2D polymer films approach exceptional impermeability of pristine graphene
Spin-coated polyaramids could protect food and solar cells from air
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
AI-designed antibodies target antigens with atomic precision
Epitope-binding proteins designed from scratch by generative AI model
AI cut development time of antibiotic that spares gut-friendly bacteria by two years
Animal tests show promise to target invasive strain of E. coli but approval for use in humans is still years away
Beer yeast leftovers spun into a promising sustainable yarn 50% stronger than wool
Nanobodies from alpacas and llamas could hold the key to a universal antivenom
Modular strategy opens up new way to synthesise arylated thiophene rings
Infrared and NMR fusion boosts automated structure verification
Suppressing side reactions brings efficiency boosts for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis
When it comes to correcting the scientific record, chemists prefer to have a quiet word
Highlights
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
Magnetic spin waves could slash computer energy consumption
Researchers are developing magnonic processors that use magnetic spin waves instead of electric current to process data. Rachel Brazil discovers how it could potentially reduce energy consumption by 90% and offer new possibilities for neuromorphic computing
AI tools tackle paper mill fraud overwhelming peer review
With more article submissions and fraudulent activity than ever before, journal peer review processes are creaking under the pressure. Nina Notman discovers how AI and automated tools are taking some of the strain
How the pioneers of metal-organic frameworks won the Nobel prize
From wooden models to thousands and thousands of structures, Julia Robinson tells the story of how Richard Robson, Susumu Kitagawa and Omar Yaghi won the 2025 Nobel prize in chemistry
Rethinking workplaces for neurodivergent staff
Neurodivergent people often excel in skills highly valued in chemistry. Nina Notman investigates how employers are breaking down barriers and harnessing these talents through workplace adjustments and recruitment reforms
Topics
AI-designed antibodies target antigens with atomic precision
Epitope-binding proteins designed from scratch by generative AI model
AI cut development time of antibiotic that spares gut-friendly bacteria by two years
Animal tests show promise to target invasive strain of E. coli but approval for use in humans is still years away
Infrared and NMR fusion boosts automated structure verification
Study highlights untapped potential of IR spectroscopy data
Quantum tunnelling drives aromaticity flip-flop
Neural network trained to classify crystal structure errors in MOF and other databases
Modelling suggests waste heat from AI data centres could power carbon capture and water purification
Antibiotics designed with the help of AI attack bacteria in entirely new ways
AI tools turned to creating designer proteins for personalised cancer therapies and antibiotics
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
Unique Iron Age kohl from Iran differs from that of ancient Egypt
Eye makeup found to contain graphite and manganese but not organic ingredients
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
First-generation graduate chemists face challenges throughout their entire academic lifetime
Study highlights need for mentorship and more inclusive networks
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
Pitfalls in cytotoxicity studies could be tripping up chemists
Team proposes how to broaden and standardise biological testing in sustainable chemical research
‘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
Filter paper simplifies squaramide synthesis
Capillary-driven flow distributes reagents evenly
Researcher wins €50,000 in damages as European Anti-Fraud Office removes ‘unlawful’ press release
EU court rules that inaccurate allegations of grant misuse damaged the researcher’s reputation, career and health
Serbia’s researchers still at loggerheads with government one year into mass protests
Further restrictions could be put on academics that are already struggling with being limited to five hours research a week
Researchers in the US much more likely to consider moving abroad
Survey of 3000 researchers across the world shows 40% of those in the US are contemplating relocating in the next two years, versus 29% globally
Starting a chemistry PhD as a mature student
The benefits and challenges of returning to academia after a period away
AI tool paints bigger picture of global impact of millions of research grants, papers and patents
Team behind Funding the Frontier hope it will help funders and policymakers make better decisions but others worry system might favour ‘safe’ research