Patrick Walter
@patdwalter.bsky.social
News editor @ChemistryWorld
😂
Later, peace is reestablished when an MBA accidentally enters the lecture hall.
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November 5, 2025 at 8:41 AM
😂
Reposted by Patrick Walter
The 2025 #NobelPrize in Chemistry was awarded today for the development of metal-organic frameworks, molecular sponges with applications in gas storage, water purification and more: www.compoundchem.com/2025/10/08/2...
#ChemSky 🧪
#ChemSky 🧪
October 8, 2025 at 9:00 PM
The 2025 #NobelPrize in Chemistry was awarded today for the development of metal-organic frameworks, molecular sponges with applications in gas storage, water purification and more: www.compoundchem.com/2025/10/08/2...
#ChemSky 🧪
#ChemSky 🧪
Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson and Omar Yaghi win 2025 chemistry Nobel prize for work on metal–organic frameworks. Huge congrats to them, I feel this prize has been coming for some time! www.chemistryworld.com/news/the-202...
The 2025 Nobel prize in chemistry as it happens – live
Join us as we provide analysis and commentary in the run up to the announcement of the biggest prize in chemistry
www.chemistryworld.com
October 8, 2025 at 10:21 AM
Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson and Omar Yaghi win 2025 chemistry Nobel prize for work on metal–organic frameworks. Huge congrats to them, I feel this prize has been coming for some time! www.chemistryworld.com/news/the-202...
Morning all. An exciting day in the chemistry calendar. The #NobelPrize in chemistry will be announced in a little over an hour. We're keeping track of all the developments as they happen at Chemistry World #chemnobel www.chemistryworld.com/news/the-202...
The 2025 Nobel prize in chemistry as it happens – live
Join us as we provide analysis and commentary in the run up to the announcement of the biggest prize in chemistry
www.chemistryworld.com
October 8, 2025 at 8:38 AM
Morning all. An exciting day in the chemistry calendar. The #NobelPrize in chemistry will be announced in a little over an hour. We're keeping track of all the developments as they happen at Chemistry World #chemnobel www.chemistryworld.com/news/the-202...
Reposted by Patrick Walter
it's actually not two Nobels for Josephson junctions, just one that tunnelled over a gap of 52 years
October 7, 2025 at 10:02 AM
it's actually not two Nobels for Josephson junctions, just one that tunnelled over a gap of 52 years
Reposted by Patrick Walter
'The UK is facing a drought,' writes @patdwalter.bsky.social. Not only in terms of rainfall, but also in 'the way in which undergraduate chemistry provision across the country is starting to dry up.'
#ChemSky
#ChemSky
Chemistry ‘deserts’ threaten to push poorer undergraduates out
Course and departmental closures in the UK are creating 'cold spots', leaving students high and dry
www.chemistryworld.com
July 17, 2025 at 2:43 PM
'The UK is facing a drought,' writes @patdwalter.bsky.social. Not only in terms of rainfall, but also in 'the way in which undergraduate chemistry provision across the country is starting to dry up.'
#ChemSky
#ChemSky
Catfish wriggling up a waterfall. Outstanding! www.science.org/content/arti...
Thousands of climbing catfish filmed scaling waterfalls
New footage provides rare insight into the daring migration of an enigmatic fish
www.science.org
August 19, 2025 at 12:58 PM
Catfish wriggling up a waterfall. Outstanding! www.science.org/content/arti...
Reposted by Patrick Walter
Meta scientists talk about ‘pivot penalty’ which hampers career progression. This World View argues that scientists who are not tied down by fixed research agendas can pivot nimbly to work where they are most needed. They need to be supported
#AcademicSky
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
#AcademicSky
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Fund scholars who tackle urgent issues — from misinformation to error spotting
Scientists who are not tied down by fixed research agendas can pivot nimbly to work where they are most needed. It’s time to build career paths with these researchers in mind.
www.nature.com
July 24, 2025 at 11:10 AM
Meta scientists talk about ‘pivot penalty’ which hampers career progression. This World View argues that scientists who are not tied down by fixed research agendas can pivot nimbly to work where they are most needed. They need to be supported
#AcademicSky
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
#AcademicSky
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Reposted by Patrick Walter
UK chemistry industry professionals
Please fill in this short survey to help CAMS help us all by modernizing what graduates are taught with respect to data handling. Which can be as simple as organizing yourself and naming files sensibly! #chemsky
forms.office.com/Pages/Respon...
