Hayley Bennett
Hayley is a Bristol-based science writer interested in biology, chemistry, the environment and the intersection between science and the arts. She has written for The Guardian, BBC Focus, New Scientist and Mosaic, and is an author of several popular science books including Defining Moments in Science and 50 Chemistry Ideas You Really Need to Know.
FeatureThe art of the periodic table
The venerable chart of elements has inspired and entertained in its first 150 years. Hayley Bennett looks at some of its weird, wacky – and wise – incarnations
PodcastOmega-3 fatty acids
Many consume cod liver oil due to 'a vague sense we should be taking them for something' – but what to the omega-3 fatty acids actually do?
FeatureReady for a Raman shift
Raman spectroscopy has been seen as a tool for physicists and chemists but Hayley Bennett finds it has the potential to cause a major shift in the way we do medicine
FeatureFrom folklore to pharmacy
Although many drugs have in the past come from plants, Hayley Bennett discovers that it’s hard work getting them approved today
FeatureChemistry beyond Moore's Law
Can anything replace the silicon in our mobile phones and laptops? The hunt is on, reports Hayley Bennett
FeatureArsenic and rice - a growing problem?
Hayley Bennett highlights rice’s natural affinity for arsenic and what researchers are doing about it
FeatureThe chemistry of the yellow jersey
Hayley Bennett tells the story of the 1948 Tour de France’s yellow jersey – and how synthetic fabrics came to dominate sportswear
FeatureBuilding better bones
Can we make biodegradable materials strong enough to support the human body yet porous enough to allow real bone tissue to regenerate? Hayley Birch finds out
FeatureAge of the phage
Hayley Birch discovers how researchers are using proteins from viruses to create new antimicrobial drugs
PodcastXenon hexafluoroplatinate
Hayley Birch discovers the compound that opened up a wing of the periodic table for reactions: Xenon hexafluoroplatinate
PodcastAntimony sulfide
It’s at the heart of the first chemical equation, and makes Hayley Birch think of quiche. This week’s compound is antimony sulfide
CareersIt came from the blog
Is blogging an innocuous pastime? Or could it help, or even harm, your career? Hayley Birch investigates
PodcastDibromoindigo
Purple was once a colour only royalty could afford to wear. Hayley Birch investigates tyrian purple, or dibromoindigo, the original purple dye
- Research
RNA mimic destined for synthetic genome
Self-replicating polymers could soon be ready to form the basis of a very primitive cell
CareersEnabling Africa's women
US project Coach is supporting African women to progress in science careers, Hayley Birch learns
- Research
Sound solution to nanoparticle handling problems
An unexpected discovery allows scientists to stick nanoparticles together using ultrasound without destroying their catalytic activity
CareersBeginner's guide to book writing
Thinking about writing a book? Before taking the plunge, heed the advice of those who’ve done it all before. Hayley Birch talks to the experts