News & Comment

Russell Boyd ponders on how selenium — despite close similarities with its neighbours of the chalcogen family, sulfur and tellurium — continues to reveal chemical and biological activities of its own.

Could short, non-traditional sabbaticals help scientists better organize their research groups and make improvements to their laboratory's IT infrastructure? Bruce Gibb ponders this question.

Michelle Francl thinks that new science words should have a touch of swagger and a whiff of mystery.

David Lindsay and William Kerr remind us that where cobalt is concerned, good has triumphed over evil.

When it comes to research misconduct, burying one's head in the sand and pretending it doesn't exist is the worst possible plan.

Although it is mainly known for its toxicity, beryllium possesses an array of properties that makes it attractive for a variety of non-industrial purposes. Ralph Puchta discusses why it is not always best avoided.

Bruce Gibb ponders a future without chemistry departments — and explains why this is a good thing.

Pilar Goya, Nazario Martín and Pascual Román relate how element 74 can be found in lamp filaments or weapon parts and also in literature, and continues to serve many purposes — no matter which of its two names it is given.

Bloggers shouldn't be relegated to the sidelines of the scientific literature, argues Michelle Francl.