Ineos warns the European Commission over the state of Europe's chemical industry
Chemical company Ineos has asked Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, to move quickly to protect the industry in Europe. In an open letter, chair Jim Ratcliffe notes almost 200 chemical plants have closed over the last five years.
Armouring CAR-T cells
One reason glioblastoma brain tumours are difficult to treat is because they dampen the immune response. A Californian lab has armed T cells with proteins to release near tumours to shake the immune system into action. The advance in mice could pave the way for brain cancer treatments that have been difficult to target with CAR-T therapy.
The hunt for PFAS alternatives and recycling techniques
Evidence is growing that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as forever chemicals because of their extreme persistence, could be harmful to human health, wildlife and the environment. Researchers have responded to concerns and increasingly strict regulations by searching for potentially safer substitutes.
Business digest: Updates from across the chemical industry
The latest business digest for C&I Issue 9 2026 with all the latest mergers and acquisitions in the chemical industry.
Leader: It's time to protect critical industries as well as critical minerals
The disruptions of 2026 have highlighted the vulnerabilities in the global chemical industry and how wider industrial resilience depends on it. When chemical production is disrupted, the effects ripple far beyond the sector itself.
Boosting brain plasticity
Boosting brain plasticity could be useful in treating a number of conditions. Now researchers are looking at psilocybin and other psychedelic compounds – as well as exercise – to see how they can rewire the brain. Anthony King reports
Using cryogels to extend the shelf-life of packaged food
Researchers have looked at the potential for combining wheat starch and turmeric essential oil to develop active absorbent pads for fish fillets. Their study aimed to develop a water-absorbent and antioxidant cryogel to improve the shelf-life of food.
Pharma R&D in microgravity
US specialist in microgravity R&D, Redwire has opened a new state-of-the-art, vertically-integrated research and microgravity payload development facility in Georgetown, Indiana. The facility will serve as a global hub to expand its capabilities in space-enabled research, development, and manufacturing with a focus on pharmaceutical/biotech innovation.
Critical minerals: How materials supply chains are evolving
With demand for ‘critical minerals’ soaring, the risks of ongoing and future supply disruptions are high – and growing. Jon Evans reports on the risk to supply chains and how governments are responding.