Biology
The latest chemistry news and research on biology, including biochemistry, biotechnology, synthetic biology and origins of life, from the Royal Society of Chemistry's magazine, Chemistry World
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OpinionSharing the burden of contraception could also mean sharing the risk
What if risk assessments for contraception considered the sum of risk to both members of a couple?
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FeatureOn the trail of the male contraceptive pill
As multiple novel male contraception compounds enter clinical trials, is family planning about to undergo a second revolution? James Mitchell Crow reports
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ResearchMutant moulds threaten newest antifungal drugs putting immunocompromised patients at risk
Agrichemical antifungal use is leading to fungi that can evolve resistance to novel drugs faster – even those not even on the market yet
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NewsRapid action needed to stop the UK falling behind in synthetic biology
House of Lords science committee urges government action to allow the field to flourish
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ResearchDesigner proteins to treat deadly snake bites could save thousands of lives
Small proteins can help to tackle some of the deadliest components of cobras and mambas
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ResearchComputer simulation of carbonless DNA prompt researchers to consider alternative biochemistries
Researchers swap nitrogen and boron into DNA to create analogues that are geometrically and electrostatically equivalent to conventional DNA
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FeatureThe promise of drugs that send proteins to the shredder
Andy Extance charts how research into revolutionary targeted protein degradation therapies is moving from serendipity to strategic discovery
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ResearchProtein cement is the trick to how ticks stick
New insight into bioadhesive proteins could aid development of future biomedical tissue sealants
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NewsPause work on ‘mirror life’, recommends panel of international experts
Synthetic bacteria with chirality opposite to that of life on Earth might cause lethal infections
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ResearchDebunked dogma: disordered proteins disregard ligands’ chirality
Understanding unfolded proteins could boost drug discovery and decipher origins of life mysteries
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FeatureLife on ice
We may be able to freeze embryos, but challenges remain for larger organs. Hayley Bennett talks to the scientists trying to push the boundaries of cryopreservation
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ResearchCrispr gene-editing booster molecule can damage DNA far from target site
Researchers warn of unwanted side effects with genome editing chaperone
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ResearchIontronic gel droplets detect beating heart tissue
Microscale hydrogels converted into biocompatable electrical components
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ResearchIsotope analysis reveals ‘mundane’ origins of remarkable dinosaur fossil site
Collapsing burrows, not volcanoes, killed the dinosaurs in China’s Yixian Formation
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ResearchScientists uncover the chemistry of the corpse flower’s potent stench
The noxious smell comes from a mixture of putrescine and sulfur compounds
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OpinionWhat are the limits of life?
In search of design principles that would apply to living systems evolved anywhere in the universe
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ResearchTomato sweetness boosted by gene editing to knock out two genes
Glucose and fructose levels were increased by 30%
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ResearchParrots’ vibrant plumage controlled by single enzyme
Mutation in gene reveals control of red and yellow pigments specific to parrots
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FeatureBattery-free bioelectronic implants
Spurred by advances in energy-harvesting materials, a new generation of advanced implantable biomedical devices is emerging that does away with the bulky battery. James Mitchell Crow reports
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ResearchEasy to remove tag could make mRNA synthesis for vaccines quicker and cheaper
Chemical synthesis takes another step towards overtaking more complex enzymatic routes