Tim Wogan
After initially planning to study English at university, I decided that, just in case I turned out not to be the next Hillary Mantel, it might be better to devote my life to my other great love – science, where I believed I was sure to make great discoveries. Three years studying physics at Cambridge University disabused me thoroughly of that notion, and, having learned that I was never going to make a notable discovery of my own in a world full of infinitely better scientists than I was, I decided to return to plan A and make my living writing about theirs instead. I studied science communication at Imperial College London and, after a brief internship as a reporter on the European news desk of Science, I’ve been writing freelance. Since 2019, I’ve been living in the US.
ResearchInorganic homologous series forms solids with predictable structures
Newly uncovered structure–composition relationship could help to improve AI’s ability to predict new inorganic materials
ResearchRevived claims that antibiotics don’t kill bacteria with reactive oxygen prove controversial
Researchers say that multiple lines of evidence for hypothesis have now been undermined
ResearchNew MOF binds two gas molecules at each metal site
Rare co-operative adsorption mechanism enables metal–organic framework to bind two carbon monoxide molecules at each metal centre
Research2D polymer films approach exceptional impermeability of pristine graphene
Spin-coated polyaramids could protect food and solar cells from air
ResearchPhysicists hope to probe standard model with misshapen radium monofluoride
Effect never observed in a molecule could help adjudicate between competing models of nuclear structure
ResearchWater squeezed into 2D channels conducts electricity 100,000 times better
Network of quasi-2D hydrogen bonding may be responsible for effect
ResearchElectron transfer plays an underappreciated role in battery charging cycles
Ion transfer alone does not explain charging and discharging rates of lithium-ion batteries
ResearchAI enables quicker search for MOFs to soak up carbon dioxide
Thousands of candidates screened allowing the best to be investigated experimentally
ResearchNew adhesive is so sticky it can glue a rubber duck to a seaside rock
Features of 25,000 biological adhesives analysed to create glues stronger than any found in nature
ResearchClathrate material’s crystal structure finally solved, 80 years after it was first discovered
TBAB hydrate is the most widely used semiclathrate hydrate, with potential uses in heat storage and air conditioning
ResearchElectrochemistry cleans up nitrate-contaminated water without costly, toxic metals
Atomically-dispersed iron in woven carbon nanotube framework allows breakdown of pollutants
Research‘Microlightning’ released by peeling tape can drive chemical reactions
Intense localised electric fields can break bonds
ResearchPath to carbon dioxide-based chemicals smoothed with a dash of acid
Hydrochloric acid dissolves salts that gum-up reaction process
Research‘Landmark paper’ reveals how environment affects individual catalytic atoms’ activity
Research could improve single-atom catalyst design
ResearchMost energetic molecule ever made is stable – in liquid nitrogen
Nitrogen allotrope releases double the energy of the most powerful chemical explosives
ResearchPolymer membrane separates hydrocarbons, offering alternative to distillation
Microporous membrane enables energy efficient chemical separations
ResearchBlown up brain cells’ connections and chemistry traced at incredible molecular resolution
Microscopy on tissue swollen to 16 times its normal size can help unravel neural structures
Research3D printing deep in the body using ultrasound could deliver drugs, heal wounds
Biocompatible inks allowed polymers to be printed in animals without harming them
ResearchMicrowaves’ non-thermal effects on a chemical reaction demonstrated for first time
Molecular beam experiments shift reaction rate by manipulating reactant’s quantum state
ResearchPacemaker the size of a grain of rice could save children’s lives after surgery
Medical device powers itself using bodily fluids and then is simply absorbed by the body