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.
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
![X ray single crystal structure of Cucurbit[7]uril binding an amphetamine](https://d1w9csuen3k837.cloudfront.net/Pictures/100x67/3/4/8/133348_X-ray-single-crystal-structure-of-2-CB-7-.jpg)
ResearchSynthetic receptor spots amphetamines speedily
Portable drug-detection device can send results directly to a smartphone
ResearchSuper-electrophilic ions enable selective modification of bioactive molecules
New technique will help medicinal chemists explore chemical space
BusinessAlexion axes 20% of its global workforce
600 jobs lost amid restructure as firm moves to Boston life sciences hub
BusinessTeva sells off contraceptive device in $1.1bn deal
CooperSurgical to acquire Paragard as Teva seeks to offload assets
BusinessFDA warns Pfizer subsidiary over Epipen malfunctions
Manufacturer did not fully investigate reports of patients dying after auto-injector failures
BusinessEU investigates Bayer’s Monsanto takeover plan
Commission raises concerns over reduced competition across pesticide and seed markets
BusinessMexichem to buy Netafim in $1.5bn deal
Takeover brings Netafim’s smart irrigation technology that could be applied across other markets
