Katrina Krämer
After finishing my A-levels, I wanted to study arts or languages, but then decided that being a chemist in a white coat was definitely cooler.
So I went on and spent ten years studying chemistry in Germany, Spain and the UK, before realising that not working in a lab can also be fun. After one year in the Royal Society of Chemistry’s graduate trainee scheme, I joined Chemistry World first as editorial assistant and now as science correspondent.
My favourite CAS number is 102-54-5.
ResearchCatalyst takes gold for hydrogen production
Water–gas shift reaction could become viable for fuel cell applications
ResearchPurest silicon sphere ever created will redefine the kilogram
Largest impurity is copper taking the place of one silicon atom in every three billion
ResearchProtein cation is strongest organic acid ever made
Even inert gases fall prey to highly charged proteins
ResearchFirst atom-thin magnet attracts attention
2D magnet might lead to ultra-flat data storage solutions
ResearchLight touch boosts reactions 10-fold
First standardised photoreactor ups photoredox reactions and reduces reproducibility concerns
NewsAnalytical test strip fights fentanyl overdoses
Simple chemical analysis helps drug users prevent overdosing on deadly opioid
ResearchHumans influence soil chemistry from beyond the grave
Chemical elements can reveal where bodies decomposed even after flesh and bones are long gone
ResearchSweet scent of roses allows unsafe water to be sniffed out
Sensor allows olfactory detection of bacteria in drinking water
NewsFrench scientists relieved by centrist Macron’s victory
Run-off election sees far-right candidate beaten by pro-EU one
ResearchDeuteration of classic origin of life experiment throws up surprises
Replay of iconic Miller–Urey work with heavier hydrogen isotope produces unexpected compounds
NewsUK crops at risk if EU pesticide ban expanded
Agricultural research institute calls for unbiased research on pesticides linked to bee decline
ResearchFloating graphene cooks up clean water
Graphene aerogel converts sunlight into heat to produce water vapour at room temperature
ResearchSnowflake symmetry mirrors ice crystals’ molecular structure
Water molecules arranged in hexagonal shape grow into six-sided snowflakes due to kinetic control
ResearchHypothetical molecule might take wing in bird geometry
Yet-to-be-synthesised iodabenzene could be stabilised by functional groups that support a bird-shaped isomer
ResearchSpongy metal energises lithium–oxygen batteries
An ultra-light nickel cathode boosts performance and lifetime of promising battery technology
NewsEU regulation to curb trade in conflict minerals
Companies importing metals from countries affected by violence and exploitation will have to audit their supply chain
ResearchShortest double-walled nanotube made
Cyclic aromatic compounds assembled into Russian doll complexes expand menagerie of curious carbon structures
ResearchHydrogens squeezed into record-breaking proximity
Shortest van der Waals interaction beats previous record holder by 0.051Å
ResearchAnion confounds expectations with its electron-loving nature
A boron cluster is the first example of a dipole-distinguishing electrophilic anion
