Simple lipid networks combine self-assembly, replication, competition and inhibition
Artificial cells have previously lacked the complexity that is distinct to natural life but scientists are edging closer
Viewpoint shift designs drug binding proteins from scratch
New method focuses on the groups touching amino acid side chains
Hydrogen bonds join forces to maximise water–water interaction
Cooperative environment encourages stronger chemistry
Molecular state switching technique offers insight into reactions’ complexity
New technique offers exceptional chemical control
Antiaromaticity relief mechanism linked to DNA photostability
Textbook organic chemistry concepts bring new understanding to protective biological mechanisms
Aluminium–nitrogen batteries offer alternative ammonia synthesis
Battery simultaneously stores energy and harnesses nitrogen to produce aluminium nitride
DNA-compatible C–H activation method set to benefit drug discovery
Larger and more diverse DNA-encoded libraries on the cards thanks to new tool
Liquid hydrogen rethink has astronomical implications
Machine learning simulates smooth transition between states, which could affect giant planets
Retro-Diels–Alder study links solvent viscosity to reaction rate under microwave heating
New study helps to establish the parameters for microwave-specific rate enhancements observed in certain reactions
Hybrid light–matter particles offer tantalising new way to control chemistry
Early experiments are revealing that vacuum-field catalysis could make reactions happen with mirrors and nothingness
Simulation says supercritical water has no hydrogen bonds
Computational approach seeks to clarify bonding confusion
Noble metals dissolved without aqua regia
Decades-old study inspires acidic salt solutions for recovering gold and platinum group metals from catalytic waste
Largest hollow cage molecule yet made from 1000 atoms
Giant polyoxymetalate cluster contains 240 molybdenum, 740 oxygen and 20 sulfur atoms
Options expanded for origin of Earth’s water
Enstatite chondrite meteroites contain enough hydrogen to have supplied three to five times the total mass of water in Earth’s oceans
Sour beer compounds tracked during brewing process
Chemists partner with a California brewery to elucidate the complex flavours in tart beers
IBM seeks to simplify robotic chemistry
RoboRXN system extends AI approach to extracting and checking chemistry information from patent literature to programming automation
Open-air performance for atom transfer radical polymerisation
Sodium pyruvate plays a lead role by regenerating the catalyst and scavenging hydrogen peroxide
Designer plastic can be recycled over and over again
Bicyclic thiolactone building block makes for high-quality polymers with chemical recyclability
Cerium oxide nanoparticles could put a stop to tooth cavities
US researchers have found the material can prevent plaque from forming and could perhaps thwart tooth decay
Sulfur study delivers first experimental proof of a liquid–liquid critical point
Researchers interpret density anomaly as a sign of the critical opalescence phenomenon
Microscopy reveals mantis shrimp’s shock-absorbing secrets
Impact-resistant layer is a combination of stiff inorganic and soft organic material
Sound choreographs chaotic reactions
Bass tones create reproducible patterns in unpredictable out-of-equilibrium systems
Atoms in mixed-metal MOFs found to adopt predictable patterns
Multi-metallic materials could be encoded with instructions for synthesis or separation
Levitating ring flame’s burning secrets revealed
Blue whirl could offer a soot-free way to burn oil spills – if it can be scaled up
Superfluid helium nanoreactor takes single atom catalysis understanding to the next level
Gold alters bond energies to catalyse dissociation reaction
Mass spectrometry and augmented reality guide tumour removal in real time
Colour pixels help surgeons differentiate between cancerous and healthy tissue
Aniline synthesis turns to photochemistry to access challenging targets
New photochemical strategy could jump in where common cross-coupling reactions fall short
Hydrogen bond imparts more stability on transition state than expected
Study reveals importance of repulsive interactions