Chemistry World Blog

18 July 2011: Have something to say about an article you’ve read on Chemistry World this week? Leave your comments below…

Cracking diamonds reveals continental origins
Impurities in diamonds have give researchers a clue to when tectonic activity began on ancient Earth

Chemists create a molecular ship in a bottle
A polyhedral molecular cage held together by dozens of hydrogen bonds may lead to new framework materials

Sequencing chip decodes DNA proton by proton
pH-sensing silicon chips could make the $1000 genome a reality in just two years

Small wires swim through serum for drug delivery
Nanowires that can be moved by a magnetic field could be used to deliver drugs in the body

Cell control to change cell function
Cell functions can be controlled by inserting specific proteins into cells that respond to external cues

REF looks to help academics who take a career break
New measures will encourage universities to submit researchers with diverse careers to the REF

Magnets turn up the heat on tumours
French researchers have exploited iron oxide structures found in bacteria to kill tumours using a magnetic field

Commission task force recommends shake up of ERC
Analysis concludes that the European Research Council needs to change its management structure to improve its efficiency

Magnetic sponge can squeeze itself out
A nanomagnet sponge that contracts in a magnetic field could release drugs to order

German science receives a 10 per cent funding boost
Germany’s budget proposals includes extra funding to turn the country into a world leader in high-tech fields

Appetite for salt linked to drug addiction
Genes activated by salt appetite are the same as those regulated by cocaine and heroin

UK chemistry threatened by funding squeeze
The international competitiveness of UK chemistry may be damaged by funding cuts, department heads warn