Fionna Samuels
@fmorningstar.bsky.social
PhD chemist turned science writer
C&EN Physical Sciences Reporter
Signal at fsamuels.01
Views are mine alone
C&EN Physical Sciences Reporter
Signal at fsamuels.01
Views are mine alone
Reposted by Fionna Samuels
Reflections on COP30 now that it's over. (Or is it??) First, idk if this was Lula's goal, but the physical chaos of the venue—fire, deluge, diesel fumes—sure seemed like a metaphor for climate change to me.
cen.acs.org/environment/...
cen.acs.org/environment/...
COP30 final agreement omits fossil fuels
Countries also left deforestation on the sidelines but agreed to more funding for climate adaptation efforts by low-income countries
cen.acs.org
November 25, 2025 at 6:45 PM
Reflections on COP30 now that it's over. (Or is it??) First, idk if this was Lula's goal, but the physical chaos of the venue—fire, deluge, diesel fumes—sure seemed like a metaphor for climate change to me.
cen.acs.org/environment/...
cen.acs.org/environment/...
Reposted by Fionna Samuels
I wrote about new research substantiating the sugar secrets of seal milk--and challenging the assumption that human milk is uniquely complex!
(Did I pitch this just to get a cute baby seal on the @cenmag.bsky.social homepage? mayyyybe...)
cen.acs.org/biological-c...
(Did I pitch this just to get a cute baby seal on the @cenmag.bsky.social homepage? mayyyybe...)
cen.acs.org/biological-c...
Wild seal milk rivals human milk in sugar complexity
Researchers characterized hundreds of unique oligosaccharides in seal milk, shedding light on the biochemical lives of other mammals
cen.acs.org
November 25, 2025 at 7:21 PM
I wrote about new research substantiating the sugar secrets of seal milk--and challenging the assumption that human milk is uniquely complex!
(Did I pitch this just to get a cute baby seal on the @cenmag.bsky.social homepage? mayyyybe...)
cen.acs.org/biological-c...
(Did I pitch this just to get a cute baby seal on the @cenmag.bsky.social homepage? mayyyybe...)
cen.acs.org/biological-c...
Reposted by Fionna Samuels
Our first Full Octet matchup of the ChemPics Bracket Challenge sees the colorful photocatalysis liquids of @roundflask.bsky.social facing off against Alyssa Redge's accidental ice cube. Vote for your favorite and check out the full set of matchups here: cen.acs.org/education/sc...
#CENChemPics
#CENChemPics
November 24, 2025 at 9:20 PM
Our first Full Octet matchup of the ChemPics Bracket Challenge sees the colorful photocatalysis liquids of @roundflask.bsky.social facing off against Alyssa Redge's accidental ice cube. Vote for your favorite and check out the full set of matchups here: cen.acs.org/education/sc...
#CENChemPics
#CENChemPics
Reposted by Fionna Samuels
The chemical industry is a huge source of GHG emissions. Decarbonizing the industry will be hard, but as a UNFCCC technology expert said here, there's no way we can avoid it. COP30 reflected that, with what seemed to be more spotlight on chemicals than past summits. cen.acs.org/environment/...
At COP30, chemical companies push biobased climate solutions
But environmentalists are raising concerns about the ecosystem, food security, and other impacts from the fossil fuel alternative
cen.acs.org
November 21, 2025 at 6:47 PM
The chemical industry is a huge source of GHG emissions. Decarbonizing the industry will be hard, but as a UNFCCC technology expert said here, there's no way we can avoid it. COP30 reflected that, with what seemed to be more spotlight on chemicals than past summits. cen.acs.org/environment/...
Reposted by Fionna Samuels
Monet, Munch, and Pissarro all used emerald green paint made from copper acetoarsenite pigment. Chemists have discovered that this pigment breaks down via two distinct chemical pathways. My latest for @cenmag.bsky.social
cen.acs.org/analytical-c...
cen.acs.org/analytical-c...
How to prevent emerald-green oil paint from breaking down
Chemists decipher dual degradation pathways for a once popular pigment
cen.acs.org
November 21, 2025 at 2:19 PM
Monet, Munch, and Pissarro all used emerald green paint made from copper acetoarsenite pigment. Chemists have discovered that this pigment breaks down via two distinct chemical pathways. My latest for @cenmag.bsky.social
cen.acs.org/analytical-c...
cen.acs.org/analytical-c...
Reposted by Fionna Samuels
It's that time again: C&EN's molecule of the year poll is now open! Vote for your favorite molecule of 2025: cen.acs.org/synthesis/Mo...
#chemsky 🧪
#chemsky 🧪
November 20, 2025 at 1:05 PM
It's that time again: C&EN's molecule of the year poll is now open! Vote for your favorite molecule of 2025: cen.acs.org/synthesis/Mo...
