Bri Barbu
@bribarbu.bsky.social
science reporter @ Chemical & Engineering News | please talk to me about carbon-based molecules | she/her | views mine | @bribarbu.95 on signal
Reposted by Bri Barbu
Some people just enjoy pushing molecules out of their comfort zones. Neil Garg & his team proudly count themselves among those people. Their latest work explores the chemistry of cubene and 1,7-quadricyclene, two molecules with extremely distorted double bonds.
cen.acs.org/synthesis/cu... #chemsky🧪
cen.acs.org/synthesis/cu... #chemsky🧪
2 unusual alkenes stretch the limits of molecular geometry
The extremely strained structures of cubene and 1,7-quadricyclene could be handy in drug synthesis
cen.acs.org
January 22, 2026 at 7:24 PM
Some people just enjoy pushing molecules out of their comfort zones. Neil Garg & his team proudly count themselves among those people. Their latest work explores the chemistry of cubene and 1,7-quadricyclene, two molecules with extremely distorted double bonds.
cen.acs.org/synthesis/cu... #chemsky🧪
cen.acs.org/synthesis/cu... #chemsky🧪
🚨Weird molecule alert!🚨
Meet cuebene and quadricyclene, a pair of delightfully warped alkenes from the incredibly creative molecule smiths in the Garg Lab!
My latest science news for @cenmag.bsky.social
cen.acs.org/synthesis/cu...
Meet cuebene and quadricyclene, a pair of delightfully warped alkenes from the incredibly creative molecule smiths in the Garg Lab!
My latest science news for @cenmag.bsky.social
cen.acs.org/synthesis/cu...
Two unusual alkenes stretch the limits of molecular geometry
The extremely strained structures of cubene and 1,7-quadricyclene could be handy in drug synthesis
cen.acs.org
January 22, 2026 at 2:57 PM
🚨Weird molecule alert!🚨
Meet cuebene and quadricyclene, a pair of delightfully warped alkenes from the incredibly creative molecule smiths in the Garg Lab!
My latest science news for @cenmag.bsky.social
cen.acs.org/synthesis/cu...
Meet cuebene and quadricyclene, a pair of delightfully warped alkenes from the incredibly creative molecule smiths in the Garg Lab!
My latest science news for @cenmag.bsky.social
cen.acs.org/synthesis/cu...
I am doing my best to get a good grade in therapy, which is both normal to want and possible to achieve
January 15, 2026 at 8:34 PM
I am doing my best to get a good grade in therapy, which is both normal to want and possible to achieve
If you were to design a scratch-and-sniff stamp, what would it smell like?
In my latest #Newscripts column, I dove into the weird and wacky world of multisensory printing! I learned about pastry-scented stamps, scratch-and-sniff deodorant ads, and--strangest of all--meat-flavored lickable wrapping paper.
cen.acs.org/business/con...
cen.acs.org/business/con...
Scratch-and-sniff stamps and lickable parcels
Meaningful messages that engage the senses
cen.acs.org
January 15, 2026 at 6:42 PM
If you were to design a scratch-and-sniff stamp, what would it smell like?
Looking for a little archaeochemistry this fine Thursday? Check out @fmorningstar.bsky.social about how scientists revealed the dirty secrets of Pompeii's bathhouses:
cen.acs.org/analytical-c...
cen.acs.org/analytical-c...
Carbonate crusts preserve the secrets of Pompeii’s public baths
Stable isotope analysis suggests that, before Roman aqueducts, residents of the city may have soaked in dirty water
cen.acs.org
January 15, 2026 at 3:37 PM
Looking for a little archaeochemistry this fine Thursday? Check out @fmorningstar.bsky.social about how scientists revealed the dirty secrets of Pompeii's bathhouses:
cen.acs.org/analytical-c...
cen.acs.org/analytical-c...
