witches have historically been dismissed as nonsense hocus pocus – but is this the whole story? Victoria Atkinson investigates the chemistry behind the myth and whether there was more to witchcraft than ritual and superstition
How stable isotope analysis reveals what ancient humans and Neanderthals ate
Analytical chemistry can tell us what our ancestors ate thousands – or even millions – of years ago. Rachel Brazil gets her teeth into the evidence
The young female astronomer who worked out what the sun is made of
100 years ago, Cecilia Payne deduced that the sun is mainly made of hydrogen – but was encouraged to downplay her findings by her PhD supervisor. Mike Sutton takes up the story
Fixing medicine’s gender gap
For centuries, the default subject in medicine research and training has been the male. Julia Robinson talks to the scientists and clinicians trying to improve things for the other 51% of humanity
Managing the menopause
The end of ovulation will affect almost all women, but current treatments could be improved. Rachel Brazil reports on the efforts to find a better solution
Chemistry for the visually impaired that can be felt, heard and smelt
The Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, recently brought chemistry alive for students with sight loss
Research
First-generation graduate chemists face challenges throughout their entire academic lifetime
Study highlights need for mentorship and more inclusive networks
Opinion
Nurturing socioeconomic inclusion for a brighter tomorrow
Understanding why individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds are underrepresented in the chemical sciences
Feature
Fixing medicine’s gender gap
For centuries, the default subject in medicine research and training has been the male. Julia Robinson talks to the scientists and clinicians trying to improve things for the other 51% of humanity
Opinion
The women-led health projects doing things differently
Innovative approaches to awareness and participation
Feature
Managing the menopause
The end of ovulation will affect almost all women, but current treatments could be improved. Rachel Brazil reports on the efforts to find a better solution
Careers
The All-Ireland Network for Gender Equality in Chemistry is going for gold
Sharing best practices across chemistry departments to create better working environments and get Athena Swan accreditation
Mary 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
Martin Gouterman: the gay man behind the four-orbital model
Abhik Ghosh tells the story of a porphyrin chemist who was a leading figure in Seattle’s gay rights movement of the 1960s
William Knox, the only Black supervisor in the Manhattan Project
The story of the Knox family is one of education overcoming adversity, finds Kit Chapman
Nora de Leeuw: ‘Some of my best PhD students weren’t that great at passing exams’
The computational chemist on perspectives from outside academia and the importance of inquisitiveness
Ponnadurai Ramasami: ‘You will learn more by going the more difficult way’
The trailblazing computational chemist on the joys of teaching, inaugurating a virtual conference, and the importance of doing things the hard way
Robyn Norton: ‘We needed to make sure that women were included’
The pioneering global health researcher on the importance of including women in medical research, face-to-face networking and kindness
What I learned from going back to university in my 30s
Advice for the young student (at heart)
A reality check on Chemist v2.0
Is the new version full of bugs or worth using?
In search of the alchemists of Prague
A city where chemistry lurks almost anywhere you look
Chemistry wordoku #111
Treat yourself and find the antiviral in this sudoku-inspired puzzle
Cryptic chemistry crossword #103
Take some time to solve this crossword before you ’start preparing her introductory letter (3)’
Cryptic chemistry crossword #102
While completing this puzzle, perhaps you would enjoy some ’cheese made to order (4)’?
Chemistry wordoku #110
Solve this sudoku-style puzzle and unscramble the 18th century chemist
Opinion
The conceptual challenge of consumer safety
Understanding causation can motivate product improvements
Opinion
What the smell of benzene tells us about the world
A philosophical discussion about how much we can trust our senses
Opinion
How feminist bioethics can improve women’s health
From correcting research imbalances to placing value on lived experiences
Opinion
In search of truth and rules
To codify and predict ever more complex phenomena is one of science’s great drivers
Opinion
Classifications, racial discrimination and Covid-19
Lessons with philosophical significance for how we group people and objects
Opinion
The moral theories behind climate deadlock
Why is it so controversial to do the right thing for the environment?
Opinion
Did AI just win the Nobel prizes in physics and chemistry?
The importance of the expert eye in scientific progress
Research
Portable device detects poisonous pigment in books
St Andrews librarians and physicists partner to create sensor that can detect the spectrum of toxic green colourant
Research
Ancient ‘Egyptian Blue’ pigment recipes recreated
Work could aid conservation of Egyptian artefacts
News
Campaign launched to get Lego periodic table playset out there
Spanish scientist wants people to vote for his spiral table to get Lego to bring it to life
Opinion
The simple machine that visualised atomic orbitals
In 1931, Harvey Elliott White developed a device that traced out the shapes of electron clouds by approximating solutions to the Schrödinger equation
Webinar
From folklore to pharmacology: the chemical roots of witchcraft
Learn about the chemistry of witchcraft through the ages – join us on 28 October
Feature
From flying ointments to healing herbs: the forgotten chemistry behind historical witchcraft practices
The unusual concoctions of village witches have historically been dismissed as nonsense hocus pocus – but is this the whole story? Victoria Atkinson investigates the chemistry behind the myth and whether there was more to witchcraft than ritual and superstition
Feature
Fixing medicine’s gender gap
For centuries, the default subject in medicine research and training has been the male. Julia Robinson talks to the scientists and clinicians trying to improve things for the other 51% of humanity
Opinion
The women-led health projects doing things differently
Innovative approaches to awareness and participation
Careers
Navigating parenthood and the return to the bench: A paternal perspective
Advice for how to combine fatherhood with a career in research
Opinion
Ask probing questions to work effectively in diverse teams
Sometimes, what you really want may not be what you say you want
News
Proposal to limit US student visa durations draws criticism
Academic groups warn that the proposed rule will deter talented researchers, harm the economy and add bureaucracy
Careers
How to use an individual development plan to advance your career
Four steps to assess your current position and set your goals
Careers
Even in difficult times, leaders should inspire hope
Finding positives is a vital part of leadership
Careers
Comic book chemistry
The scientists using visual storytelling to communicate their work – and how you can do it too
Opinion
I’m sorry, I’ve forgotten the words
The challenges of learning chemistry in your non-native language
News
How the extraordinary science of everyday items is bringing chemistry to the public
Three analytical chemists explain how turning powerful techniques towards ordinary objects inspires public engagement with science
Opinion
Learning about chemistry in prenatal class
Opportunities for infographics to contribute to health literacy
News
Chemistry for the visually impaired that can be felt, heard and smelt
The Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, recently brought chemistry alive for students with sight loss
Opinion
Ponnadurai Ramasami: ‘You will learn more by going the more difficult way’
The trailblazing computational chemist on the joys of teaching, inaugurating a virtual conference, and the importance of doing things the hard way