Open droplet microfluidic systems have unique advantages; for example, the droplets are accessible and the systems translate well into biomedical research. This Review highlights different types of open droplet microfluidic system in chemistry and biology and discusses their physical concepts and key applications.

Chiral molecules in biosamples are promising biomarkers for disease diagnosis and prognosis. The authors describe techniques for detecting and quantifying small-molecule enantiomers and approaches to improving these techniques.

The synthesis of MXenes is generally constrained by poorly understood and largely uncontrollable chemical reactions. Now, with the use of chemical scissors and guest intercalants, new MXenes have been created with finely tuned microstructures, compositions and surface ligands.

Large language models such as GPT-4 have been approaching human-level ability across many expert domains. GPT-4 can accomplish complex tasks in chemistry purely from English instructions, which may transform the future of chemistry.

When two phenyl rings are perfectly stacked in a cyclophane structure that is bridged by three helicene linkers, they lose some of their aromatic stability, even though the overall structure — with 78 π-electrons — is aromatic.

Nitrogenases are enzymes capable of reducing atmospheric nitrogen to ammonia. By better understanding their structure and the reaction mechanism, researchers can work towards artificial mimics that may replace the need for the energy-demanding Haber–Bosch process.

A highly stable glass has been prepared by the physical vapour deposition of two materials in equal amounts.

Large language models such as GPT-4 have been approaching human-level ability across many expert domains. GPT-4 can accomplish complex tasks in chemistry purely from English instructions, which may transform the future of chemistry.

Getting the next generation to participate in chemistry will require dismantling normative approaches to education and mentoring. Inclusive pedagogy that incorporates social issues and innovative teaching with special attention to historically excluded groups are keys to unlocking the full potential of future scientists.

A review of Paul McKendrick’s book Scrubbing the Sky: Inside the Race to Cool the Planet, which looks at the chemistry, engineering and economics behind direct air capture.