Plant spores mop up oil - UK researchers have modified plant spore microcapsules to take up to three and a half times their own weight in oil by a simple mixing process, giving them potential as natural oil-spill clean-up materials. Reference: A Diego-Taboada et al, J. Mater. Chem., 2012, DOI: 10.1039/c2jm00103a
Tag Archives: UK
Hydrogen that mimics graphene
April 4, 2012 – 2:00 am
Hydrogen that mimics graphene - Researchers in the UK and the US claim to have discovered a new phase of hydrogen in which the diatomic molecules break apart to form six-atom rings, similar to graphene. The new phase, which occurs at very high pressures, could be a stepping stone towards a long-sought after phase: metallic hydrogen. Reference: R T Howie et al, Phys. Rev. Lett., 2012, 108,125501 (DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.108.125501)
Chemistry students buck university trend
February 2, 2012 – 4:26 pm
The Royal Society of Chemistry's Chemistry World magazine reports that UK university chemistry departments are relieved to discover that applications for chemistry degrees have held steady despite the increase in tuition fees for degree courses in England and Wales and the almost 10% decline in overall applications. Good news for chemistry, although the news that AstraZeneca is laying off thousands of staff in the wake of Pfizer lab closures makes you wonder where all the bright young chemists are going to work. Accountancy, perhaps? Plus ca change.
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