All articles by Philip Ball – Page 9
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OpinionWhy we need more research risks
Scientists are playing it too safe when choosing topics for investigation, warns Philip Ball
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OpinionWeapons of mass discussion
A chemistry opera gives reason to face up to the role of scientists in war, says Philip Ball
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OpinionSpeaking of chemistry
Richard Feynman’s mischievous genius shone discussing chemistry, says Philip Ball
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ResearchNanotube desalination could be put back on track
Simulations reveal what may have been holding up this promising technology
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Research
Drawn out proteins make self-healing scaffolds
Self-assembling protein tubes can be shaped into a flexible, branching network that can support growing cells
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FeatureNavigating chemical space
Fully exploring the ocean of possible compounds – even computationally – is impossible, finds Philip Ball
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OpinionA shared secret?
Do chemistry and alchemy have a common ancestor, or are they separated by science, asks Philip Ball
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ResearchFirst snapshot of elusive intermediate supplies surprise
Atomic force microscopy images reveal aryne possesses three consecutive carbon–carbon double bonds, rather than a single triple bond
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ResearchSimple reaction shows quantum interference
Chemical reactions can show interference patterns similar to those seen in the classic double-slit experiment
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Research
Ultra-bright x-rays film molecular reaction
‘Molecular movie’ provides new insight into classic ring-opening reaction
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OpinionA coat of many colours
Just how did lab couture settle on that little white number, asks Philip Ball
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OpinionHow do we solve a problem like Marie?
Women in science’s history deserve better treatment than myths and martyrdom, says Philip Ball
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FeatureAll set for chemistry
Chemistry sets through the years have both weathered and reflected many changes in science and society, as Philip Ball discovers
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OpinionOh, the humanities!
Science and the arts are equally essential to society, says Philip Ball. Don’t divide them by their differences
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ResearchSimple chemistry mimics animals' predator spotting method
Filter paper soaked in chemicals can perform complex edge detection computation
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OpinionDial chem for murder
Poisons may seem to be a murderer’s perfect accomplice, but chemists can always persuade them to betray their secrets, says Philip Ball
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FeatureAlchemy on the page
Books used by alchemists offer insights into the relationship between these early chemists and their texts. Philip Ball investigates