Chemistry World Blog

6 December 2010: Have something to say about an article you’ve read on Chemistry World this week? Leave your comments below…

This week’s stories:

Images show atom ‘spinning top’ control
Precession of quantum mechanical angular momentum in atomic oxygen can be directed and pictured, potentially allowing more detailed reaction studies

Fees hike could focus the mind
The UK government’s vote in favour of tripling the university fees cap could force students to think harder about career potential following science degrees

Breaking news for the CO bond
The strongest diatomic bond, CO, is broken by oxidation on a gold catalyst

Lithiation through the lens
Scientists generate high resolution images of nanowire electrodes revealing they flex and grow when charged

Eco-friendly chromatography
Cyclodextrins added to the mobile phase could green up chromatography

Nanodiamond encrusted bones
Tiny nanodiamonds could be used to reinforce biodegradable polymers used in surgical screws that dissolve once their purpose is served

Propelling ionic liquids
Combustible ionic liquids could be used as rocket fuel propellants

Helping nanodevices to self-heal
New research suggests a simple way to diagnose and repair damage to nanodevices using electric current

US urged to triple energy R&D investment
Obama’s science council warns that US federal spending on energy R&D is lagging and needs to jump three-fold to $16 billion