Reposted by Bri Barbu
I'd like to chat with people who have applied for grad school in chem or biochem for fall 2026 for an article in C&EN (@cenmag.bsky.social) about how funding changes in the US are impacting admissions. If this is you, please fill out this form.
forms.office.com/r/5xUxaqEnfX
#chemsky #chemchat
forms.office.com/r/5xUxaqEnfX
#chemsky #chemchat
Microsoft Forms
forms.office.com
January 14, 2026 at 4:03 PM
I'd like to chat with people who have applied for grad school in chem or biochem for fall 2026 for an article in C&EN (@cenmag.bsky.social) about how funding changes in the US are impacting admissions. If this is you, please fill out this form.
forms.office.com/r/5xUxaqEnfX
#chemsky #chemchat
forms.office.com/r/5xUxaqEnfX
#chemsky #chemchat
Reposted by Bri Barbu
Sensory overload: In the latest #Newscripts for @cenmag.bsky.social, @bribarbu.bsky.social explores scratch-and-sniff stamps and "deliciously unhinged" lickable wrapping paper.
cen.acs.org/business/con...
cen.acs.org/business/con...
Scratch-and-sniff stamps and lickable parcels
Meaningful messages that engage the senses
cen.acs.org
January 14, 2026 at 3:51 PM
Sensory overload: In the latest #Newscripts for @cenmag.bsky.social, @bribarbu.bsky.social explores scratch-and-sniff stamps and "deliciously unhinged" lickable wrapping paper.
cen.acs.org/business/con...
cen.acs.org/business/con...
In my latest #Newscripts column, I dove into the weird and wacky world of multisensory printing! I learned about pastry-scented stamps, scratch-and-sniff deodorant ads, and--strangest of all--meat-flavored lickable wrapping paper.
cen.acs.org/business/con...
cen.acs.org/business/con...
Scratch-and-sniff stamps and lickable parcels
Meaningful messages that engage the senses
cen.acs.org
January 12, 2026 at 8:35 PM
In my latest #Newscripts column, I dove into the weird and wacky world of multisensory printing! I learned about pastry-scented stamps, scratch-and-sniff deodorant ads, and--strangest of all--meat-flavored lickable wrapping paper.
cen.acs.org/business/con...
cen.acs.org/business/con...
Reposted by Bri Barbu
Researchers have uncovered chemical evidence that humans in what is now South Africa were using poisoned arrows for hunting as far back as 60,000 years ago. cen.acs.org/analytical-c... #chemsky 🧪
Stone Age humans hunted with poisoned arrows
Chemical analysis finds plant poisons on 60,000-year-old arrowheads
cen.acs.org
January 12, 2026 at 4:13 PM
Researchers have uncovered chemical evidence that humans in what is now South Africa were using poisoned arrows for hunting as far back as 60,000 years ago. cen.acs.org/analytical-c... #chemsky 🧪
Turns out, one of the things Stone Age hunter-gatherers gathered was poisonous plants to add a little extra kick to their hunting gear!
cen.acs.org/analytical-c...
cen.acs.org/analytical-c...
Stone Age humans hunted with poisoned arrows
Chemical analysis finds plant poisons on 60,000-year-old arrowheads
cen.acs.org
January 9, 2026 at 7:22 PM
Turns out, one of the things Stone Age hunter-gatherers gathered was poisonous plants to add a little extra kick to their hunting gear!
cen.acs.org/analytical-c...
cen.acs.org/analytical-c...
Reposted by Bri Barbu
Copy Editing Matters, from HHS's release on the new childhood vaccine schedule: All the diseases will still be available to anyone who wants them
January 6, 2026 at 1:12 AM
Copy Editing Matters, from HHS's release on the new childhood vaccine schedule: All the diseases will still be available to anyone who wants them
I've been at C&EN for over four years and I can genuinely say our staff is some of the most thoughtful, dedicated people I've ever worked with. With @cenguild.bsky.social, we can make sure we're all supported in our effort to keep putting out our unique brand of high-quality science journalism!
We are proud to announce the formation of the Chemical & Engineering News Guild. We represent staffers across the editorial and operations teams at C&EN. 1/6
January 5, 2026 at 6:41 PM
I've been at C&EN for over four years and I can genuinely say our staff is some of the most thoughtful, dedicated people I've ever worked with. With @cenguild.bsky.social, we can make sure we're all supported in our effort to keep putting out our unique brand of high-quality science journalism!
