Highlights
C&EN: Silicon insertion methods join skeletal-editing toolbox
06 May 2026Two teams take different approaches to squeeze silicon atoms into molecular scaffolds.
ACS Central Science: Pharm to Table Podcast Duo Bridges the Academia–Industry Divide
29 April 2026The Merck colleagues and cohosts advocate closer collaboration between academic and industry chemists.
New Scientist: We need more radioactive drugs. Can we make them from nuclear waste?
22 April 2026The rise of a new generation of radiotherapies means we will soon need much greater quantities of radioactive atoms. That’s why companies are scrambling to refine them from all manner of radioactive waste.
Science: Whistleblower alleges Finnish startup’s vaunted solid-state battery isn’t what it claims
22 April 2026Donut Lab’s assertions of lightning-fast charging and high energy storage have led to a criminal complaint.
Nature: Fresh claim of making elusive ‘hexagonal’ diamond is the strongest yet
04 March 2026After decades of debate, researchers say that they have found the clearest evidence yet for this rare form of carbon.
TESTIMONIALS
“As an editor and reporter, Mark Peplow is fast, accurate, and versatile. He covers science policy and pure research with equal passion, and his writing combines a scientist’s precision with a journalist’s verve.” Tim Appenzeller
Former Chief Magazine Editor at Nature, now News Editor at Science
"Mark guided me through some of the most challenging stories I've written. These are pieces I might not have attempted were it not for his steady editorial hand." Linda Nordling
Freelance Journalist, South Africa
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Freelance Science Writer
Category Archives: Highlights
C&EN: Biorefinery turns birch wood into renewable chemicals
Lignin breakdown produces phenol and propylene, offering a low-carbon alternative to fossil-fuel-based processes.
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C&EN: Zeolite membrane finds holey purpose in methanol synthesis
Porous sodium aluminosilicate separates water from gases in high-temperature reaction.
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C&EN: Boron makes quadruple bond with rhodium
RhB is the first diatomic molecule with a four-fold bond to boron.
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C&EN: Porphyrin wheel sets record as largest aromatic ring
With 162 delocalized electrons, giant ring has global aromaticity.
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C&EN: Rhodium photocatalyst does double duty to generate hydrogen
Air-stable complex uses light to catalyze production of solar fuel.
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C&EN: Mechanoacid polymer signals a smash hit
Stress-induced acid formation shows location and timing of damage.
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C&EN: Carbon capture drives metal purification
Amine teams up with carbon dioxide to isolate metals from mixtures, offering economic incentive to trap greenhouse gas emissions.
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C&EN: Northvolt is building a future for greener batteries
Swedish firm aims to feed a booming electric vehicle market with more-sustainable lithium-ion batteries.
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C&EN: Nickel catalyst fends off air attack
Air-stable complex offers a more convenient approach to coupling reactions.
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Nature Index: Brexit shadow hangs over EU partnerships
Uncertainty about the United Kingdom’s role in EU science is damaging research networks.
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