Headlines
Nanopore proteins designed from scratch and turned into biosensors
Artificial ion channels used to detect disease indicators and pharmaceuticals
Designer ylide transfers single carbon atoms
Single-atom carbon transfer reagent provides the latest breakthrough in skeletal editing
Optical trap experiments pick up recoil of a single alpha particle blasting off
High sensitivity measurements were able to detect electrons ejected by force of departing helium nucleus
Computer program ‘paints’ porphyrin structures in the style of famous artist
Algorithm turns molecules’ structure into Mondrian-inspired representations
Forgotten borole synthesis expands family of antiaromatic compounds
Imaging study illuminates new type of electrical tree
First single crystal structure of actinium shows unexpected coordination behaviour
Mechanochemistry adds fluorine to discarded polystyrene
Algorithm predicts bitterness from mass spectra data alone
Cassini probe’s radar provide new insight into Titan’s liquid hydrocarbon seas
Highlights
Fast charging supercapacitors
Rapid development of the alternative energy storage technology to rechargeable batteries is already having real world impact. James Mitchell Crow talks to the scientists working on upping their performance
Is DNA the future of digital data storage?
DNA is being explored as a long-term solution to preserving digital information for future generations. Nina Notman reports
The wonder of whisky
Kit Chapman takes a closer look at the chemistry of the water of life, from the slow reactions of its ageing to testing for fakes
Brain chemistry basics
Andy Extance looks into the latest in Alzheimer’s disease, pain and memory
The proteins that drive drug addiction
Jamie Durrani speaks to researchers exploring how epigenetic changes in the brain affect drug-seeking behaviours
Topics
Algorithm predicts bitterness from mass spectra data alone
New tool could find use in food science and drug development
Water droplets accelerate formation of mineral nanoparticles essential for life
Calculations and experiments reveal that water microdroplets may play role in soil formation
Labs across the globe networked by AI discover state-of-the-art emitters for lasers
Demonstration shows how algorithms could organise timing and match specialist equipment to experiments
Computer program ‘paints’ porphyrin structures in the style of famous artist
Algorithm turns molecules’ structure into Mondrian-inspired representations
Striking reptilian fossil discovered in 1931 found to be fake
280-million-year-old lizard ‘fossil’ was mostly painted on
Chemistry tools reveal surprise lead layer under a Rembrandt masterpiece
X-ray imaging uncovers a surprising lead substance beneath The Night Watch, likely used to safeguard the famous painting from moisture
Playing her part in building South Africa’s scientific reputation
Meet Pinkie Ntola, an early-career Black researcher who is passionate about being a credible scientist, an inspiring teacher and a supportive mentor
Science needs to get its house in order when it comes to energy use and waste
Labs have an outsized environmental footprint but solutions are within reach
Redox reactions ‘mine’ old fluorescent light bulbs for europium
In just three simple steps rare earth element can be recovered, avoiding ‘ecologically devastating’ mining
Biomass, plastic waste and carbon dioxide feedstocks key to cutting chemical industry’s emissions
Royal Society report warns that without intervention defossilisation of the chemicals sector will take many decades
Analysis of three French chemistry labs shows how they could halve their carbon footprint by 2030
Open-source tool helps researchers evaluate a series of carbon mitigation strategies
There’s a world of chemistry in water
Managing our most precious resource
Riding the microwave: three chemists share their stories
Disagreements surrounding non-thermal effects didn’t stop microwave reactors becoming a standard part of laboratory life
A holistic approach to success
Three activities that helped me to thrive in academia and beyond
Should I stay or should I go?
Two colleagues in academia and industry reflect on their career choices
Japanese chemistry institute sues archival site for hosting discontinued journal
Case could set an important precedent if it reaches court
Head of Japanese research university faces misconduct allegations
Kyoto Institute of Technology’s president under scrutiny over alleged data duplications across 34 research papers
US–China tensions appear to be damaging countries’ science, analysis finds
Ethnically Chinese students pursuing PhDs in the US dropped along with productivity of ethnically Chinese scientists