Rachel Brazil
Rachel has been a freelance science writer for almost a decade.
Based in London, she writes for a variety of publications on scientific areas, including chemistry, materials science, biomedical and pharmaceutical science, and science and innovation policy.
Prior to this, she worked in a number of scientific organizations, including the RSC, the Royal Institution and the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts (Nesta). From 2006–2010 she ran Nesta's national researcher development programme, Crucible. Focused on encouraging creativity and stimulating interdisciplinary encounters between early career researchers, Crucible has now been adopted by a number of UK Universities.
Rachel herself has an interdisciplinary academic background, with degrees in chemistry and a PhD in archaeological conservation. She is also a trainer for the British Council’s Researcher Connect programme, teaching in China, Russia and Mexico.
FeatureMagnetic spin waves could slash computer energy consumption
Researchers are developing magnonic processors that use magnetic spin waves instead of electric current to process data. Rachel Brazil discovers how it could potentially reduce energy consumption by 90% and offer new possibilities for neuromorphic computing
FeatureHow stable isotope analysis reveals what ancient humans and Neanderthals ate
Analytical chemistry can tell us what our ancestors ate thousands – or even millions – of years ago. Rachel Brazil gets her teeth into the evidence
BusinessThe challenge of developing oral alternatives to peptide weight loss drugs
Companies are racing to develop alternatives to injectable diabetes and weight loss drugs
NewsScience retracts controversial ‘arsenic life’ paper 15 years after it was published
Contentious study continues to make waves as authors and researchers argue over whether action is proportionate and beneficial
FeatureManaging the menopause
The end of ovulation will affect almost all women, but current treatments could be improved. Rachel Brazil reports on the efforts to find a better solution
FeatureThe circles of DNA that cause cancer
Ring-shaped extrachromosomal DNA is implicated in many cancers. Rachel Brazil talks to the scientists trying to uncover their secrets
CareersSara Shinton’s career developing research leaders
UKRI’s Future Leaders Fellows Development Network director is on a mission to improve research culture through good leadership
FeaturePutting the F in pharma
Adding fluorine to drug molecules can be tricky, but is often worthwhile. Rachel Brazil talks to the chemists trying to tame the ninth element
CareersThe narrative CV: a step towards more inclusive science?
Exploring an alternative to a traditional list of achievements
FeatureAnalysing a chemist’s wish-list
Analytical techniques have come a long way, but what does the future hold? Rachel Brazil asks the experts what they’d like to see
CareersWill open science change chemistry?
While more researchers are adopting open access, open data, open peer review and open projects, some significant barriers are hindering progress
FeatureThe GLP-1 weight loss revolution
Glucagon-like peptide-1 agonist drugs, such as semaglutide, could save countless lives at risk due to diabetes and obesity. Rachel Brazil looks at the difficulties in making the peptides themselves, and what’s coming next
CareersFrom baby boomers to gen Z, how do different generations approach chemistry?
Are differences in attitudes and training affecting science?
FeatureSparking industry’s interest in electrosynthesis
Using electrons instead of reagents offers many potential benefits, but there are still barriers to overcome, as Rachel Brazil reports
CareersHow Rainbow Lo is accelerating innovation
Impatient for change, she joined Paris-based sustainable ‘deep tech’ agency Hello Tomorrow
NewsExplainer: what is tear gas?
Accusations of the use of tear gas as a weapon of war in Ukraine have put these agents in the spotlight once more
FeatureConserving Barbie from degradation
Although she is a cultural icon, conserving Barbie has its challenges: as with most plastic toys and dolls, she was not made to last. Rachel Brazil investigates how conservation scientists are approaching this sticky problem
FeatureMore than a mirror-image: left-handed nucleic acids
Now a biological reality, researchers are starting to figure out the many roles of left-handed nucleic acids such as Z-DNA – from immunity to controlling our genetics. Rachel Brazil reports
FeatureThe perchlorate Martian mystery
Rachel Brazil looks at how the compounds might have formed on our neighbouring planet and whether they could be useful for future exploration
FeatureAre hair relaxers damaging to health?
Different chemistries have been designed to turn curly hair straight, but in all cases questions remain about their safety, finds Rachel Brazil