Chemical processes Research update Quantum superchemistry emerges in the laboratory Chemical reactions speed up when reactants are in the same quantum state, confirming theoretical predictions Read article: Quantum superchemistry emerges in the laboratory
Planetary science Blog Building blocks of DNA could survive in Venus’ corrosive clouds, say astronomers All five nucleic acids remain stable in concentrated sulphuric acid, and could form the basis for an alternative way of encoding life Read article: Building blocks of DNA could survive in Venus’ corrosive clouds, say astronomers
Quantum computing Research update Quantum processors still struggle to simulate complex molecules Latest results show that classical computers retain an edge when simulating quantum chemistry problems – at least for now Read article: Quantum processors still struggle to simulate complex molecules
Chemical processes Research update Solving the mystery of the Alhambra’s purple gold Gold nanoparticles are forming in ceiling decorations at this masterpiece of Islamic architecture Read article: Solving the mystery of the Alhambra’s purple gold
Optical physics Research update Helical light tells chiral molecules apart New technique could have important applications for drug development, biochemistry and toxicology Read article: Helical light tells chiral molecules apart
Chemical processes Research update Experimental evidence found for long-distance intermolecular forces Forces between cellular proteins are mediated by electrodynamic interactions Read article: Experimental evidence found for long-distance intermolecular forces
Stars and solar physics Research update Supernovae and earthbound chemical explosions are surprisingly similar Study could boost our understanding of how stars explode Read article: Supernovae and earthbound chemical explosions are surprisingly similar
Chemical processes Research update ‘Heartbeat’ detected in drop of gallium held in a graphite corral Oscillating liquid could be used as a timer or actuator Read article: ‘Heartbeat’ detected in drop of gallium held in a graphite corral
Chemical processes Research update Hydrogen dissociation measurement puts theory at odds with experiment Discrepancy could point to flaws in the quantum theory of molecules Read article: Hydrogen dissociation measurement puts theory at odds with experiment
Chemical processes Research update Optical tweezers create a single molecule from two atoms “Designer molecules” could be made using the technique Read article: Optical tweezers create a single molecule from two atoms