The chemical breakdown & Chemistry in its element

Erythropoietin: Chemistry in its element 08.08.2013 6:30 ↓

Developed to save lives, its potential to give cheats an edge was soon identified. David Lindsay explores erythropoietin

Curcumin: Chemistry in its element 31.07.2013 6:26 ↓

For an aromatic curry and, potentially, a healthier life, Simon Cotton recommends curcumin

Cellulose acetate: Chemistry in its element 24.07.2013 6:49 ↓

It kept the explosions on the silver screen instead of in the projection booth - Brian Clegg on cellulose acetate

Botox: Chemistry in its element 18.07.2013 6:21 ↓

Just 50 grams could kill everyone on the planet, but we have it injected into our faces. David Lindsay on Botox

Imidacloprid: Chemistry in its element 10.07.2013 7:09 ↓

Phillip Broadwith discusses one of the neonicitinoid insecticides believed to be causing problems for bees

PVC: Chemistry in its element 03.07.2013 7:32 ↓

To some it looks cheap and nasty, for others it's a sensible (or even sexy) design decision. Brian Clegg wraps himself in PVC

Resveratrol: Chemistry in its element 26.06.2013 6:49 ↓

Can a compound in red wine protect against heart attack and cancer? Phillip Broadwith investigates resveratrol

Phosphoric Acid: Chemistry in its element 19.06.2013 6:43 ↓

Lars Öhrström on phosphoric acid: Crucial for crops and DNA's backbone, it's the energy currency of the biological world

Cyanoacrylate: Chemistry in its element 12.06.2013 6:19 ↓

It repairs objects, heals wounds and fights crime. It puts the 'super' in superglue. Emma Stoye introduces cyanoacrylate

VX: Chemistry in its element 05.06.2013 7:26 ↓

The stuff of action films and horrifying news stories, Simon Cotton introduces the infamous nerve agent, VX

Alumina: Chemistry in its element 29.05.2013 5:44 ↓

It's a catalyst, an abrasive, a bright white pigment and the basis for beautiful gemstones - Neil Withers introduces Alumina

Cathinone: Chemistry in its element 22.05.2013 7:06 ↓

Simon Cotton introduces us to cathinone, the active ingredient in the stimulant Khat

Digoxin: Chemistry in its element 15.05.2013 6:41 ↓

Emma Stoye on digoxin, a toxic product of foxgloves, and the birth of modern pharmacology

YBCO - Yttrium Barium Copper Oxide: Chemistry in its element 08.05.2013 6:48 ↓

Neil Withers recalls making this groundbreaking superconductor as a student

Ferrocene: Chemistry in its element 02.05.2013 7:30 ↓

Lars Öhrström gets his teeth into the first sandwich compound

Oxalic acid: Chemistry in its element 25.04.2013 8:24 ↓

Lars Öhrström finds a link between Napoleon III and rhubarb

Denatonium benzoate: Chemistry in its element 18.04.2013 7:55 ↓

Brian Clegg has a sniff at the bitterest substance known to science

Magnesium sulfate: Chemistry in its element 10.04.2013 6:52 ↓

Brian Clegg explains how bath salts may actually be more than just relaxing

Vancomycin: Chemistry in its element 03.04.2013 7:35 ↓

Simon Cotton explains the discovery of 'the drug of last resort'

Chloral hydrate: Chemistry in its element 27.03.2013 6:58 ↓

Brian Clegg raises a glass to unscrupulous barmen

Nitrogen dioxide: Chemistry in its element 21.03.2013 7:52 ↓

Simon Cotton looks at the rocket propellant that causes environmental problems

Cadmium sulfide: Chemistry in its element 13.03.2013 6:51 ↓

Brian Clegg brightens up our lives with some bright yellow chemistry

Menthol: Chemistry in its element 06.03.2013 6:49 ↓

Simon Cotton channels the Fonz and stays cool

Opsins: Chemistry in its element 27.02.2013 7:29 ↓

Brian Clegg opens our eyes to the compounds that enable sight

Uk37: Chemistry in its element 20.02.2013 6:57 ↓

Josh Howgego looks into the past, with help from some alkenones