Jamie Durrani
After completing a PhD in asymmetric catalysis at the University of St Andrews, I started working at the Royal Society of Chemistry in 2015. Being passionate about science writing, I really enjoyed the opportunity to contribute articles to Chemistry World. I eventually managed to sneak into a full-time role on the magazine in September 2016.
ResearchHippo dung is a serious matter for river ecosystems
Large amounts of organic material transferred into river systems by the animals can change entire ecosystems
ResearchHydrogel saves precious artwork to reveal hidden ‘Michelangelo’ message
New non-invasive technique safely removes sticky tape without damaging works of art
ResearchTin–cobalt compound used as oligomerisation catalyst
First example of a four-coordinate tin radical made by photolysis of a metal–metal bond
ResearchNanospike electrodes offer cheap, clean route to ammonia
Nitrogen-doped carbon catalyst improves efficiency of nitrogen reduction process
ResearchFuelling the hydrogen economy with straw and old newspapers
A new catalytic process converts non-food biomass into extremely pure hydrogen, ready for use in fuel cells
ResearchUnlimited combinations possible for new range of atom thick materials
Molten salts allow synthesis of 35 unknown 2D transition metal chalcogenides with many more possible
ResearchArtificial photosynthesis harnesses forgotten half of sunlight’s energy
Intermediate band semiconductor enables infrared radiation to drive a carbon dioxide splitting reaction
ResearchTitanium complex converts methane to alkenes at room temperature
New work illustrates the ‘crucial steps’ required for a process to make useful chemical feedstocks from methane
ReviewStrange chemistry: the stories your chemistry teacher wouldn’t tell you
Jamie Durrani reviews a book on chemistry you are unlikely to encounter in the classroom
ResearchSuper-reducing solvated electrons made with an LED
Laser-free method lowers the cost of producing hydrated electrons
NewsDangerous levels of mercury detected in Minamata meeting delegates
Mercury concentrations more than three times the health advisory threshold found in representatives from small island nations
BusinessEU extends glyphosate licence by 5 years
Extending herbicide’s approval until December 2022 has pleased neither industry nor environmental campaigners
BusinessMerck & Co and Qiagen to build UK research hubs
Almost 2000 jobs to be created at research centres in Manchester and London
ResearchAncient Egyptian uprisings triggered by volcanic eruptions
New evidence that changes in atmospheric chemistry caused social stresses and uprisings against the ruling elite
BusinessLilly and CureVac to collaborate on mRNA cancer vaccines
Deal could see CureVac net up to $1.8 billion in upfront and milestone payments
ReviewA crack in creation: the new power to control evolution
How studying bacterial immunity led to the development of Crispr
ResearchReductive power of hydrated electrons unleashed with green lasers
New technique produces solvated electrons with a visible-light responsive photocatalyst
