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Jervis Bay

Feature

Unravelling the chemistry behind the sea’s bioluminescent sparkle

Researchers are piecing together the unusual chemical reactions that enable dinoflagellates to create spectacular light displays in tropical bays. But the mechanism behind their bioluminescence remains one of nature’s most puzzling chemical mysteries

Plasma lamp

Feature

Unlocking the power of plasma for chemistry

Scientists are using non-thermal plasma to produce fertiliser and long-chain hydrocarbons. Mason Wakley talks to the chemists harnessing the fourth state of matter

Atomic radii

Research

The quest to understand where atoms end

Atomic size measurements like van der Waals and covalent radii are central to chemistry, but are they grounded in reality?

Crystal

Opinion

How to grow an enormous single crystal

Top tips from David Boyce and his class, who have cultivated a 3kg single copper sulfate crystal

Batteries

Research

Lithium-free battery breaks voltage barrier for ultra-cheap energy storage

New chemistry overcomes drawbacks that have hampered this promising class of battery

The Devil

Maxwell’s demon might lurk in enzyme behaviour

By

The controversial process of enhanced enzyme diffusion could enable living systems to resist local equilibrium

Orange soda

Are food colour clashes worth the worry?

By

Calling artificial colours ‘petroleum-based poisons’ plays to popular fears, not necessarily evidence

Pufferfish

Experimenting with murder

By

A criminal mastermind made sure their unusual poison attack would be fatal

Fountain pen nib, writing

Letters: March 2026

By

Readers discuss the long-lasting effects of sabotage, a mix-up of Maxes, and how PFAS regulations might affect inhalers

Harrison’s bimetallic strip and the problems with temperature control

By

Making thermostats possible – now we need to learn how to use them correctly

Is that a fact, or your opinion?

By

When experts are sidelined or undermined, the truth needs all the allies it can get

Chemistry has always been women’s business

By

Female chemists played essential roles in developing chemical practice

As a first-generation student, I didn’t have a clue what I was doing

By

And that brought challenges and unexpected opportunites

Thuc-Quyen Nguyen

Careers

How Thuc-Quyen Nguyen’s dreams of capturing the sun led her to organic electronics

Organic solar cell windows will enable the buildings of the future to be energy-neutral, she says

Fountain pen nib, writing

Opinion

Letters: March 2026

Readers discuss the long-lasting effects of sabotage, a mix-up of Maxes, and how PFAS regulations might affect inhalers

News

Record-breaking chemistry experiments: from giant crystals to lemon batteries

School science staples that have set Guinness World Records

Opinion

Harrison’s bimetallic strip and the problems with temperature control

Making thermostats possible – now we need to learn how to use them correctly

Careers

Finding a home in the workshop

Departmental workshops provide support for researchers in more ways than one

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