#chemsky 🧪
#chemsky 🧪
NASA just released its images of comet 3I/ATLAS and did you know that a satellite orbiting Mars (MAVEN) can distinguish the hydrogen in the planet’s atmosphere, hydrogen flowing through the solar system, and hydrogen emitted by a visiting interstellar comet based on speed?!
That’s SO COOL
That’s SO COOL
November 19, 2025 at 9:28 PM
NASA just released its images of comet 3I/ATLAS and did you know that a satellite orbiting Mars (MAVEN) can distinguish the hydrogen in the planet’s atmosphere, hydrogen flowing through the solar system, and hydrogen emitted by a visiting interstellar comet based on speed?!
That’s SO COOL
That’s SO COOL
Reposted by Fionna Samuels
NASA's pix of the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS are now up science.nasa.gov/solar-system...
This is the HiRISE/MRO image ⬇️
This is the HiRISE/MRO image ⬇️
November 19, 2025 at 8:27 PM
NASA's pix of the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS are now up science.nasa.gov/solar-system...
This is the HiRISE/MRO image ⬇️
This is the HiRISE/MRO image ⬇️
Reposted by Fionna Samuels
Hey #chemsky - it's time to vote for your favorite molecule in @cenmag.bsky.social's Molecule of the Year contest (curated by the amazing @bribarbu.bsky.social).
Some strong candidates in here. I'm excited to see which molecule will win.
cen.acs.org/synthesis/Mo...
Some strong candidates in here. I'm excited to see which molecule will win.
cen.acs.org/synthesis/Mo...
Meet the molecules of the year 2025
C&EN editors’ annual round-up of spectacular molecules we’ve covered in the past year
cen.acs.org
November 19, 2025 at 7:16 PM
Hey #chemsky - it's time to vote for your favorite molecule in @cenmag.bsky.social's Molecule of the Year contest (curated by the amazing @bribarbu.bsky.social).
Some strong candidates in here. I'm excited to see which molecule will win.
cen.acs.org/synthesis/Mo...
Some strong candidates in here. I'm excited to see which molecule will win.
cen.acs.org/synthesis/Mo...
Reposted by Fionna Samuels
Come hangout with me this Thursday at Greenlight Bookstore in Brooklyn to talk about gay animals, huge trees, what Greek literature tells us about climate change and being pissed off about stuff!!
RSVP link below 😇 get there early for a seat 😘
RSVP link below 😇 get there early for a seat 😘
Get a sneak peek at some of @sciam.bsky.social favorite books of the year on November 20th 7:30pm ET at @greenlightpod.bsky.social 📚
🆓 🎟️ www.eventbrite.com/e/the-scient...
🆓 🎟️ www.eventbrite.com/e/the-scient...
The Scientific American 2025 Nonfiction Panel
Scientific American partners with Greenlight to highlight some of the year's best nonfiction!
www.eventbrite.com
November 19, 2025 at 5:35 PM
Come hangout with me this Thursday at Greenlight Bookstore in Brooklyn to talk about gay animals, huge trees, what Greek literature tells us about climate change and being pissed off about stuff!!
RSVP link below 😇 get there early for a seat 😘
RSVP link below 😇 get there early for a seat 😘
Reposted by Fionna Samuels
Today on Volts: for years, I've wanted to do a podcast on indoor air quality, and I finally found the perfect guest! Dr. Lagoudas & I discuss indoor air pollutants, the policies and technologies that can control them, and the growing need to frame indoor air quality as a basic human right.
What's the deal with indoor air quality?
From CO2 monitors to better building codes, Dr. Georgia Lagoudas outlines how to clean up the spaces where we spend 90% of our lives.
www.volts.wtf
November 19, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Today on Volts: for years, I've wanted to do a podcast on indoor air quality, and I finally found the perfect guest! Dr. Lagoudas & I discuss indoor air pollutants, the policies and technologies that can control them, and the growing need to frame indoor air quality as a basic human right.
Reposted by Fionna Samuels
Reposted by Fionna Samuels
It's that time again: @cenmag.bsky.social 's molecule of the year poll is now OPEN! Check out the contenders, lovingly curated by yours truly from past C&EN stories, and vote for your favorite by Dec. 11
#chemsky #scisky #moty2025
cen.acs.org/synthesis/Mo...
#chemsky #scisky #moty2025
cen.acs.org/synthesis/Mo...
