Collections
The future of analytical chemistry
We’re looking ahead to the future of analytical chemistry, from monitoring the planet from satellites, diagnosing cancer quickly and easily from small blood samples, to where the discipline itself is heading. And with a century and half passing since the Society of Public Analysts was founded, what does the future hold for this important role?
How satellite remote sensing is enhancing our understanding of Earth
Instruments in space have studied the planet’s atmosphere and surface, and are now being joined by powerful new ones, finds Andy Extance
Blood biopsies for cancer
Testing small amounts of blood for the presence of disease markers could revolutionise how we detect cancer. Clare Sansom reports
Analysing a chemist’s wish-list
Analytical techniques have come a long way, but what does the future hold? Rachel Brazil asks the experts what they’d like to see
Opinion
Why we need public analysts
As the Association of Public Analysts winds up, Duncan Campbell reflects on the continued importance of the profession
Opinion
Analytical chemistry is never far from the frontiers of science
New and better tools are pushing back boundaries and changing the world
ResearchAncient Vesuvius victim’s brain contains first natural organic glass ever seen
Extreme heating followed by rapid cooling formed unique material in a Herculaneum man
ResearchHow does your mummy smell? If it’s ancient Egyptian, woody, spicy and sweet
Analysis of odours could one day categorise which era a mummy came from
OpinionPeering into the future of material characterisation
Operando analysis offers real-time data on what happens to devices at the atomic level
FeatureStudying materials in action
Experiments on battery electrodes and fuel cell catalysts while they’re being used – operando spectroscopy – can revolutionise our understanding of these crucial materials. Clare Sansom reports
ResearchThis nanotechnology expert works with both plant and brain cells
Could Markita Landry’s research group be any more interdisciplinary?
ResearchElectron microscopy reveals how ruthenium reordering boosts hydrogen production from ammonia
Self-improvement process sees ruthenium clusters transition from amorphous shapes to truncated nanopyramids
WebinarIn conversation with Melanie Sanford
Join us on 16 April for an exclusive live interview with renowned chemist Melanie Sanford
WebinarDesign of experiments: Smarter methods, better results
Join us on March 25 & 27 for this two part workshop and discover a better way to experiment
FeatureLow concentration chemicals spur toxicological debate
Improved analytical techniques mean tiny amounts of endocrine disrupting compounds or PFAS can be found in many places. But is it a problem? Anthony King talks to the scientists on both sides of the fence
WebinarRising to the occasion: the chemistry of Easter breads
Join GBBO finalist Josh Smalley on 2 April to learn the scientific secrets of Easter bakes
ResearchQuantitative mass spectrometry method streamlines high-throughput analysis
Screen of 384 chemical reactions evaluated for best of six reaction conditions in under 8 minutes
ResearchAI can tell Scottish and American whiskies apart
Machine-learning method identifies prominent aromas
ResearchHigh levels of PFAS found in smartwatch wristbands
Extractable compounds provide opportunity for significant skin exposure
OpinionSydney Young and his evaporative fractionator
Developments in distillation find us in good spirits
ResearchIsotope analysis reveals ‘mundane’ origins of remarkable dinosaur fossil site
Collapsing burrows, not volcanoes, killed the dinosaurs in China’s Yixian Formation
ResearchFirst detected 40 years ago, a byproduct in chloraminated drinking water has finally been identified
Researchers call for urgent investigation into the chloronitramide anion’s toxicity
OpinionLangley’s bolometer and the importance of ‘stamp collecting’
Mapping a spectrum of developments
NewsDirty secret of mysterious ‘tar balls’ washed up on Sydney’s shores uncovered
Scientists unite to investigate objects that shut down beaches in New South Wales
ResearchMicrocrystal electron diffraction promises a revolution in study of proteins, small molecules
Technique offers a way to get around problems with hard-to-crystallise proteins, already scoring impressive successes with a Parkinson’s protein
ResearchFailings in response to East Palestine train derailment compounded human and environmental impact
Study makes recommendations to better protect humans and the environment in the event of a future chemical incident
OpinionSmart sensors can help deliver India’s net zero targets
Metal oxide–polymer composites offer a nanotech sensing solution