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.
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
CareersIn defence of art
Careers in conservation aren’t just for art historians, discovers Hayley Birch
- Research
Yeast to make malaria drug on demand
High yields of artemisinin precursors from yeast mean semi-synthetics could help smooth out supply of the antimalarial
- Research
Fast flu mapping without the sequencing
New protein-based approach could build evolutionary trees faster than sequencing
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
- Research
Sound solution to nanoparticle handling problems
An unexpected discovery allows scientists to stick nanoparticles together using ultrasound without destroying their catalytic activity
CareersEnabling Africa's women
US project Coach is supporting African women to progress in science careers, Hayley Birch learns
- Research
RNA mimic destined for synthetic genome
Self-replicating polymers could soon be ready to form the basis of a very primitive cell
PodcastDibromoindigo
Purple was once a colour only royalty could afford to wear. Hayley Birch investigates tyrian purple, or dibromoindigo, the original purple dye
CareersIt came from the blog
Is blogging an innocuous pastime? Or could it help, or even harm, your career? Hayley Birch investigates
- Feature
Life, but not as we know it
Biology has been pretty successful at creating life, but now chemistry wants a crack at it
- Research
What to do with leftover prescription drugs
Study examines whether to bin, flush or return our unused medication
