Headlines
From tipsy worms to pigeon missiles: the quirky triumphs of the 2024 Ig Nobel awards
Chemistry prize rewards work that used worms as analogues of large polymers
Water-splitting reaction reversal could extract lithium more sustainably and cheaply
Environmentally-friendly electrochemistry could cut extraction costs by 40%
Teaching enzymes new reactions through genetic code expansion and directed evolution
Anthony Green’s research group at the University of Manchester, UK, reengineers enzymes to have catalytic functions beyond those found in nature
Peptide bond interactions explain collagen’s ‘impossible’ longevity in dinosaur bones
Discovery reveals why bonds are a million times more stable than expected
Hydrogen dimers finally detected at room temperature
Unprecedented natural products uncovered in springtails
Study demonstrates how mixtures of isotopologues can store high density information
Force-sensitive molecule pulled apart to create highly reactive aryne
Supramolecular crystals show promise for hydrogen storage
Low-energy electrons in cosmic ice spring surprise by generating prebiotic molecules
Highlights
The undergraduate lab practical transformation
Nina Notman speaks to the educators leading the charge to revamp how university students learn in the laboratory
The GLP-1 weight loss revolution
Glucagon-like peptide-1 agonist drugs, such as semaglutide, could save countless lives at risk due to diabetes and obesity. Rachel Brazil looks at the difficulties in making the peptides themselves, and what’s coming next
Seaweed success
Scientists and entrepreneurs are sowing the seeds for a new kind of industry. Hayley Bennett explores the buzz around the marine ‘biorefinery’ business – and what might hold it back
The irregular habits of crystals
Centuries of study have refined theories of how substances with periodically ordered structures behave. Anna Demming talks to the researchers exploring where these theories can apply in materials that are not ordered periodically, or even ordered at all
How a new strategy aims to break the catalytic speed limit
The Sabatier principle normally defines the maximum reaction rate enabled by catalyst materials, but scientists now think that they can go even faster, explains Andy Extance
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
AI predicts vape flavours can break down into potentially harmful compounds when heated
Algorithm designs proteins from scratch that can bind drugs and small molecules
Simulations track how MOFs adsorb water, one molecule at a time
Brewing better Belgian beer with artificial intelligence
Model explains why water can freeze at different temperatures
From tipsy worms to pigeon missiles: the quirky triumphs of the 2024 Ig Nobel awards
Chemistry prize rewards work that used worms as analogues of large polymers
Pioneering preservative removal from ancient Greek ship allows accurate dating
Extraction of polyethylene glycol from ship’s wood enables radiocarbon recalibration
Lead found in Beethoven’s hair reveals new insight into his ailing health
Kidney and liver problems that killed the composer, as well as hearing loss, are associated with high lead levels
Chemical analysis reveals origins of early English silver coins
Byzantine silver plates were melted down to make many of the first Anglo-Saxon coins
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
From tipsy worms to pigeon missiles: the quirky triumphs of the 2024 Ig Nobel awards
Chemistry prize rewards work that used worms as analogues of large polymers
Science community holds its breath again as consequential US presidential election looms
A lot is riding on the November election for university researchers and science advocates, who overwhelmingly back Kamala Harris
Search for UKRI chief executive starts afresh
New UK government has reopened the application process for top job at leading research funder
US government scientist union scores latest contract win
Californian scientists have followed academics in unionising and have negotiated better pay and conditions
Will open science change chemistry?
While more researchers are adopting open access, open data, open peer review and open projects, some significant barriers are hindering progress