Shedding light on how photoactive crystals respond in real time
Lauren Hatcher discusses her work developing techniques for time-resolved crystallography
AI continues to make waves and structural editing impresses in 2025
The research that has amazed and amused us this year
Insulating window material prevents heat loss while allowing more light through than glass
Easy to make polymer could be used for energy efficient buildings
AI flexes its protein design muscles for harsh environments
‘Creative architect’ can produce proteins that are four times stronger than natural counterparts
Protein design takes big leap forward as model produces enzymes almost as effective as nature’s
Romans’ hot recipe for self-healing concrete unravelled in Pompeii
Inorganic homologous series forms solids with predictable structures
Unexpected stability theorised in positron-bound beryllium dimers
Bacteria tweaked to produce high yields of colour-changing pigment behind octopus camouflage
Crystal structure prediction reaches new heights with axitinib
Highlights
The JWST reveals the molecular origins of planetary systems
The world’s most expensive infrared spectrometer – the James Webb Space Telescope – is unearthing extraordinary exoplanet chemistry. James Mitchell Crow looks to the skies
The Antarctic manganese mystery
RRS Sir David Attenborough scientists are trying to measure the potentially crucial role of ocean manganese, finds Andy Extance. But how do you do cutting-edge science in the inhospitable Southern Ocean?
The chemistry of port
In Portugal’s Douro valley, centuries-old winemaking traditions meet modern chemistry to create a sweet and intense fortified wine. Bárbara Pinho talks to the experts about the compounds and reactions behind a festive favourite
One medical inhaler can have the impact of 30kg of carbon dioxide
Propellants in asthma inhalers produce greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to driving 200 miles, yet most healthcare systems overlook this climate impact. New low-carbon alternatives are in development, Andy Extance reports, but barriers remain
Nitrous oxide emissions accelerate as agriculture drives climate threat
With N2O emissions up 40% in four decades, scientists are searching for answers. Anthony King looks at potential solutions to keep fertiliser nitrogen in the soil
Topics
AI flexes its protein design muscles for harsh environments
‘Creative architect’ can produce proteins that are four times stronger than natural counterparts
Protein design takes big leap forward as model produces enzymes almost as effective as nature’s
New iteration of RoseTTAFold Diffusion optimises side chain placing to break bonds
Unexpected stability theorised in positron-bound beryllium dimers
Simulations challenge conventional ideas about positronic interactions
Crystal structure prediction reaches new heights with axitinib
AI-designed antibodies target antigens with atomic precision
AI cut development time of antibiotic that spares gut-friendly bacteria by two years
Infrared and NMR fusion boosts automated structure verification
Quantum tunnelling drives aromaticity flip-flop
Shedding light on how photoactive crystals respond in real time
Lauren Hatcher discusses her work developing techniques for time-resolved crystallography
When it comes to correcting the scientific record, chemists prefer to have a quiet word
Those surveyed even report introducing ‘errors’ into their work to satisfy reviewers
How does Clarivate pick its potential Nobel prize winners?
Chemistry World talks to the head of research analysis at the Institute for Science Information on how they decide which researchers are producing Nobel-worthy research
Reviving organobismuth chemistry
Despite its low cost and low toxicity, bismuth has found limited applications in organic synthesis. Liam Ball is working to change that
Global analysis identifies trends in platform chemical research
Ammonia and methanol lead shift towards greener technologies
Exploring the frontiers of the periodic table: bismuth catalysis and its applications
Learn about state-of-the-art synthesis coming from one of the world’s leading catalysis research groups
US charity launches $100 million green chemistry initiative
Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation to fund seven year project headed by sustainable chemistry pioneer Paul Anastas
Light-driven catalytic system makes ammonia from nitrogen and water
Dual catalyst system operates under ambient conditions, offering a way to reduce ammonia production’s environmental impact
‘Chemistry changed the world before, we just need to do it again’: Stockholm declaration reimagines future
Paul Anastas talks to Chemistry World about organising call for chemistry to transform itself and make the world more sustainable
Chemists urged to build a greener future by Stockholm declaration document
‘Father of green chemistry’ Paul Anastas among those spearheading call to action
AI continues to make waves and structural editing impresses in 2025
The research that has amazed and amused us this year
Chemistry department woes, Trump, Gen AI and pollution capture headlines in 2025
The stories that dominated the news this year
UKRI opens up grant proposal data to explore using AI to smooth peer review
Surging applications has led the UK’s main funder to look at ways to reduce the burden on reviewers
Why are the first papers of some online-only journals cited significantly more?
Issue may originate from an algorithm of the DOI registry Crossref, leading to 150,000 faulty citation links
International student levy worries universities as budget contains little new for research
Levy of £925 per overseas student would fund disadvantaged students but there are concerns it could have an unpredictable effect on student numbers