Stretchable hemp plant polymer could be plastic replacement
Plastic made from hemp – a non-psychoactive type of cannabis – could be a renewable replacement for plastics derived from fossil fuels, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Unlike most plant-based plastics, US researchers have found their hemp version could be melted and stretched into different shapes but could also cope with hot water.
Quantum’s promise for chemistry
Chemicals, along with pharmaceuticals and medical products, could be among the key beneficiaries of the rise of quantum computing. ‘Quantum computing is no longer just an emerging technology,’ says the 2026 Quantum Technology Monitor published by McKinsey Technology.
Blood test and brain testing could help screen for dementia risk
A finger-prick blood test combined with online brain testing – all done from home – could revolutionise dementia diagnosis, according to a new study led by the University of Exeter. UK. Such tests offer a low cost, scalable way of identifying people who may be at higher risk of dementia and who should be offered further checks.
SCI at 145: A look at the early years of SCI
SCI is celebrating 145 years since its formation in 1881. Over that time the application of science for the benefit of society has always been at the core of its mission. Neil Eisberg looks back at the foundation and early years of SCI.
Chemical industry welcomes Europe's state-aid revision on energy costs
The European chemical industry council, Cefic has welcomed the European Commission’s temporary revision of the Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework (CISAF) guidelines through the Middle East Temporary Crisis Framework (METSAF).
Europe puts major REACH revisions on hold
Europe has put on hold plans for major revisions to its key chemicals regulation, saying the move would ‘not be helpful’ at a time when industry needs certainty and predictability.
Water-splitting catalyst helps with hydrogen generation
US researchers have developed a special catalyst recipe for a device that splits water into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity from renewable sources to generate hydrogen as a fuel source.
This DNA-inspired molecule can store solar energy
Inspired by DNA, a US group has designed a chemical that can absorb the energy from sunlight and store it in a compact and rechargeable form. In molecular solar thermal (MOST) storage, a molecule captures light energy and bonds become strained like a mechanical spring to generate a higher-energy molecule.
Brazil's chemicals industry: The current outlook
Brazil, the largest country in South America, is the world’s fifth-largest country by area and the seventh largest by population, home to over 213m people.
Alzheimer's blood markers investigated
Researchers in the US have identified three peptides in blood that could flag Alzheimer’s disease.