Space elevators, a way of getting cargo and materials into space without rockets, have made frequent appearances in science fiction for decades. Making them a reality, however, is challenging. In this latest edition of Periodic Graphics in C&EN, we take a look some of the material requirements for space elevators, and which existing materials might […]

What materials are strong enough for a space elevator? – in C&EN

A magical fox, running across the Arctic fells, its tail spraying snow and sparks into the air. The dead, playing football in the heavens with a walrus skull. Or the souls of dead children, dancing in the sky. These are myths surrounding the aurora, stories ancient cultures close to the North Pole told to explain […]

What causes the colours of the aurora?

An aeroplane safety briefing always instructs on using oxygen masks in an emergency, but where does this oxygen come from? This edition of Periodic Graphics looks at how chemistry cleans the air you breathe on a plane and generates the oxygen that keeps you safe in an emergency. View the full graphic on the C&EN […]

Airplane air: Emergency oxygen, ozone, and more – in C&EN

What makes cats and dogs love kibble? And what are the differences between feline and canine kibbles? This edition of Periodic Graphics in C&EN takes a look at what our pets need from their food and what manufacturers add to make it appealing to them. See and download the full graphic on the C&EN site.

The chemistry of cat and dog kibble – in C&EN

The 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to David Baker for computational protein design and to Demis Hassabis and John M. Jumper for protein structure prediction.

The 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry: Predicting protein structures

Many sources claim that porphyria, a rare group of disorders, inspired the vampire myth. But this story is itself a myth, lacking in historical evidence. Besides that, the biochemistry doesn’t match up, as this latest edition of Periodic Graphics in C&EN illustrates. View the full infographic on the C&EN site.

Why porphyria doesn’t match up with the vampirism myth – in C&EN

Think of a mushroom. Chances are, the image that comes to mind is that of a red toadstool with white spots: fly agaric, or Amanita Muscaria to give it its scientific name. More than any other, this mushroom pervades popular culture, from Mario to garden ornaments. And it’s not just a hit with humans, but […]

The chemistry of fly agaric: Poison, hallucinations, and reindeer wee

How does having periods affect studying chemistry? If you don’t have periods, I would wager that it may not be a question you’ve spent time considering. But it’s a very real issue, with the challenges of studying chemistry and the required lab work, tutorials and examinations being at times exacerbated by period symptoms.

The chemistry of the menstrual cycle with Periodically, the Oxford Chemistry Period Podcast

A film that grosses millions at the box office, with chemistry in the starring role. No, not a chemistry communicator’s fantasy, but the reality of the 2019 film Dark Waters. Less happily, the chemicals industry is the villain of the piece, which charts the battle between activists and chemicals company Dupont over the effects of […]

Fluorinated “forever chemicals” and where to find them

Some people who want to lose weight are turning to glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists like Wegovy. In the latest edition of Periodic Graphics in C&EN, we look at the science behind the medicines, their development, and their uses and risks. View the full graphic on the C&EN site.

The science of weight-loss drugs – in C&EN