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?
Atomic physics gets its own ‘periodic table’ that covers highly charged ions
New table could help with the redefinition of the second and creation of the next generation of atomic clocks
New material demonstrates ionic conductivity across three states
‘State-independent’ ionic conductivity could create safer solid-state batteries and faster electronics
Prehistoric humans hunted with poisoned arrows thousands of years earlier than thought
Deadly plant alkaloids discovered on 60,000-year-old arrowheads
AI tool dramatically reduces computing power needed to find protein-binding molecules
Purer silicon lets robust quantum computing get started on a new medium
Anomeric effect cannot be explained by hyperconjugation alone
Wolffish teeth contain a rare material that shrinks when squeezed rather than expanding
Ball-milled sodium provides easy access to organometallic reagent
How chemists are harnessing halogen bonds for asymmetric synthesis
Highlights
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
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
Topics
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
System is highly accurate and amenable to scaling without compromising quality
Anomeric effect cannot be explained by hyperconjugation alone
Computational studies suggest this textbook principle is governed by a range of factors
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
Unexpected stability theorised in positron-bound beryllium dimers
Crystal structure prediction reaches new heights with axitinib
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
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 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
How to make academic service activities count
Five tips for tackling commitments effectively
Landmark €4.55 billion investment in Ireland’s research sector and universities announced
Plan targets research, education and innovation
Iupac welcomes new year in with a new president
International chemistry nomenclature organisation to be headed by Mary Garson