Ceramic history
Human history is recorded in ceramics. More than 25,000 years ago, ancient Europeans sculpted figurines from clay and silica and hardened them in fire. Pottery became widespread when agriculture created the need for storage vessels and the invention of the wheel provided the means of producing regularly rounded shapes. It has been a crucial element of the archaeological record ever since.
Book of dust
Shortly after author Jay Owens graduated in geography from University College London, she became fascinated by the subject of dust. Over eight years she was engaged in research on dust that included several fact-finding missions to faraway corners of the globe to gather material for her first book.
Organic chemistry
Read the organic chemistry highlights for June 2024 written by G. Richard Stephenson, University of East Anglia, UK.
How scientists are developing recyclable thermosets
Thermosetting polymers, also known as thermosets, are widely used, but almost impossible to recycle. However, clever chemistry is helping to overcome this – while also coming up with alternative resin formulations. Lou Reade reports
The man who couldn't make memories
How are memories formed? Most scientists believe this is by strengthening the synaptic connections between neurons. But could other more ancient mechanisms of molecular memory storage also be in play? Jasmin Fox-Skelly reports
Adjuvant engineered from yeast
Synthetic biologists have engineered baker’s yeast so that they can convert simple sugar into the complex plant compound QS-21, usually extracted from the Chilean soapbark tree (Quillaja saponaria).
Manifesto for science
Our industry is seeing significant change. The pressures of delivering net zero and the drive for sustainability have once again spotlighted science-based innovation as a key driver for future growth and value. Whilst many CEOs are reassessing their innovation portfolios and capabilities, countries are also assessing how best to capture future investments as these innovations scale.
Critical minerals: should the UK reopen old mines?
China dominates the world in the production and processing of critical minerals. But growing demand means the UK now needs urgently to look at our own reserves – starting with reopening old mines. Jon Evans reports
Gene therapy treats child's hearing loss
A deaf baby girl can hear for the first time after receiving a new gene therapy at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, UK. The 11-month-old girl, Opal Sandy, was the first British patient and the youngest in the world to be treated this way.
Bioprinted stents
If you discovered your country was losing up to £78bn a year, you would want to do something about it, right? Well, that is how much the UK loses to workplace sickness and ill-health each year.