Please fill in this short survey to help CAMS help us all by modernizing what graduates are taught with respect to data handling. Which can be as simple as organizing yourself and naming files sensibly! #chemsky
forms.office.com/Pages/Respon...
Microsoft Forms
forms.office.com
July 2, 2025 at 6:57 AM
UK chemistry industry professionals
Please fill in this short survey to help CAMS help us all by modernizing what graduates are taught with respect to data handling. Which can be as simple as organizing yourself and naming files sensibly! #chemsky
forms.office.com/Pages/Respon...
Please fill in this short survey to help CAMS help us all by modernizing what graduates are taught with respect to data handling. Which can be as simple as organizing yourself and naming files sensibly! #chemsky
forms.office.com/Pages/Respon...
Reposted by Patrick Walter
URichmond is hiring two tenure-track faculty. One in biochemistry/chemical biology and the other in experimental physical chemistry. This is a terrific place to work - our focus is on our talented undergraduates and we have robust research resources. chemistryjobs.acs.org/job/assistan...
July 2, 2025 at 11:46 AM
URichmond is hiring two tenure-track faculty. One in biochemistry/chemical biology and the other in experimental physical chemistry. This is a terrific place to work - our focus is on our talented undergraduates and we have robust research resources. chemistryjobs.acs.org/job/assistan...
Reposted by Patrick Walter
'Straitened times call for difficult choices,' writes @patdwalter.bsky.social. 'You can be sure that university leaders and groups are already lobbying the government hard on behalf of higher education. The government now needs to listen. #ChemSky #EduSky #ScienceSky
If the UK wants growth fuelled by R&D, universities need relief now
The spending review has left universities struggling with deficits with few options but to hope for good news
www.chemistryworld.com
June 19, 2025 at 3:30 PM
'Straitened times call for difficult choices,' writes @patdwalter.bsky.social. 'You can be sure that university leaders and groups are already lobbying the government hard on behalf of higher education. The government now needs to listen. #ChemSky #EduSky #ScienceSky
Reposted by Patrick Walter
Having written many stories about exciting new chemistry AI technologies, I wondered how easy it would be for people to try for themselves.
This story is the outcome of that curiosity – read on for two interesting takeaways and a piece of snark.
cen.acs.org/physical-che...
This story is the outcome of that curiosity – read on for two interesting takeaways and a piece of snark.
cen.acs.org/physical-che...
A guide to navigating AI chemistry hype
If you plan to use machine learning for research, consider ChatGPT’s shortcomings and inquire about AI tools’ training data and benchmarking performance
cen.acs.org
May 22, 2025 at 9:02 AM
Having written many stories about exciting new chemistry AI technologies, I wondered how easy it would be for people to try for themselves.
This story is the outcome of that curiosity – read on for two interesting takeaways and a piece of snark.
cen.acs.org/physical-che...
This story is the outcome of that curiosity – read on for two interesting takeaways and a piece of snark.
cen.acs.org/physical-che...
Reposted by Patrick Walter
Can there still be room for this kind of all-consuming search for new knowledge, while protecting the physical and mental health of researchers? Asks @patdwalter.bsky.social.
Can scientific curiosity and pressure to work long hours be balanced with well-being?
Younger researchers must beware the trap that sees their scientific fervour take over their lives
www.chemistryworld.com
May 23, 2025 at 1:12 PM
Can there still be room for this kind of all-consuming search for new knowledge, while protecting the physical and mental health of researchers? Asks @patdwalter.bsky.social.
