Mapping tool delivers quantitative visualisations of steric interactions
Technique uncovers subtle interactions that previous methods have missed
‘Inverted metallocenes’ turn organometallic definition on its head
Complexes contain palladium-based rings bonded to non-metal anions
‘Living biosensor’ lights up to detect wine spoilage in real time
Genetically modified bacteria glow in high levels of acetic acid, a common signal that wine has gone bad
Amino acids weave organic molecules into chiral knots
Rare chiral Solomon links formed in single step
Lithium-free battery breaks voltage barrier for ultra-cheap energy storage
Three nitrile molecules identified as fresh targets for life-hunting astronomers
Google’s AlphaGenome wants to do for DNA what AlphaFold did for proteins
Fluids used to preserve Charles Darwin’s Galápagos Island specimens probed by Raman spectroscopy
Stable copper superatom breaks carbon dioxide electroreduction records
Was the ‘Baghdad battery’ really two cells?
Highlights
How RNA reveals clues to life’s origins on Earth
The discovery of catalytic RNA transformed our understanding of life’s beginnings. Clare Sansom explores how the RNA world hypothesis bridges the gap between non-living chemistry and the first cells
How soft electronics are transforming medical devices
Degradable pacemakers and artificial neurons showcase how flexible, tissue-compatible electronics are revolutionising medicine. But translating these materials from lab bench to clinic requires solving complex structure–function relationships
The toxic chemistry behind skin bleaching products
The global skin-lightening market is worth over $10 billion and growing, but the unregulated products driving it contain dangerous chemicals linked to serious health risks. Zahra Khan speaks to the scientists and advocates trying to fix the problem
The future of total synthesis
From structure confirmation to methodology improvements, making complex natural products has driven innovation in organic synthesis for decades. Nina Notman looks at its current state, with threats from funding to academic pressures
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
Topics
Mapping tool delivers quantitative visualisations of steric interactions
Technique uncovers subtle interactions that previous methods have missed
Google’s AlphaGenome wants to do for DNA what AlphaFold did for proteins
Model predicts effect of mutations on sequences up to 1 million base pairs in length and is adept at tackling complex non-coding regions
AI tool dramatically reduces computing power needed to find protein-binding molecules
New protocol is up to 10 million times faster than current docking-based methods
Purer silicon lets robust quantum computing get started on a new medium
Anomeric effect cannot be explained by hyperconjugation alone
AI agents set to democratise computational chemistry
AI flexes its protein design muscles for harsh environments
Protein design takes big leap forward as model produces enzymes almost as effective as nature’s
Was the ‘Baghdad battery’ really two cells?
A new study suggests it had an ‘outer’ cell that reacted with air to supply a higher voltage. But was it a battery at all?
The chemist using curry to understand indoor air pollution
Ashish Kumar’s research reveals how cooking shapes the air we breathe indoors
Traditional yoghurt recipe reveals ants’ fermentation power
Rebecca Trager meets a cross-disciplinary team investigating an ancient way to make yoghurt, which involved a trip to a tiny Bulgarian village
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
Rethinking hydrogen peroxide production
Hydro-Oxy and Addible both aim to transform how industry produces and uses a ubiquitous oxidant.
Textiles in the age of sustainability: alternative methods for fabric dying and treatment
Learn about advances in sustainability of textile production – join us on 31 March
Global analysis identifies trends in platform chemical research
Ammonia and methanol lead shift towards greener technologies
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
Pitfalls in cytotoxicity studies could be tripping up chemists
Team proposes how to broaden and standardise biological testing in sustainable chemical research
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
Australia closes one beamline at national synchrotron, with another saved
Agency backtracks on closure of one beamline but asks user community to chip in
Dramatic reductions proposed for US science agencies by Trump administration evaporate
Final 2026 budget figures, passed by Congress and signed into law, reject significant cuts that the White House had proposed
AI research tools benefit individual scientists but may slow scientific progress
There may be a conflict between personal and collective gain in the sciences
US air strikes seriously damaged leading research institute in Venezuela
Venezuelan Institute for Scientific Research’s maths building ‘completely destroyed’ and chemistry building seriously damaged
Iupac announces it is moving from the US to a joint home in Spain and Italy
Dual headquarters decision a result of strong bids from both cities