Actinide bonding could be tweaked by adjusting oxidation states
Modelling reveals that control of mysterious phi bonds could change behaviour of f-block elements
Amino acid sequences used to predict enzyme stereoselectivity
Team behind tool hope to dramatically reduce the experimental workload of scientists using directed evolution to develop biocatalysts
LSD analogue synthesised by swapping just two atoms less likely to cause hallucinations
New molecule shows promise for treating neuropsychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia
Enzyme-inspired ligand distinguishes between simple alkyl groups
Designer ligand creates active site-like pocket for asymmetric radical reaction
Digital workflow for electroanalytical technique is Fair data exemplar
One of the biggest questions in Mars science may have been answered by the Curiosity rover
Less than 10% of plastics are produced using recycled materials
Graphene-enhanced supramolecular gels direct how drug molecules crystallise
Cascade reaction brings a new dimension to amine synthesis
Catenane with tuneable mechanical chirality created
Highlights
What happens to our bodies after we die?
The decay and decomposition of a human body may be unpleasant to consider, but it can be crucial in criminal justice. Rupali Dabas talks to the forensic scientists developing techniques that can sniff out the truth
Crystal clear structure prediction
As the clouds clear on computational crystal structure prediction, is the technique ready to empower mainstream materials research? James Mitchell Crow reports
Making genetically engineered food palatable
The next generation of genetically altered food is forging ahead, aiming to be attractive to consumers rather than producers. Katrina Megget finds out whether Crispr means crisper salads
The 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
The glyphosate debate
The EU has recently approved the use of glyphosate for another decade. Bárbara Pinho examines the controversial pesticide’s presence in British farming and considers the possibility of a ban in the UK
Topics
Amino acid sequences used to predict enzyme stereoselectivity
Team behind tool hope to dramatically reduce the experimental workload of scientists using directed evolution to develop biocatalysts
AI inspired by AlphaFold can predict chromatin structures found in chromosomes
System could help unravel how genome folding influences genes
Computational study says nucleophile finds σ-holes more attractive than π-holes
A σ-hole leads to a stronger bond with NH3 than a π-hole on the same atom
Computer simulations shed light on how material can shrink when heated
Simulations suggest why highly unsaturated molecules are so abundant in the interstellar medium
Computer simulation of carbonless DNA prompt researchers to consider alternative biochemistries
Chemists use AI to uncover pigments used on Berlin Wall murals
GPT-based AI tool predicts inorganic crystal structures
Iron from single meteorite found in ancient Polish artefacts
Discoveries indicate meteoritic iron was falling out of fashion in the late iron age
Chemists use AI to uncover pigments used on Berlin Wall murals
Researchers hope work will help to preserve this art
Teaching enzymes new reactions through genetic code expansion and directed evolution
Anthony Green’s research group at the University of Manchester, UK, reengineers enzymes to have catalytic functions beyond those found in nature
Reading into the dangers of poison paint in Victorian-era books
Brightly coloured fabric covers hide poisonous dye legacy
Seed oil-based polymer should survive a day in the rain but degrade within years in the sea
Researchers create polyesteramides from brassylic acid and explore their potential as a replacement for polyethylene
Paul Anastas: ‘I’m proudest of being part of a global green chemistry community’
The father of green chemistry on his love of the environment, striving for unattainable perfection and breathing life into an old town library
Science needs to get its house in order when it comes to energy use and waste
Labs have an outsized environmental footprint but solutions are within reach
Biomass, plastic waste and carbon dioxide feedstocks key to cutting chemical industry’s emissions
Royal Society report warns that without intervention defossilisation of the chemicals sector will take many decades
Harvard’s former chemistry chair takes new position at Chinese university
Charles Lieber, the nanoscience pioneer convicted for not disclosing his ties to China, has just joined Tsinghua University
Research centres weather unprecedented blackout in Spain and Portugal
Backup batteries and diesel generators guaranteed the stability and security of scientific systems
Serbia limits academics’ research time to just one hour a day
Researchers say controversial policy will block majority of scientists from applying for grants
US energy department cap on indirect research costs temporarily halted after universities file lawsuit
Universities sue DOE after agency suddenly caps indirect research costs at 15%
Egypt set to join Horizon Europe
Egypt will be the second African nation to fully associate to the EU’s flagship research programme