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Non-steady-state chemical dynamics offer a powerful tool for neuromorphic computing by harnessing nonlinear, collective, and time-evolving behaviours. Coupled with frameworks such as reservoir computing, these systems enable trajectory-based information processing at the molecular scale through concepts from chemical kinetics and far-from-equilibrium dynamics.

In an era of global transition, new frontiers in chemistry — from space mining to circular technologies — are poised to reshape global power. This Comment explores how future supply chains, strategic resources, and chemistry could define the next era of geopolitical competition.

Metal–organic frameworks are increasingly used in environmental technologies, whereby their biomolecular coronas determine their identity, transport, persistence and ecosystem effects. We argue that further research is needed to embed corona considerations into framework systems design and regulation, and we outline the minimal, actionable steps needed to achieve this.

As scientists, our instinct is often to view physical systems within a Euclidean geometric space, defined by distances and angles measurable through techniques like X-ray scattering and imaging. Yet, history shows that our disciplines have repeatedly adapted their mathematical languages to better process data, interpret observations and build new theories.

The periodic table is not only a foundational tool of chemistry, but also a strategic map of the elements. Here we trace how the value of elements has shifted through history — shaping war, trade, and diplomacy — and call for consideration on how to manage growing global competition over critical materials.

The Chemical Weapons Convention is underpinned by science. The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons Designated Laboratory network provides confidence to states parties that any misuse of chemicals as weapons can be properly investigated.

When generative artificial intelligence (AI) draws molecules, it doesn’t just get the science wrong — it risks reshaping how we see chemistry, spreading incorrect representations of our world that mislead learners, distort peer-reviewed reports, and erode trust in scientific work and rigour.

Disabled scientists encounter many barriers in laboratory spaces, especially a lack of accessible lab equipment. #labdaptations is an ever-growing database of inclusive equipment created to improve the accessibility of laboratory work.

Digital content can hinder the accessibility of chemistry to people with disabilities. Fortunately, accessible digital content can be created easily and without cost. Learning basic digital accessibility skills can help to make chemistry more welcoming for all.

Standardized tasks and data sets have enabled machine learning experts to contribute to chemistry. However, current practices tend to reward incremental improvements in benchmark performance that do not necessarily translate into meaningful advances. We propose a framework for collaboration between artificial intelligence and domain experts to genuinely accelerate discovery.

The lithium-ion battery industry is driving the global clean energy transition but faces growing sustainability challenges. Pollution and recycling bottlenecks span the entire materials life cycle, emphasizing the urgent need for integrated chemical, environmental and policy frameworks to guide risk assessments and sustainable development.

Students with visual impairments face multiple barriers during their education, which can hinder their learning in STEM subjects. The design of the innovative tool Qarvis seeks to promote inclusion in chemistry teaching through the sense of touch and the organization of chemical elements as an accessible complement to the periodic table.

Agentic workflows powered by large language models are beginning to assist chemists in literature search, summarization, and outline drafting. Though they remain unable to replace expert insight, these systems promise to reshape how reviews are prepared — shifting the human role from exhaustive curator to creative synthesizer, empowered by intelligent, always-on review-copilots.

Introducing recyclability into photovoltaic design adds complexity. Recyclability depends on parameters governing material cohesion and separability, often conflicting with traditional criteria such as efficiency, stability and cost. Achieving circularity transforms solar-cell design into the art of managing intrinsic trade-offs, harmonizing the ease of material recovery with photovoltaic performance.

Forensic science is a mixture of specialties, including many chemistry subdisciplines, that focus on the idea of traces — marks that are remnants of past events. The findings should be affected by scene examination, time factors and context rather than an overreliance on the precision of the laboratory results.

Through the collaboration of two members of the ACS Committee on Chemists with Disabilities, a prototype Braille periodic table has been created. This project is part of a wider goal of making chemistry accessible to all.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a degenerative disease of the central nervous system. Two early-career researchers in supramolecular chemistry share their experiences of navigating academia whilst managing MS.

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. 

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.

Cosmetic science has driven innovations that have substantially improved the quality of life for people around the world. While the field is often first associated with makeup products, research and advances in cosmetic science have had a broader impact on human health, societal progress, and the pursuit of scientific knowledge.