Physical chemistry
The latest chemistry news and research on physical chemistry, including quantum and theoretical, bonding, computational and surfaces and interfaces, from the Royal Society of Chemistry's magazine, Chemistry World
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OpinionHarrison’s bimetallic strip and the problems with temperature control
Making thermostats possible – now we need to learn how to use them correctly
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FeatureUnravelling the chemistry behind the sea’s bioluminescent sparkle
Researchers are piecing together the unusual chemical reactions that enable dinoflagellates to create spectacular light displays in tropical bays. But the mechanism behind their bioluminescence remains one of nature’s most puzzling chemical mysteries
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PodcastAlphaGenome & the RNA world hypothesis
In this episode, we discuss Google DeepMind’s latest deep learning model AlphaGenome, dissect the origins of life from chemicals to complex lifeforms, and hear the latest headlines.
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ResearchMapping tool delivers quantitative visualisations of steric interactions
Technique uncovers subtle interactions that previous methods have missed
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ResearchWas the ‘Baghdad battery’ really two cells?
A new study suggests it had an ‘outer’ cell that reacted with air to supply a higher voltage. But was it a battery at all?
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ResearchAtomic physics gets its own ‘periodic table’ that covers highly charged ions
New table could help with the redefinition of the second and creation of the next generation of atomic clocks
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WebinarFrom bean to brew: the chemistry behind the perfect cup of coffee
Discover the chemistry behind the aromas and flavours of one of the world’s favourite beverages
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ResearchAI tool dramatically reduces computing power needed to find protein-binding molecules
New protocol is up to 10 million times faster than current docking-based methods
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ResearchPurer silicon lets robust quantum computing get started on a new medium
System is highly accurate and amenable to scaling without compromising quality
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ResearchAnomeric effect cannot be explained by hyperconjugation alone
Computational studies suggest this textbook principle is governed by a range of factors
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ResearchAI agents set to democratise computational chemistry
Large language models are powering a new generation of AI agents that could transform computational chemistry from a specialist discipline into one any researcher can use, reports Julia Robinson
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OpinionDemocratising science, one step at a time
Artifical intelligence is just the latest method to open up chemistry to more people
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OpinionLangmuir’s pump and the optimism of science
Creativity nurtured by an explorative environment
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ResearchTree-D printing for Christmas
Watch how this Christmas ornament was 3D printed using supercooled water
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ResearchAI continues to make waves and structural editing impresses in 2025
The research that has amazed and amused us this year
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ResearchAI flexes its protein design muscles for harsh environments
‘Creative architect’ can produce proteins that are four times stronger than natural counterparts
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OpinionLearning computational chemistry in a new role
A change of team brings new opportunities to build knowledge
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ResearchUnexpected stability theorised in positron-bound beryllium dimers
Simulations challenge conventional ideas about positronic interactions
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ResearchCrystal structure prediction reaches new heights with axitinib
Computational strategy predicts complex polymorphs and distinguishes salts from co-crystals
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ResearchNew evidence sheds light on mystery of ‘magic-angle’ graphene’s superconductivity
Best evidence yet points to unconventional superconductivity in twisted layer material