Reposted by Bri Barbu
There’s too much ionic energy in the world… we all need more covalent energy ✌️🫂
January 2, 2026 at 3:39 PM
There’s too much ionic energy in the world… we all need more covalent energy ✌️🫂
'm wrapping up 2025 by sharing my favorite story I wrote each month of the past year!🧵
🛌 January: I traveled to a freezing warehouse in Baltimore to see how mattresses get recycled!
cen.acs.org/environment/...
🛌 January: I traveled to a freezing warehouse in Baltimore to see how mattresses get recycled!
cen.acs.org/environment/...
Mattress recycling wakes up
New laws and evolving technologies for breaking down polyurethanes aim to create a more circular economy for mattresses
cen.acs.org
December 31, 2025 at 8:03 PM
'm wrapping up 2025 by sharing my favorite story I wrote each month of the past year!🧵
🛌 January: I traveled to a freezing warehouse in Baltimore to see how mattresses get recycled!
cen.acs.org/environment/...
🛌 January: I traveled to a freezing warehouse in Baltimore to see how mattresses get recycled!
cen.acs.org/environment/...
Reposted by Bri Barbu
🚨 One more day until the MMF 2026 application closes! Have you pressed submit? Last chance to apply to be a part of the 51st cohort of #MassMediaFellows is January 1st, 2026 at 11:59 P.M. ET.
🔗 bit.ly/3KugH6D
🔗 bit.ly/3KugH6D
December 31, 2025 at 5:10 PM
🚨 One more day until the MMF 2026 application closes! Have you pressed submit? Last chance to apply to be a part of the 51st cohort of #MassMediaFellows is January 1st, 2026 at 11:59 P.M. ET.
🔗 bit.ly/3KugH6D
🔗 bit.ly/3KugH6D
For this organic charge carrier, conductivity is more than just a phase! @paul-mcgonigal.bsky.social and team devised a clever new material that keeps ions flowing in more-ordered states of matter, thanks to diffused charges and a lil ordered chaos:
cen.acs.org/materials/el...
cen.acs.org/materials/el...
This molecule conducts charge like a liquid, even when it’s a solid
Loose ion pairing helps this organic electrolyte maintain conductivity through phase changes
cen.acs.org
December 18, 2025 at 9:12 PM
For this organic charge carrier, conductivity is more than just a phase! @paul-mcgonigal.bsky.social and team devised a clever new material that keeps ions flowing in more-ordered states of matter, thanks to diffused charges and a lil ordered chaos:
cen.acs.org/materials/el...
cen.acs.org/materials/el...
Reposted by Bri Barbu
Well, it's finally up. Thanks @sarahbraner.bsky.social @cenmag.bsky.social for profiling me and my journey from @cmu.edu to @ucddublin.bsky.social. It's been a hell of a ride. I'm glad I'm here safe, at least.
⚗️ #newpi #disabledinstem #lgbtqinstem #transinstem #leavingus #howtoleave #ireland
⚗️ #newpi #disabledinstem #lgbtqinstem #transinstem #leavingus #howtoleave #ireland
This chemist had a tenure-track job offer in the US when they decided to leave the country
Why Evan Spotte-Smith made that choice, and how they are finding the experience
cen.acs.org
December 18, 2025 at 2:34 PM
Well, it's finally up. Thanks @sarahbraner.bsky.social @cenmag.bsky.social for profiling me and my journey from @cmu.edu to @ucddublin.bsky.social. It's been a hell of a ride. I'm glad I'm here safe, at least.
⚗️ #newpi #disabledinstem #lgbtqinstem #transinstem #leavingus #howtoleave #ireland
⚗️ #newpi #disabledinstem #lgbtqinstem #transinstem #leavingus #howtoleave #ireland
This is one of the best things I've read in a long while. It has everything: tenacious journalists! Inept chatbots! An "ultra-capitalist free-for-all!" A live fish!
(the gift link seems to have stopped gifting tho)
(the gift link seems to have stopped gifting tho)
Gift link, probably the funniest thing the Wall Street Journal has done this year.
