Prebiotics identified in Bennu asteroid samples
US researchers at NASA’s Oakridge site and Goddard Space Flight Center Maryland, and the University of Arizona, have discovered a range of prebiotic compounds formed abiotically on the carbonaceous asteroid Bennu in rock samples captured and returned by the OSIRIS-Rex space mission.
How artificial intelligence can improve biosecurity
Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) tools have contributed to breakthroughs in protein design, but they also pose a growing biosecurity risk because they have the potential to produce ‘proteins of concern’. New analysis has found that some commercial screening systems weren’t flagging up potentially dangerous sequences. However, the researchers have now designed software patches to improve detection rates.
Anti-malarial treatment impresses in trials
A combination treatment that attacks the malaria parasite has impressed in a late-stage trial in Africa. One of the two compounds wields a completely new mode of action.
Europe’s ethylene cracker conundrum
The European petrochemical industry has suffered yet another blow with the announcement of the closure of the ExxonMobil 830,000t/year ethylene cracker at Mossmorran in Fife, Scotland.
Artificial leaf to produce chemicals
A nature-inspired artificial leaf created in Cambridge, UK, has turned carbon dioxide and water into formate (CHO2). This was fed into a chemical reaction to produce a compound with high yield and purity that is used in pharmaceuticals.
Insulin hitches ride on polymer switcher
A compound has ferried insulin across the skin of mice and minipigs, opening up an alternative route to insulin delivery for diabetic patients. It relies on a special polymer that switches charge as it moves through the skin.
The transformative benefits of curiosity-driven research
Industry collaboration is crucial for curiosity-driven research, the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) says in a recent report. The UK Government confirmed in November 2025 that curiosity-driven research will receive £14bn for the period 2026-2030 through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), 36% of UKRI’s total budget.
Industry outlook: Specialty and fine chemicals stagnate
Chemical distribution is experiencing a flat period. During October, US specialty chemical and fine chemical volumes remained largely unchanged at 3.53m t, following slight gains of 0.2% in both September and August, according to research from US-based Swift Economics. This level of activity resulted in volumes being up a moderate 1.8% year-over-year and above pre-pandemic levels. Segment-wise, October saw mixed expansion, with 15 out of 30 market segments growing.