Reposted by Patrick Walter
A ban on most uses of DCM was finalised by the US EPA in May 2024, with consumer use of DCM to be phased out within one year and most industrial and commercial uses within two. With the Trump administration appearing poised to continue with the plan, research labs are bracing for change. #ChemSky
A year on from the announcement of the dichloromethane ban, US research labs brace for change
Trump administration appears to be backing the Biden rule so universities are moving to comply
www.chemistryworld.com
May 21, 2025 at 2:24 PM
A ban on most uses of DCM was finalised by the US EPA in May 2024, with consumer use of DCM to be phased out within one year and most industrial and commercial uses within two. With the Trump administration appearing poised to continue with the plan, research labs are bracing for change. #ChemSky
Reposted by Patrick Walter
I'm very pleased to see this collection live – links to individual stories to follow below...
Many medical conditions affect women disproportionately or exclusively. In our new collection, we look at the gender gap in health and drugs, how treatments for menopause are slowly changing, what we’re finding out about period products and more.
Women's health | Chemistry World
Many medical conditions affect only women, or affect them disproportionately, but women's health has historically been neglected in medical research. In this collection, we look at the gender gap in h...
www.chemistryworld.com
May 20, 2025 at 2:44 PM
I'm very pleased to see this collection live – links to individual stories to follow below...
What have you done to poor Tomislav's name New Scientist? Your website's symbol selection just can't cope!
May 21, 2025 at 1:14 PM
What have you done to poor Tomislav's name New Scientist? Your website's symbol selection just can't cope!
Wonderful story of a woman who lived with birds and chronicled their lives and personalities. Gwen Howard is a name I'd never come across before and her books from the first half of the 20th century have disappeared into obscurity but could perhaps do with being resurrected nautil.us/the-woman-wh...
The Woman Who Saw Birds as Individuals
Len Howard opened her cottage—and our eyes—to the birds
nautil.us
May 7, 2025 at 4:47 PM
Wonderful story of a woman who lived with birds and chronicled their lives and personalities. Gwen Howard is a name I'd never come across before and her books from the first half of the 20th century have disappeared into obscurity but could perhaps do with being resurrected nautil.us/the-woman-wh...
Reposted by Patrick Walter
On Monday, an unprecedented blackout caused chaos across Spain and Portugal. Nevertheless, research centres stayed strong and showcased survival skills and resilience. Yours truly, reporting for @chemistryworld.com: www.chemistryworld.com/news/researc...
Research centres weather unprecedented blackout in Spain and Portugal
Backup batteries and diesel generators guaranteed the stability and security of scientific systems
www.chemistryworld.com
May 1, 2025 at 2:49 PM
On Monday, an unprecedented blackout caused chaos across Spain and Portugal. Nevertheless, research centres stayed strong and showcased survival skills and resilience. Yours truly, reporting for @chemistryworld.com: www.chemistryworld.com/news/researc...
Reposted by Patrick Walter
are you a molecular machinist? have you been wondering, like us, what exactly a molecular machine is? please help us figure it out! read this article and answer the polls to help our IUPAC team: Carson, @aprahamian.bsky.social, @deanast.bsky.social, @sgoldup.bsky.social, and Pierangelo! 🔗
The 2016 Nobel prize in chemistry was awarded 'for the design and synthesis of molecular machines'. Ironically, we do not know exactly what constitutes a molecular machine. With the ultimate goal of unifying definitions and standardising terminology, Iupac needs your help!
#ChemSky #ScienceSky
#ChemSky #ScienceSky
Take two polls to help Iupac define molecular machines
An Iupac committee wants your input to guide its recommendations for key terms in the field
www.chemistryworld.com
April 30, 2025 at 5:31 AM
are you a molecular machinist? have you been wondering, like us, what exactly a molecular machine is? please help us figure it out! read this article and answer the polls to help our IUPAC team: Carson, @aprahamian.bsky.social, @deanast.bsky.social, @sgoldup.bsky.social, and Pierangelo! 🔗
Reposted by Patrick Walter
Ambiguities in chemical nomenclature can lead to misinterpretations that impact everything from data integration and intellectual property disputes to regulatory compliance and product safety. That's why Iupac is working to standardise the definitions of a molecular machine, and you can help!
