Health, longevity and hormones
This book’s author, Max Nieuwdorp, is a leading Dutch medical specialist with a principal focus on human endocrinology. He is currently Professor and Head of Department in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands and formerly a Visiting Scientist at the University of California, San Diego, in the US. Read the book review.
Build your own planet
In his book, science writer Ferris Jabr divides the Earth systems into the three realms: rock, water and air, using enlightening examples to show how each of them has been shaped by life far more than we are generally aware. Each section starts in the deep past and ends with current threats, including soil loss, plastic pollution in the oceans, and climate change. Read the review.
China’s struggle to balance energy and environment
China, the world’s largest producer of greenhouse gases, appears to be struggling to balance economic growth with its environmental goals. It did not meet its targets for reducing carbon emissions in 2024, blaming rapid growth in energy consumption as well as extreme weather.
Sustainable batteries: Materials, technologies and the road ahead
Battery sustainability can mean many different things. New battery passports – set to go live in 2027 – should help to bring clarity to the area, by rating technologies according to a list of ‘sustainability indicators’. Jon Evans reports
Canada proposes PFAS solution
The Government of Canada has proposed a risk management approach to mitigate the health and environmental impact of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The proposal follows an investigation into these so-called ‘forever chemicals’ and their impact on human and environmental health
Encouraging a US brain drain
The cost-cutting activities of the US Trump administration have created an opportunity for Europe to reverse what has previously been seen as an Atlantic ‘brain drain’ of scientific talent. The cutbacks in research grants, particularly by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), have encouraged several European countries to look at ways of attracting US researchers who are either disillusioned or have lost their jobs.
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 4 2025 of C&I.
Sustainable packaging: The race to replace plastic wrapping
From hemp bags to containers made from mushrooms, a range of new, natural packaging materials are in development. But can they cure our addiction to plastics? Jasmin Fox-Skelly reports
Top innovators in 2025
Seven organisations in the Chemical & Materials industry are in the Top 100 Global Innovators 2025 list compiled by Clarivate, which describes itself as a provider of transformative intelligence.