Movers & Shakers
Read all the news about the movers and shakers in the chemistry-using industries in September 2021.
Good versus bad chemicals – a futile debate
As the world is still fighting a pandemic as well as a wave of disinformation about scientific issues such as vaccines, the importance of science ethics does not need introduction or explanation. Read the book review of Good Chemistry.
Everybody’s problem
Helm reiterates that it is now time to get serious about combating climate change. The actions that need to be taken at the personal, local, national, and global levels to avoid the looming climate crisis are spelled out in detail. Read the book review.
An ethical perspective
James Kennedy represents a brave attempt to make sense of a largely futile debate about good and bad chemicals. It would probably be better if we chemists made more efforts to explain the importance of chemistry and chemicals in the world around us rather than describe them as good or bad. After all there is much to be proud about!
UK hydrogen strategy
The UK government has unveiled its Hydrogen Strategy as part of its drive to a net-zero carbon economy by 2050. Working with industry, the government is aiming for 5GW of low carbon hydrogen production capacity by 2030 for use across the economy.
Biomedical
Biomedical highlights from Kevin Burgess, Texas A&M University, US for C&I Magazine Issue 9 2021
Biospecimen procurement
In the UK and Western Europe, there is a high level of concern about the ethics of trade in human tissue, so brokers find it much easier to source samples in other parts of the world. Read the comment from Robert Hewitt, founder of Biosample Hub
Greener gene editing
New UK rules on genetic editing of crops could have a positive effect on food production and the environment, reports Anthony King
Aphid control
Ladybirds produce a volatile scent that causes their principal food – aphids – to move away to avoid predation. The same smell can also slow aphid reproduction rates. Now, researchers have identified components of ladybird odour that could pave the way to managing aphids – and the crop viruses they spread – without recourse to traditional pesticides.