Headlines
Study demonstrates how mixtures of isotopologues can store high density information
Encoding process works by varying extent of deuteration in an aminoquinoline carboxylic acid
Force-sensitive molecule pulled apart to create highly reactive aryne
High-intensity ultrasound initiates formal retro-[2+2] cycloaddition by stretching a benzocyclobutene core from strategically placed anchor points
Supramolecular crystals show promise for hydrogen storage
Porous catenated network is light weight and stores high volumes of hydrogen
Low-energy electrons in cosmic ice spring surprise by generating prebiotic molecules
Electrons play a far more significant role than photons in creating molecules that might have kick-started life on Earth
Super-fast setting sticky polymers can suture tricky internal wounds
Discovery of ‘NO burst’ could help save world’s favourite banana from deadly fungus
The world’s tiniest batteries could power robots the size of cells
Reading into the dangers of poison paint in Victorian-era books
Scratch-resistant metal oxide films made with simple printing technique
Reversible 3D images displayed in light-activated material
Highlights
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
Fast charging supercapacitors
Rapid development of the alternative energy storage technology to rechargeable batteries is already having real world impact. James Mitchell Crow talks to the scientists working on upping their performance
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
Reading into the dangers of poison paint in Victorian-era books
Brightly coloured fabric covers hide poisonous dye legacy
Chemical analysis reveals origins of early English silver coins
Byzantine silver plates were melted down to make many of the first Anglo-Saxon coins
Using analytical chemistry to illuminate the unlisted ingredients in tattoo inks
Discovery that more than 80% of the tattoo inks sampled had unlisted ingredients prompts New York-based lab to launch a website providing chemical information to tattoo artists and their clients
Striking reptilian fossil discovered in 1931 found to be fake
280-million-year-old lizard ‘fossil’ was mostly painted on
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
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
Award-winning chemist threatens to sue critic
Tensions flare in latest dispute over spherical nucleic acid technology
Budget leaves Indian researchers searching for funding following cuts to universities
Government critics highlight parlous situation on pay and infrastructure
Should scientists be paid when AI chatbots use their work?
Two major scientific publishers have recently sold access to research papers to train AIs at big tech firms