We Let AI Run Our Office Vending Machine. It Lost Hundreds of Dollars.
An AI agent ran a snack operation in the WSJ newsroom. It gave away a free PlayStation, ordered a live fish—and taught us lessons about the future of AI.
www.wsj.com
December 18, 2025 at 5:10 PM
This is one of the best things I've read in a long while. It has everything: tenacious journalists! Inept chatbots! An "ultra-capitalist free-for-all!" A live fish!
(the gift link seems to have stopped gifting tho)
(the gift link seems to have stopped gifting tho)
Not sure what to get your superstar junior colleague for the holidays? How about a T12 nomination? We'll be accepting nominations through January 20, 2026!
Nominate an early-career chemist for the Talented 12 Class of 2026. Submissions are open until January 20. Celebrate innovation and excellence in chemistry: cen.acs.org/sections/tal...
#CENT12 #chemsky 🧪
#CENT12 #chemsky 🧪
December 18, 2025 at 4:21 PM
Not sure what to get your superstar junior colleague for the holidays? How about a T12 nomination? We'll be accepting nominations through January 20, 2026!
This was a surprising result, but I wrote the original post so I'm not at all mad about it! 💀🎉
And the 2025 Chemistry in Pictures champion is . . .
After a long month of unlikely match-ups and tens of thousands of your votes, Gustavo Porrata Caraballo has been chosen as the Chemistry in Pictures contest winner for 2025: cen.acs.org/education/sc...
#CENChemPics #chemsky 🧪
After a long month of unlikely match-ups and tens of thousands of your votes, Gustavo Porrata Caraballo has been chosen as the Chemistry in Pictures contest winner for 2025: cen.acs.org/education/sc...
#CENChemPics #chemsky 🧪
December 18, 2025 at 2:17 PM
This was a surprising result, but I wrote the original post so I'm not at all mad about it! 💀🎉
Reposted by Bri Barbu
Nominate an early-career chemist for the Talented 12 Class of 2026. Submissions are open until January 20. Celebrate innovation and excellence in chemistry: cen.acs.org/sections/tal...
#CENT12 #chemsky 🧪
#CENT12 #chemsky 🧪
December 16, 2025 at 11:38 AM
Nominate an early-career chemist for the Talented 12 Class of 2026. Submissions are open until January 20. Celebrate innovation and excellence in chemistry: cen.acs.org/sections/tal...
#CENT12 #chemsky 🧪
#CENT12 #chemsky 🧪
I'm so jealous of everyone at pacifichem right now. 😭🌴
December 15, 2025 at 7:09 PM
I'm so jealous of everyone at pacifichem right now. 😭🌴
Did someone say "more chemistry brackets?" #ACSOrganic has you covered! #Chemsky
Round 1 of the 2025 Organic Reaction Championship ends today at midnight!
Will the Diels–Alder Reaction maintain its legacy dominance?
Can the Grignard Reaction overcome its temperament?
Vote for your favorite reaction!
#ACSOrganic #amplifyorganic
zurl.co/DTEvX
Will the Diels–Alder Reaction maintain its legacy dominance?
Can the Grignard Reaction overcome its temperament?
Vote for your favorite reaction!
#ACSOrganic #amplifyorganic
zurl.co/DTEvX
December 12, 2025 at 8:20 PM
Did someone say "more chemistry brackets?" #ACSOrganic has you covered! #Chemsky
Reposted by Bri Barbu
#Microscope images are dominating the Chempics Bracket, and it's down to the final. #chemsky, y'all have legit surprised the @cenmag.bsky.social staff with this.
cen.acs.org/education/sc...
cen.acs.org/education/sc...
Our first-ever Chempics Bracket is here. Vote for your favorite science photo
Only one photo will emerge victorious
cen.acs.org
December 12, 2025 at 7:12 PM
#Microscope images are dominating the Chempics Bracket, and it's down to the final. #chemsky, y'all have legit surprised the @cenmag.bsky.social staff with this.
cen.acs.org/education/sc...
cen.acs.org/education/sc...