Meet the molecules of the year 2025
C&EN editors’ annual round-up of spectacular molecules we’ve covered in the past year
cen.acs.org
November 19, 2025 at 4:28 PM
It's that time again: @cenmag.bsky.social 's molecule of the year poll is now OPEN! Check out the contenders, lovingly curated by yours truly from past C&EN stories, and vote for your favorite by Dec. 11
#chemsky #scisky #moty2025
cen.acs.org/synthesis/Mo...
#chemsky #scisky #moty2025
cen.acs.org/synthesis/Mo...
Reposted by Fionna Samuels
Personal opinion that I am proud to have managed to get through as the lede of this story: differentiating between diastereomers is better left to chemists than Congress.
cen.acs.org/biological-c...
cen.acs.org/biological-c...
Why synthetic cannabinoids appear in the US funding bill
The law that ended the federal government shutdown also closes a loophole in cannabis regulation
cen.acs.org
November 18, 2025 at 5:45 PM
Personal opinion that I am proud to have managed to get through as the lede of this story: differentiating between diastereomers is better left to chemists than Congress.
cen.acs.org/biological-c...
cen.acs.org/biological-c...
Reposted by Fionna Samuels
We're getting to the end of 2025, so why not: We made a bracket. VOTE on our best science photos. These scientists ... man, are they doin' some wild stuff! #CENChempics @cenmag.bsky.social 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
November 18, 2025 at 3:28 PM
We're getting to the end of 2025, so why not: We made a bracket. VOTE on our best science photos. These scientists ... man, are they doin' some wild stuff! #CENChempics @cenmag.bsky.social cen.acs.org/education/sc...
Be sure to vote for your favorite chemistry photos of the year! There are some quite dazzling ones in the bunch
We're getting to the end of 2025, so why not: We made a bracket. VOTE on our best science photos. These scientists ... man, are they doin' some wild stuff! #CENChempics @cenmag.bsky.social 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
November 18, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Be sure to vote for your favorite chemistry photos of the year! There are some quite dazzling ones in the bunch
Reposted by Fionna Samuels
A botulism outbreak in US infants exposed to a particular brand of formula is highlighting the importance of food safety surveillance—and actions by the government that experts say are eroding the nation’s readiness to handle foodborne illness outbreaks. cen.acs.org/food/infant-... #chemsky 🧪
Formula-linked infant botulism outbreak prompts food safety questions
While no deaths have been reported, experts say federal policies are hindering the nation’s ability to respond to food-related illnesses
cen.acs.org
November 16, 2025 at 9:00 PM
A botulism outbreak in US infants exposed to a particular brand of formula is highlighting the importance of food safety surveillance—and actions by the government that experts say are eroding the nation’s readiness to handle foodborne illness outbreaks. cen.acs.org/food/infant-... #chemsky 🧪
Reposted by Fionna Samuels
Quanta contributing writer @maxlevy.bsky.social has received a Kavli Gold Award from @aaas.org and @kavlifoundation.org for “The Hidden World of Electrostatic Ecology,” a detailed account of how small organisms use static electricity to their advantage.
www.quantamagazine.org/quantanews/q...
www.quantamagazine.org/quantanews/q...
Quanta Contributor Max G. Levy Wins AAAS Kavli Gold Award for Science Journalism | Quanta Magazine
Judges from the American Association for the Advancement of Science and The Kavli Foundation recognized Quanta Magazine contributing writer Max G. Levy with a Gold Award in the Magazine category for “...
www.quantamagazine.org
November 13, 2025 at 3:28 PM
Quanta contributing writer @maxlevy.bsky.social has received a Kavli Gold Award from @aaas.org and @kavlifoundation.org for “The Hidden World of Electrostatic Ecology,” a detailed account of how small organisms use static electricity to their advantage.
www.quantamagazine.org/quantanews/q...
www.quantamagazine.org/quantanews/q...
Reposted by Fionna Samuels
There’s a lot of historically and culturally significant stuff captured on audio (and video) tape. But tapes are mass-market items that weren’t made with long-term archiving in mind.
My latest for @cenmag.bsky.social explores the chemistry involved in preserving them:
cen.acs.org/analytical-c...
My latest for @cenmag.bsky.social explores the chemistry involved in preserving them:
cen.acs.org/analytical-c...
How preservation scientists are using chemistry to save sounds of the past
Preservation scientists are using polymer chemistry to help prevent old audio and video tapes from degrading beyond recognition
cen.acs.org
November 13, 2025 at 3:47 PM
There’s a lot of historically and culturally significant stuff captured on audio (and video) tape. But tapes are mass-market items that weren’t made with long-term archiving in mind.
My latest for @cenmag.bsky.social explores the chemistry involved in preserving them:
cen.acs.org/analytical-c...
My latest for @cenmag.bsky.social explores the chemistry involved in preserving them:
cen.acs.org/analytical-c...
