The hunt is on for vaccine ingredients that don’t come from wild sharks

Potential replacements for squalene, a shark-derived vaccine ingredient, have been developed by scientists in the US. Squalene is used in adjuvants to boost immune responses, but it is sourced from wild caught sharks, including those under threat from overfishing. Squalene is a natural terpene found in many plants and animals but is especially abundant in […]

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Small pilot scheme will support women returning to Stem careers in UK

The UK government has awarded £150,000 to support a pilot scheme that will help parents and carers return to the science sector after career breaks. The Stem Recharge project will be delivered in the Midlands and north of England and will provide support for people returning to the workforce, as well as employers. According to […]

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Polymer shows some backbone as it becomes first with extended metal spine

A 21-atom nickel chain is the longest metallic polymer ever created. Stabilised by a macromolecular ligand shell, these one-dimensional molecular wires fuse the durability of plastics with the conductivity of metals and could have significant implications for nanoelectronics. Metals and polymers are vital materials in our daily lives but the distinct electronic structures of metal […]

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Loofah-structured hydrogel could help meet global clean water demands

More than a quarter of the world’s population lacks access to safe drinking water. The task of water purification is further complicated by the need to keep energy use to a minimum, not only to reduce costs but also to avoid exacerbating climate change and further water scarcity. Water purification based on thermoresponsive hydrogels, are […]

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Lipophilicity helps explain psychedelic drugs’ therapeutic effects

New research on how psychedelic drugs promote neuron growth in the brain has thrown light on the therapeutic effects these drugs display in the treatment of mental health conditions. The work helps to unravel why some drugs that bind to serotonin receptors bring sustained antidepressant effects that other compounds, including serotonin itself, don’t produce. Psychedelic […]

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Thousands of jobs to go as chemicals giants cut costs

The global chemicals sector is reacting to economic pressures by cutting thousands of jobs to save on costs. Dow’s plan to save $1 billion (£826 million) in 2023 includes laying off about 2000 people from its global workforce. 3M plans to cut 2500 jobs globally, predominantly in manufacturing. Other companies in the sector also plan […]

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Gel capsules make reactions with organolithiums simpler and safer

Low-cost gels have improved the stability of organolithium reagents, making manipulation simple and safe. Thanks to this innovative encapsulation method, these reactive compounds – usually sensitive to moisture and air – survive storage under ambient conditions for over 25 days. Moreover, these gel capsules work with other organometallic reagents, such as Grignards, hinting at additional […]

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