Peptide tags that encode chemical libraries could revolutionise drug discovery
Simple strings of amino acids store over 4 gigabits of data, offering a highly stable solution for screening small molecule libraries
Open source software could deliver huge time savings for computational chemists
Program could improve efficiency of operations and automated solutions
Used masks and plastic packaging turned into high-octane fuel at low temperatures
Endothermic reaction coupled with an exothermic one to keep the processes energy costs down
Plant biomarkers provide evidence of nerve agent attacks
Analytical method detects chemical weapon usage up to three months after exposure by probing plant proteins
Sweetener erythritol linked to heart problems
Comprehensive study discovers high dietary intake of erythritol correlates with increased risk of heart attack similar to having diabetes
Dataset with millions of entries set to help AI find new drugs
Neural networks perform better when trained on larger datasets
AI identifies molecules from their featureless visible spectrum
Forget about trying to interpret peaks and let machine learning identify organic compounds from their entirely smooth visible spectrum
Study challenges assumptions over how l-oligonucleotides behave in living systems
L-oligonucleotides are potentially cytotoxic but some could have unexpected therapeutic benefits
Chemists put the colour-changing ‘ouzo effect’ under the microscope
Greater understanding of the anise-flavoured spirit’s cloudy mix could lead to better emulsions
Woodcock feathers’ nanostructure makes them the whitest ever found
The Eurasian woodcock’s white tail feathers reflect up to 55% of light –30% more than those of any other bird
A safer, coral-friendly sunscreen is on the horizon
Polymeric UV filter doesn’t harm algae, coral or mice in tests
Elusive pyridine-based chloronium structures revealed
Researchers complete set of halonium ions by isolating a reactive chloronium structure
Wood that traps carbon dioxide could make buildings cleaner and greener
Integral metal–organic framework could let wood in construction sequester greenhouse gas
New theory provides answers to why metals have the structures that they do
The simple concept shows that a metal’s structure results from chemical interactions between localised electrons, challenging the traditional free electron gas model
First synthesis of 1-azahomocubane shows nitrogen can take the strain
Chemists overcome synthetic challenges to finally incorporate a nitrogen atom into the homocubane skeleton
The hunt is on for vaccine ingredients that don’t come from wild sharks
Yeast can provide the raw materials and chemical wizardry can transform them
Polymer shows some backbone as it becomes first with extended metal spine
Construction process for 21-atom-long one-dimensional nickel wires could find use in nanoelectronics
Loofah-structured hydrogel could help meet global clean water demands
Hydrogel water purification technology goes from a curiosity to a contender through a change in its structure
Lipophilicity helps explain psychedelic drugs’ therapeutic effects
Understanding why psychedelic drugs that bind to serotonin receptors promote neuron growth, while serotonin itself does not
Gel capsules make reactions with organolithiums simpler and safer
Low-cost gels improve the handling and storage of traditionally dangerous organometallics, expanding applications and possibilities in synthesis
Unique molecular state at ultracold temperatures points way to controlling chemical reactions
Deeper understanding of interactions close to absolute zero could also aid creation of exotic quantum matter
Surprise as electric fields found to cleave bond homolytically
Study also uncovers that the reaction rate in a field increases linearly with the solvent dielectric constant
Locked degradability breaks plastic paradox
Mechanochemistry unlocks sustainable polymers
Metal–carbon catalysts made from plants can break down plastics
Soil remediation study sees researchers develop method for converting low-density polyethylene into liquid hydrocarbons
Zircon study prompts redox state rethink surrounding hydrothermal pools thought to harbour life’s first molecules
Research combining experiments with modelling suggests hydrothermal fluid was 30% as saline as sea water today and more oxidised than the surrounding mantle
Study says UK underestimated offshore methane emissions from oil and gas activity
Research adds to consensus that most countries don’t really know how much methane they are releasing into the atmosphere
Analysing blood chemistry from a single drop
Mass spectrometry determine the levels of thousands of chemicals in a ‘microsample’ of human blood
Chemical analysis of Tartan questions cultural perceptions of 18th century Scotland
Anita Quye explains why the sciences and the humanities aren’t as disparate as we might think