Chemistry in Its Element

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

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

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

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

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

为他人一些看起来廉价和讨厌的,它是a sensible (or even sexy) design decision. Brian Clegg wraps...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Neil Withers recalls making this groundbreaking superconductor as a student

Lars Öhrström gets his teeth into the first sandwich compound

Lars Öhrström finds a link between Napoleon III and rhubarb

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

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

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

Brian Clegg raises a glass to unscrupulous barmen

Simon Cotton looks at the rocket propellant that causes environmental problems

Brian Clegg brightens up our lives with some bright yellow chemistry

Simon Cotton channels the Fonz and stays cool

Brian Clegg opens our eyes to the compounds that enable sight