Molecular machines won a Nobel prize nine years ago, but we still can’t decide what one is
World authority on chemistry nomenclature aims to clean up molecular machine terminology
www.chemistryworld.com
April 29, 2025 at 3:18 PM
Ambiguities in chemical nomenclature can lead to misinterpretations that impact everything from data integration and intellectual property disputes to regulatory compliance and product safety. That's why Iupac is working to standardise the definitions of a molecular machine, and you can help!
Reposted by Patrick Walter
A few firms are developing lab coats in a wider range of sizes and with features that enhance comfort: cen.acs.org/safety/lab-s... #chemsky #phdsky #academicsky 🧪
Ill-fitting lab coats raise safety and inclusivity concerns
The protective garments are not only uncomfortable but can pose a danger to researchers
cen.acs.org
April 24, 2025 at 1:05 PM
A few firms are developing lab coats in a wider range of sizes and with features that enhance comfort: cen.acs.org/safety/lab-s... #chemsky #phdsky #academicsky 🧪
'Neurodegenerative diseases today are where cancer was 50 years ago, namely when you are able to diagnose it, it’s too late,’ says Hermona Soreq. She's part of a team who have now developed a new test for #Parkinson's based on tRNA that can diagnose it early www.chemistryworld.com/news/simple-...
Simple blood test could enable detection of Parkinson’s disease before symptoms emerge
Test on tRNA fragment ratios shows promise
www.chemistryworld.com
April 24, 2025 at 8:35 AM
'Neurodegenerative diseases today are where cancer was 50 years ago, namely when you are able to diagnose it, it’s too late,’ says Hermona Soreq. She's part of a team who have now developed a new test for #Parkinson's based on tRNA that can diagnose it early www.chemistryworld.com/news/simple-...
Reposted by Patrick Walter
You don't have to be a science teacher to make use of this great offer. ALL of you should buy a whole bunch of these (£2.50 a book!) and just have them ready to give away as thoughtful presents for the science illiterates in your life. Or complete strangers. Just buy them and give them away!
Science Teachers! If you're looking for a relatively cheap leaving present for your Y11s / Y13s, "The Works" sell 3 copies of "Why Don't Things Fall Up?" for £7.50 - that's £75 for 30, free P&P. Or buy a set for your classes next year. It's a great book - don't take my word for it, read the reviews
Why Don't Things Fall Up? By Alom Shaha | The Works
Buy Why Don't Things Fall Up? from The Works. We offer a huge range of savings on Why Don't Things Fall Up?.
www.theworks.co.uk
April 2, 2025 at 5:27 PM
You don't have to be a science teacher to make use of this great offer. ALL of you should buy a whole bunch of these (£2.50 a book!) and just have them ready to give away as thoughtful presents for the science illiterates in your life. Or complete strangers. Just buy them and give them away!
Taking one for the team there. Sterling work.
I read through (most of) Project 2025's 922 pages to better understand how the agenda aligns with the Trump administration's science policies. www.nature.com/articles/d41...
How Trump is following Project 2025’s radical roadmap to defund science
Much of the Trump administration’s agenda for research is laid out in the 900-plus-page blueprint. Nature read it so you don’t have to.
www.nature.com
March 27, 2025 at 5:21 PM
Taking one for the team there. Sterling work.
Reposted by Patrick Walter
'Chesterton’s fence is the principle that anyone looking to reform a system should understand why this ‘fence’ is there before they attempt to alter or remove it,' writes @patdwalter.bsky.social. But, 'this idea of thinking first and moving cautiously appears increasingly old-fashioned'.
They break it, we all pay for it
GK Chesterton's legacy goes beyond his Father Brown detective novels and explains why tearing down institutions harms us all
www.chemistryworld.com
March 26, 2025 at 3:38 PM
'Chesterton’s fence is the principle that anyone looking to reform a system should understand why this ‘fence’ is there before they attempt to alter or remove it,' writes @patdwalter.bsky.social. But, 'this idea of thinking first and moving cautiously appears increasingly old-fashioned'.