News articles
Small molecule transport of copper(I) effective against cancer
For the first time, it has been possible to transport Cu⁺ through cell membranes using a small biomimetic molecule, without the aid of proteins. According to an international team in JACS, this completely unexpected development has the potential to become a potent anti-cancer strategy.
Nobel Prize winner Susumu Kitagawa set to speak at ECC10
He was the first to discover the porosity of metal complexes, which would later become known as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs): Susumu Kitagawa is one of three Nobel Prize winners for 2025. This year, he will be the plenary speaker at the tenth EuChemS Chemistry Congress in Antwerp.
Journal retracts study on controversial lithium mine in Serbia
According to the Scientific Reports journal, the authors of a 2024 publication did not provide sufficient evidence of pollution caused by lithium exploration activities in the Jadar region of Serbia, and therefore the study has been retracted. However, some argue that the retraction comes too late, given that Rio Tinto ...
Industrial-academic collaboration sheds light on polymer analysis
Agilent Technologies, an instrument manufacturer, and the Chemometrics and Advanced Separations Team (CAST) at the Van ‘t Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences (HIMS) at the University of Amsterdam are joining forces to gain more insight into polymers in an automated laboratory.
Protein prevents collisions on DNA ‘railway’
For DNA replication and transcription, different proteins move along DNA strands, each with its own task and speed. Researchers at Leiden University Medical Centre (LUMC) have now shown in the journal Nature that the protein CFAP20 acts as a traffic controller, preventing collisions.
Enzyme surprises: alcohol oxidase also performs transesterification – without hydrolysis
According to Ulf Hanefeld and Frank Hollmann of Delft University of Technology, being open to the unexpected is one of the most important qualities of a scientist. It was this attitude that led them to discover an enzymatic reaction that was previously thought impossible: transesterification in water.
Root-knot nematodes find their host via its microbiome
A group of international researchers has demonstrated that the root-knot nematode species Meloidogyne incognita employs ingenious methods to locate its host plant. In Nature Plants, the researchers report that they do this by picking up chemical signals from the microbiome cultivated by the plant.
Immune cells in the driving seat: new molecular braking mechanism discovered
Researchers at UMC Utrecht and AMOLF have discovered that two proteins influence each other on the same immune cell to adjust inhibitory signals. They present this unexpected mechanism by which immune cells adapt their behaviour in Science Signaling.
Resurrected enzymes reveal cannabinoid synthase functions
Researchers at Wageningen University & Research have resurrected the ancestors of cannabis enzymes in order to discover how the plant acquired the ability to produce cannabinoids. The researchers report their findings in the Plant Biotechnology Journal.
Immune cells act like boa constrictors, according to hydrogel study
Researchers at Wageningen University & Research have demonstrated that hydrogel microparticles can be used to measure three-dimensional cell movements. You can read about how to make and use them in their comprehensive publication in Nature Protocols.
Improvements required for CO2 electrolysis with innovative membranes
Special membranes could enable CO2 electrolysis without the need for expensive platinum group metals. However, the membranes are not yet efficient enough for long-term operation.
ICCECRICE 2026 connects teachers and researchers
From evidence-informed assessment to ethical AI use: the joint ICCECRICE conference opens its doors to anyone interested in the future of chemistry education. With the explosive growth of AI applications, it is time for a robust exchange between practice and science. Stefania Grecea, Associate Professor at University of Amsterdam and ...
PET upcycling reveals fundamental catalysis stages
In a paper published in Angewandte Chemie, a British-Dutch research team revealed a method of upcycling PET waste into a pharmaceutical precursor using an suboptimal catalyst. They also gained insights into the catalytic mechanism.
From sugar to safety: a new era in flame retardants
While many current flame retardants are effective, they contain halogens such as chlorine or bromine, which are not ideal in terms of safety. In ChemCatChem, researchers from KU Leuven, Oleon and Devan present the synthesis approach of a new phosphorous, biobased flame retardant.
Hormone-free plant regeneration
Researchers at Wageningen University & Research and KeyGene have developed a method that enables plant cells to regenerate into new plants without the need for externally administered hormones. The researchers report their findings in The Plant Cell.
Mysterious dimer unravelled
For decades, researchers labelling cysteines with methanethiosulfonate groups have observed the formation of a mysterious dimer. Martina Huber set to work with a team from Leiden to unravel the hitherto unknown structure. The answer to the puzzle can be found in ChemistryOpen.
Sensor visualises DNA damage without interference
Biochemists at Utrecht University have developed a fluorescent sensor that makes DNA damage and repair visible in living cells and animals for the first time. In an article published in Nature Communications, the researchers demonstrate how the sensor binds to damaged DNA without interfering with the repair process.
Dutch researchers receive M grants for innovative research projects
Research that is both innovative and fundamental, and which is of a high quality and/or scientific urgency. This is the goal of the 21 successfully funded projects. Some of the projects also involve members of our associations.
YSF2026: Meet the speakers
The Young Scientist Forum (YSF2026) offers a combination of scientific presentations and career talks covering all those other topics that are crucial to researchers. We can already introduce the speakers. Not yet registered? Don’t wait too long, the deadline is 10 December 2025.
Environmentally Friendly Additives in Cement and Plasterboard
Additives in cement and plaster ensure strong, water-resistant materials, but they are often expensive and harmful to the environment. PhD candidate Annet Baken discovered how such substances influence the nanoscale crystal formation of building minerals, thereby slowing down the hardening process.
