News


The latest news and opinion from The Reaction

 

Battling the chill with chemistry

21st December 2010

From plane deicers to flea proteins, Helen Sharman looks at the chemical world of antifreeze

  • Life, the universe and arsenic

    9th December 2010

    A roundup of the hype and science of NASA's controversial announcement

  • Black holes and revelations

    23rd November 2010

    Helen Sharman writes on the alien chemistry of planets and stars

  • Bill Bryson iPad competition shortlist

    15th November 2010

    Check out the five top entries for the competition and vote for your favourite

  • Remembering a forgotten hero

    11th November 2010

    One chemist saved millions of lives, and paid for his dedication with his life

  • Chemhistory: mauveine

    9th November 2010

    A chemistry set and a young boy's curiosity led to the birth of an industry, writes Alan Dronsfield

  • The unluckiest inventor

    2nd November 2010

    The life and works of Thomas Midgley, Jr, creator of leaded petrol and CFCs

  • Geordie male duos have best TV chemistry

    1st November 2010

    A poll of chemists found the best and worst of TV presenter chemistry - now it's your turn!

  • Spiders vs conkers: the definitive guide

    26th October 2010

    A roundup of the evidence for and against the purported arachnid repellent

  • The hidden hero of Trafalgar

    21st October 2010

    Today we remember Nelson, Victory, and the secret element of success: copper

  • Chemistry keeps cosmonauts comfortable

    12th October 2010

    Helen Sharman on the science of living in space

  • Science degrees better value than arts?

    8th October 2010

    A public poll indicates people think science degrees are better value for taxpayers' money

  • Nobel Prize for Chemistry 2010

    7th October 2010

    What is so important about the Heck, Negishi and Suzuki reactions?

  • Chemhistory: phosphorus

    14th September 2010

    Professor Alan Dronsfield examines the practicalities of a poisoning half a century ago

  • Setting the broken record straight

    3rd September 2010

    Paul Gallagher stands up for science pupils

  • Vultures get a bad press

    31st August 2010

    Brian Emsley mourns the plight of the under-loved species

  • Safety in numbers

    27th August 2010

    For all their bad press, chemicals with E numbers are mostly harmless

  • Summertime, and the gard'nin' is easy

    24th August 2010

    Helen Sharman ponders the safety of future bathroom cabinet products

  • World's most attractive woman

    20th August 2010

    Even brass coins apparently stick to this magnetic mum

  • Drinking the stars

    13th August 2010

    The chemistry of the distinctive bubbles of champagne is almost entirely responsible for its vivid taste and aroma

  • Chemhistory: cocaine

    10th August 2010

    Alan Dronsfield looks at cocaine's history of perking up, pulling teeth and Papal endorsement

  • Organic chemistry, naturally

    9th August 2010

    The RSC's offer of a £1million bounty for a 100% chemical free product has attracted the good, the bad and the downright ridiculous

  • Bill Bryson iPad competition

    3rd August 2010

    Find some amazing chemistry in your house, tell us about it in a creative way, and win an iPad

  • Garland of Arabia

    2nd August 2010

    We unveil the story of the true hero of the classic tale: a forgotten chemist and TE Lawrence's mentor

  • A load of balls

    29th July 2010

    Which? Magazine declares washing machine eco-balls and dryerballs as "a waste of money", and the supposed science behind them leaves a lot to be desired too

  • Spaceballs

    23rd July 2010

    There is a good chance all life on Earth is, in part, made up of space footballs.

  • Bonkers conkers

    15th July 2010

    Pupils scoop prize for unravelling conker theory

  • Get rid of scientists

    24th June 2010

    British astronaut Helen Sharman asks why science is no longer considered culture in the UK

  • It's life, Jim... but not as we know it

    21st May 2010

    Is the 'artificial life' news that significant?

  • Welcome to The Reaction

    7th May 2010

    Read on and find out what to expect from The Reaction