‘Microlightning’ released by peeling tape can drive chemical reactions
Intense localised electric fields can break bonds
Bacterium engineered to produce paracetamol from plastic bottle waste
Research demonstrates new ways to remediate plastic and upcycle chemicals derived from waste
Centrosymmetric crystal displays chiral optical responses previously believed to be impossible
Crystal with perfect symmetry around its centre surprises scientists with its asymmetric response to light
Linear structure gives dysprosium complex record-breaking magnetic properties
A new dysprosium-based single-molecule magnet works at higher temperatures than others in its class
Pitfalls in cytotoxicity studies could be tripping up chemists
Mammoth task of identifying legal ivory made simpler and cheaper by isotope analysis
Path to carbon dioxide-based chemicals smoothed with a dash of acid
Why some sunscreens turn clothes crimson when bleached
Position of flask on magnetic stirrers can drastically affect reproducibility of experiments
Super-reducing photoredox catalyst paves a new way for arene reduction
Highlights
The young female astronomer who worked out what the sun is made of
100 years ago, Cecilia Payne deduced that the sun is mainly made of hydrogen – but was encouraged to downplay her findings by her PhD supervisor. Mike Sutton takes up the story
Hibernation awakens interest for drug discovery
With many different species entering torpor for a variety of reasons, scientists are looking to their sleepy secrets for ways to treat human diseases. Anthony King reports
How decarbonisation will help the UK’s last refineries survive
Carbon capture and low-carbon hydrogen are central to any possibility of supplying liquid fuels compatible with net zero, reports Andy Extance
Fixing medicine’s gender gap
For centuries, the default subject in medicine research and training has been the male. Julia Robinson talks to the scientists and clinicians trying to improve things for the other 51% of humanity
How safe and sustainable are period products?
Millions of people around the world use period products every month. Bárbara Pinho finds out what their environmental footprint is and whether they carry chemicals harmful to human health
Topics
Unprecedented pentacoordinate oxygen cluster isn’t so new after all
Scientists design a star-shaped dianion only to discover it had probably been synthesised nearly two decades ago
An overlooked bonding motif appears in many more proteins than was previously realised
Covalent nitrogen–oxygen–sulfur linkages could be a new target for potential drugs
Fluorine surprises by becoming heaviest atom ever to quantum tunnel
First experimental evidence of tunnelling in fluorine pushes the boundary of our understanding of chemical bonding
Strain can unlock electron-donating orbital in tetravalent carbon atoms
Bridging the gap between Hammett parameters and the electronic structure of aromatic systems
AI predicts transition states with exceptional precision
Accelerating chemical discovery through high-throughput experimentation: in conversation with Matthew Gaunt
Amino acid sequences used to predict enzyme stereoselectivity
Portable device detects poisonous pigment in books
St Andrews librarians and physicists partner to create sensor that can detect the spectrum of toxic green colourant
Ancient Vesuvius victim’s brain contains first natural organic glass ever seen
Extreme heating followed by rapid cooling formed unique material in a Herculaneum man
This nanotechnology expert works with both plant and brain cells
Could Markita Landry’s research group be any more interdisciplinary?
Working towards an Australian First Nations periodic table
Zahra Khan finds out how a team of scholars is working with the Gadigal to develop a chart that celebrates Indigenous knowledge of the chemical elements
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
‘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
Filter paper simplifies squaramide synthesis
Capillary-driven flow distributes reagents evenly
Seed oil-based polymer should survive a day in the rain but degrade within years in the sea
Researchers create polyesteramides from brassylic acid and explore their potential as a replacement for polyethylene
Paul Anastas: ‘I’m proudest of being part of a global green chemistry community’
The father of green chemistry on his love of the environment, striving for unattainable perfection and breathing life into an old town library
Royal Society of Chemistry changes direction on open access rollout following community feedback
In place of open access across the board, the society will adopt regional publishing models
Major Israeli research institute loses around 45 labs to Iranian missile strike
Weizmann Institute of Science researchers estimate that repairs will cost at least £370m
How I blew the whistle on a fellow chemist and colleague
Raphaël Lévy talks to Chemistry World about reporting Jolanda Spadavecchia, the backlash he faced and how misconduct should be investigated
Chemists recognised in King’s birthday honours
Royal Society of Chemistry hails chemists recognised for their research and inclusion and diversity work
Guidelines on how to be a scientific sleuth released
Creators of collection want all working scientists to get involved in post-publication review