Chemistry In Its Element

Louise Crane reveals the compound that gives American chocolate and wet dogs their distinct aroma

Kat Arney explains how a protein that repairs broken DNA holds the key to killing cancer cells – but only if you stop it from doing its job

From medicine to the military, this compound makes lasers for a range of applications. Brian Clegg discovers neodymium chloride

Louise Crane documents the rise and fall of gabapentin – from ‘wonder drug’ to illicit substance in just 50 years

The story of one of the most ubiquitous artificial compounds

Katrina Kramer introduces the Nobel prize-winning ligand that will give you just the hand you need: BINAP or 2,2'-bis(diphenylphosphino)-1,1'-binaphthyl

 A substitute for one of the bases in DNA that can cause the death of cancer cells

Brian Clegg introduces a family of molecules that first gave fluffy softness to freshly washed clothes

Ben Valsler finds out why writing Alice’s adventures in Wonderland was such a headache for Lewis Carroll

Find out about the Black Prince’s ruby, which is no ruby at all

This powerful poison is said to have the power to transform werewolves and heal snake bites. Brian Clegg unpicks fiction from fact

Is there really a simple, fruity route to weight loss?

Brian Clegg gets to the heart of the matter on the benefits or otherwise of one of the most commonly prescribed drugs

Is there a single hormone that causes hunger, and is this it?

When the communion bread starts secreting blood, could this be the cause?

Kat Arney tells us about the active ingredient in energy drinks

A yellow dress, of the type worn by Jane Austen, sets Michael Freemantle exploring the chemistry of picric acid

It's the active molecule in the plant known as electric daisies or the toothache plant but it might also make your skin smoother

Kat Arney introduces the organomercury preservative associated with the current controversy around vaccines

Ever taken a whiff of smelling salts? For many years, the compound that contributed the pungent pong was ammonium carbonate