Reposted by Fionna Samuels
As the space weather is likely active for awhile, remember
1) flares do not cause aurora
2) even when a coronal mass ejection (CME) hits the magnetosphere, doesn't mean there will be a geomagnetic storm.
3) if there is a geomagnetic storm that doesn't mean places like MD will see the Aurora.
1) flares do not cause aurora
2) even when a coronal mass ejection (CME) hits the magnetosphere, doesn't mean there will be a geomagnetic storm.
3) if there is a geomagnetic storm that doesn't mean places like MD will see the Aurora.
November 12, 2025 at 3:39 PM
As the space weather is likely active for awhile, remember
1) flares do not cause aurora
2) even when a coronal mass ejection (CME) hits the magnetosphere, doesn't mean there will be a geomagnetic storm.
3) if there is a geomagnetic storm that doesn't mean places like MD will see the Aurora.
1) flares do not cause aurora
2) even when a coronal mass ejection (CME) hits the magnetosphere, doesn't mean there will be a geomagnetic storm.
3) if there is a geomagnetic storm that doesn't mean places like MD will see the Aurora.
Reposted by Fionna Samuels
You thought the pictures from last night were incredible? Look at this!
We have upgraded our geomagnetic forecast today (12 November 2025) to the highest intensity level amid an ongoing solar storm.
Current predictions suggest that the activity will result in potentially the largest solar storm to hit our planet in over two decades.
Current predictions suggest that the activity will result in potentially the largest solar storm to hit our planet in over two decades.
November 12, 2025 at 8:34 PM
You thought the pictures from last night were incredible? Look at this!
Did you see the #aurora last night? Your photos can help scientists make their space weather models more accurate! ☀️🌌
Remember, to help out scientists studying the Aurora by submitting your photos to Aurorasaurus!
Aurorasaurus.org
Photos don't have to be good! Even just knowing where and when the Aurora was seen is helpful!
Aurorasaurus.org
Photos don't have to be good! Even just knowing where and when the Aurora was seen is helpful!
November 12, 2025 at 1:43 PM
Did you see the #aurora last night? Your photos can help scientists make their space weather models more accurate! ☀️🌌
We only saw a light red blush from our neighborhood before it got cloudy last night, but friends in Colorado sent me amazing photos of red and green pillars. There’s another CME on the way, and depending on when it arrives, we might see the #aurora again tonight
It’s pretty exciting that we might see big auroral displays in Maryland tomorrow night! Last fall, I couldn’t believe how purple the sky got… anyway, if you’re interested in how CMEs and solar flares form, check out the story I wrote last month for C&EN! 🌌☀️
cen.acs.org/physical-che...
cen.acs.org/physical-che...
What causes space weather and how does it affect Earth?
The aurora borealis is a spectacle of space weather, but solar flares and coronal mass ejections have far more Earthly impacts
cen.acs.org
November 12, 2025 at 1:17 PM
We only saw a light red blush from our neighborhood before it got cloudy last night, but friends in Colorado sent me amazing photos of red and green pillars. There’s another CME on the way, and depending on when it arrives, we might see the #aurora again tonight
Let’s gooooo!!
UPDATE: A CHANCE to see NORTHERN LIGHTS in DC area TONIGHT (Tues into Wed).
A strong geomagnetic storm is hitting Earth NOW (8p Tuesday) w/ aurora erupting to our north. It could get stronger & reach severe levels into Wed. Clouds are an impediment though. Read more: www.facebook.com/capitalweath...
A strong geomagnetic storm is hitting Earth NOW (8p Tuesday) w/ aurora erupting to our north. It could get stronger & reach severe levels into Wed. Clouds are an impediment though. Read more: www.facebook.com/capitalweath...
November 12, 2025 at 1:31 AM
Let’s gooooo!!
Reposted by Fionna Samuels
NOAA cut funding to the Alaska Earthquake Center, directed by my friend Mike West. As a result, seismic monitoring by nine stations in Alaska tracking tsunami-causing earthquakes will go offline by the end of the month. This endangers people in Alaska, Hawaiʻi, and other parts of the Pacific.
This lab is key for tracking deadly waves. Its sensors are about to go offline.
After NOAA cut funding to the lab that’s been monitoring seismic activity for more than 25 years, nine stations tracking tsunami-causing earthquakes for the agency will go offline by the end of the mo...
www.washingtonpost.com
November 11, 2025 at 7:24 PM
NOAA cut funding to the Alaska Earthquake Center, directed by my friend Mike West. As a result, seismic monitoring by nine stations in Alaska tracking tsunami-causing earthquakes will go offline by the end of the month. This endangers people in Alaska, Hawaiʻi, and other parts of the Pacific.