The Alchemist learns how to manipulate tiny polystyrene beads with a set of micro-tweezers this week and spots the smoking gun in forensics using capillary-scale ion chromatography and suppressed conductivity. In the world of chemophobia has asked why parabens are still the focus of research into underarm hygiene and breast cancer despite the lack of evidence linking the two in any way. There is also an elemental discovery this week concerning that lowliest of metals, zinc, which may have activity in reducing the symptoms of the common cold. A venture that sounds truly alchemical sees research into burning ice heating up. Finally, a prize teacher.
From my fortnightly column The Alchemist.