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Neodymium is a key element in a wide range of modern technologies, yet its extraction, processing and long-term availability present substantial challenges. Bruce Gibb examines the chemistry and geology of this rare earth element, and considers how its recovery from mine waste could strengthen future supplies.

Industry based around the generation of lime from calcium carbonate is responsible for a large proportion of anthropogenic carbon emissions — and thus has a significant impact on climate change. Bruce Gibb takes us through the chemistry of lime and considers how chemists can help in the development of alternative processes with reduced carbon emissions — with a particular focus on the generation of cement.

The e.e.s have had it, argues Bruce Gibb, and it's time to err on the side of e.r.

The buffering capacity of the world’s oceans has helped offset the effects of CO₂ emissions on climate; however, it is not without cost. Bruce Gibb discusses the causes, the chemistry and the consequences of ocean acidification.

A trio of recent discoveries in physics should be celebrated by everyone, even chemists, argues Bruce Gibb.

The closest that most chemists get to the concepts of nonlinearity and emergent properties is a passing acquaintance with a well-known oscillating reaction. Bruce C. Gibb suggests that looking a little deeper into chaos and complexity could help us to answer some very important questions.

Bruce C. Gibb wonders why curry is not part of the chemistry curriculum.

Bruce C. Gibb is organizing a workshop for two groups of scientists that study a similar topic, but rarely get together. The different perspectives they bring and the unusual set up of the meeting will hopefully lead to new ideas, but, as he suggests, they will also lead to the attendees leaving their comfort zones.

Obtaining financial support for scientific research is generally more difficult for work that is fundamental in nature rather than applied. Bruce C. Gibb contemplates how topics such as complexity might get their share — and why it is vital that they do.

Bruce Gibb discusses how and why chemists name reactions and molecules — and what makes such monikers stick.

In the sink-or-swim world of academia, Bruce C. Gibb considers what support structures should be put in place for those who have only just entered the water.

Although many chemists are no strangers to complicated molecular structures, they are less familiar with complex systems and emergent phenomena. Bruce C. Gibb suggests that teamwork is the best way forward for tackling these subjects, and considers how university departments are changing to promote collaboration.

Global energy consumption is rising rapidly; however, fossil fuel use is anticipated to peak soon owing to the widespread adoption of renewable energy sources. Bruce Gibb explores the pivotal role chemists can play in developing alternative technologies within the renewable energy sector, with a particular focus on thermal energy storage.

Humans have a habit of overusing natural resources even though there are numerous examples through history of the issues that this causes. Chemists can sometimes help to avoid such tumultuous events, but in doing so can gravely impact sectors of society. Amid the backdrop of the Highland Clearances in Scotland, Bruce Gibb discusses the farming of kelp and how chemistry became its ‘enemy’ with the industrial generation of sodium carbonate.

Winter brings a spike in mortality rates, but rather than simply having more parties to divert our attention, Bruce Gibb suggests that perhaps we should be looking to the misunderstood mushroom to give us a boost.

Bruce Gibb finds that time away from the laboratory can help the mind to wander and explore new research ideas — and that inspiration for possible projects can come from somewhat unlikely sources.

Two constitutional isomers with exceptionally similar structures have had very different impacts in chemistry and beyond. With this example, Bruce Gibb highlights just how difficult it is to predict how much a particular compound or piece of chemical research will contribute to society, especially in the short term.

As we learn more about the complexities of water, Bruce Gibb argues that organic chemists shouldn't be afraid to take the plunge into aqueous environments.

As scientists, are the decisions we make all about weighing up cold hard facts or does the last time we ate come into play? Bruce Gibb offers us some food for thought.

Bruce Gibb ponders what the future of chemistry research might look like if we take a more data-driven approach.

When it comes to water and its unique properties, Bruce Gibb explains that although there is undoubtedly some mystery, there is certainly no magic.

Bruce Gibb finds wonder in the landscape of chemistry research.

Researchers should spend more time doing science than cataloguing every last detail about how they get it done, argues Bruce Gibb.

Bruce C. Gibb takes a look at the complex cocktail of chemical compounds that make up gin.

Artificial intelligence is being used in many aspects of chemical research. Bruce Gibb discusses top-down and bottom-up approaches to the development of AI, highlighting the issues with cultural divides and the challenges of data quality. He also introduces 'Eric', a potential AI research assistant for the future chemist.

Excited by the prospect of future missions to the Jupiter system, Bruce Gibb explores the chemistry of Jupiter’s moons and wonders whether there could be life on Europa.

Bruce C. Gibb takes a look at the dark side of academia and considers a multitude of sins.

About two thirds of western society are extroverts, but the contemplative nature of science means that this is not true of the academic population. Bruce Gibb discusses extraversion and introversion in science and asks whether the movement towards larger projects involving teams of scientists is making it harder for introverts and for disruptive discoveries.

When lightning strikes, Bruce C. Gibb reminds us that not only do sparks fly, but there’s also some chemistry going on too.

Different roles require different types of intelligences, and trainee chemists are often tested on their linguistic and logical–mathematical intelligences at the expense of other types. Bruce Gibb describes the types of intelligences that chemists use, and suggests ways to teach and test them.

Bruce C. Gibb offers some suggestions to chemists for how they can help save the world, one nudge at a time.

A diverse group of people with a range of skills is required to be successful in academia, just as it is in team sports, argues Bruce C. Gibb.

Bruce C. Gibb reminds us that buffers are not necessarily innocent bystanders and that they can bind to biomacromolecules too.

In his previous Thesis, Bruce Gibb introduced us to the chemistry of Jupiter’s moons. Now, he takes us on a tour of NASA’s Europa Clipper, the spacefaring chemistry lab set to revolutionize our understanding of Jupiter’s most intriguing satellite.

Bruce Gibb suggests that chemists can play a central role in democratizing access to energy by focusing on common elements.

Using chemical intuition often allows one to predict what might transpire on throwing a batch of chemicals into a beaker, but sometimes the unexpected can occur. Bruce C. Gibb discusses how you define an 'emergent phenomenon', recognizing that it's not a simple exercise and can actually be different for each of us.

A day in the life of an academic, as told by Bruce C. Gibb.

As the search for new faculty begins across many chemistry departments, Bruce Gibb takes the opportunity to assess his potential biases — and discusses how to address them.

Bruce C. Gibb suggests it’s time to put student testing to the test and that everyone should be given the space they need to succeed.

Chemical compounds are often taken for granted, argues Bruce Gibb, and the most underappreciated is one that we're all very familiar with.

Tenure is vitally important when it comes to the creation and promotion of knowledge — and Bruce Gibb explains why.

If you feel like shifting your attention away from what’s happening here on planet Earth in 2020 for a moment, join Bruce C. Gibb on a tour through the chemistry of the largest planet in the Solar System.