Biopolymers in medicine
This hefty monograph offers an overview of where that medically-motivated use of biopolymers has led. It consists of two separate sections, with nearly 400 pages dedicated to the use of biopolymers in drug delivery, and then 250 on their use in tissue engineering. The editors have helpfully provided a detailed introduction for each of the two sections. Read the book review.
Earth: not a lost cause?
Hannah Richie is head of research at the influential online publication Our World in Data and a senior researcher in the Programme for Global Development based at the University of Oxford. Her research is regularly featured on BBC broadcasts and in publications including the New York Times, The Economist, the Financial Times and New Scientist. Read the book review.
US fine chemicals: Industry outlook
US specialty and fine chemical volumes fell back slightly by 0.5% to 3.47mt in January 2025, compared with December 2024, according to figures produced by consultancy Swift Economics. This figure was still 1.3% higher, compared with January 2024; and still above re-Covid levels. The fallback is believed to be the result of ‘softened activity’ due to adverse winter weather and follows a 0.7% gain in December and flat activity in November 2024.
US life sciences shake up leads to confusion
The US Administration’s firing, and more recently rehiring, of federal research-based employees has led to confusion and chaos in the US life sciences sector. The firings at federal agencies and research organisations began shortly after President Trump’s inauguration in January 2025 driven by a pledge to pursue government cost savings, under the supervision of the newly-appointed Elon Musk, Head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Business digest
The latest business digest for C&I Issue 3 2025 with all the latest mergers and acquisitions in the chemical industry.
Modular flow leads to better drugs
In batch production, all chemical ingredients are combined in a single vessel – a batch reactor. In typical batch processes, mass and heat transfer distances are relatively long, meaning molecular conditions may change over time. Conditions can also vary from one batch to another, which may lead to inconsistencies in product quality. Once production has started, modifying a batch can be challenging and time consuming.
Organic chemistry
Expert scientists summarise some of their selected research papers from recent journal issues. Read the organic chemistry highlights from G. Richard Stephenson, University of East Anglia, UK in Issue 3 2025 of C&I magazine.
Brighter outlook - the search for new schizophrenia treatments
For decades, the psychiatric disorder schizophrenia has been treated with drugs that target receptors involved in release of the ‘feel-good neurotransmitter’ dopamine. Now, a new drug Cobenfy that does things differently has been granted US approval. Katrina Megget reports.
Applied chemistry
Expert scientists summarise some of their selected research papers from recent journal issues. Read the highlights from Nigel P Freestone, University of Northampton, UK in Issue 3 2025 of C&I.