Quantifying molecular complexity has the potential to enhance retrosynthetic analysis and, thus, aid the development of efficient total syntheses. This Perspective discusses methods for rigorous, reproducible complexity measurement, highlighting their potential to revolutionize traditional complex molecule synthesis and uncover new synthetic opportunities.

Compartmentalization is crucial for life’s evolution. Yet, the origin of modern phospholipid membranes and their species-dependent homochirality remains unknown. Amphiphile detection in extraterrestrial samples suggests diverse interstellar chemistry, enriching Earth’s prebiotic chemistry with vital membrane precursors. Moreover, chiroptical properties guide research into membrane homochirality origins.

Deaf professionals experience inequitable access at conferences, but conference hosts can learn to recognize and understand the contributing barriers. Establishing clear accessibility protocols can enhance organizational success and ensure a successful conference.

Following the success of our current journal club collaborations, we would like to encourage more groups of early-career researchers to get involved.

Room-temperature magnetism is challenging for 2D materials as they tend to lose their magnetic order at increasing temperatures. Now, researchers have achieved room temperature magnetism in lithium-intercalated chromium iodide.

Ahead of his 85th birthday, Graham Richards discussed his life in science and its intersection with industry. From a mix-up that led to him reading chemistry at the University of Oxford rather than physics, Richards later became the head of the chemistry department and co-founded Oxford Molecular Plc.

Inhibiting a signal transducer, which kicks off the production of β-lactamase in response to the presence of an antibiotic, shuts down resistance and makes β-lactam antibiotics effective once more.

2024 marks twenty years of the educational website Not Voodoo: Demystifying Synthetic Organic Chemistry — a fount of knowledge for organic chemistry laboratory techniques, with tips and tricks for both beginning research students and advanced experimentalists. 

An mRNA sequence that encodes a zwitterionic polypeptide fused to a therapeutic protein improves the pharmacokinetic properties of mRNA therapeutics.

Strong partnerships with students are critical to curriculum development and research. This can foster a culture of continual improvement with educational and societal benefit.