Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Katharine Sanderson @kms163.bsky.social · 5h

cute story: for this 2007 piece we needed a photo of Omar Yaghi, but he was visiting family in Jordan. So he gatecrashed his little step brother's school science lab and asked his nephew to take a picture for us!

Katharine Sanderson @kms163.bsky.social · 5h

And I also wrote about MOFs for Nature back in 2007! www.nature.com/articles/448...

Space invaders - Nature

MOFs, or metal–organic frameworks, are sponge-like crystalline compounds held together by strong chemical bonds — carbon–carbon, carbon–oxygen, or metal–oxygen. Their unique structure results in solids that are rigid and strong, but at the same time porous, flexible and incredibly light. The 'killer app' for MOFs could well be in making the hydrogen economy a reality by providing the solution to the problem of hydrogen storage.

www.nature.com

2

Reposted by Katharine Sanderson

Nature @nature.com · 5h

These intriguing materials - the world's most porous sponges - won today's Nobel Prize in Chemistry

go.nature.com/3VVjXug

World’s most porous sponges: intricate carbon-trapping powders hit the market

Metal-organic frameworks were the next big thing in chemistry when they were invented more than three decades ago. Now, these intriguing materials are becoming commercial tools for capturing carbon dioxide and harvesting water from the air.

go.nature.com

13 35

Katharine Sanderson @kms163.bsky.social · 5h

Yes definitely

1

Katharine Sanderson @kms163.bsky.social · 5h

of course not forgetting the perennial problem with these huge prizes.... www.nature.com/articles/d41...

Researchers voice dismay at all-male science Nobels

All seven winners of this year’s science prizes were men. Some say this shows a disappointing lack of progress towards diversifying the awards.

www.nature.com

1

Katharine Sanderson @kms163.bsky.social · 5h

And I also wrote about MOFs for Nature back in 2007! www.nature.com/articles/448...

Space invaders - Nature

MOFs, or metal–organic frameworks, are sponge-like crystalline compounds held together by strong chemical bonds — carbon–carbon, carbon–oxygen, or metal–oxygen. Their unique structure results in solids that are rigid and strong, but at the same time porous, flexible and incredibly light. The 'killer app' for MOFs could well be in making the hydrogen economy a reality by providing the solution to the problem of hydrogen storage.

www.nature.com

1 3

Katharine Sanderson @kms163.bsky.social · 5h

the 2025 #Nobel prize in Chemistry for MOFs! Delighted to have dug into the potential of these amazing materials earlier this year www.nature.com/articles/d41...

World’s most porous sponges: intricate carbon-trapping powders hit the market

Metal-organic frameworks were the next big thing in chemistry when they were invented more than three decades ago. Now, these intriguing materials are becoming commercial tools for capturing carbon dioxide and harvesting water from the air.

www.nature.com

8 11

Katharine Sanderson @kms163.bsky.social · 5h

So excited for this Nobel! Fabulous. And do read my feature unpicking what these materials are being used for.

Richard Van Noorden @richvn.bsky.social · 5h

A Chemistry Nobel for the invention of MOFs! Here’s a great article on what these materials are and why they’re now being used to eg harvest water and suck up carbon dioxide. Congrats to Kitagawa, Robson and Yaghi! #ChemNobel
By @kms163.bsky.social | @nature.com
www.nature.com/articles/d41...

1 2

Katharine Sanderson @kms163.bsky.social · 8d

Had a break from this site for a bit. I'm back and raring to go! To prove it here is my crew racing at the weekend

4

Reposted by Katharine Sanderson

Richard Van Noorden @richvn.bsky.social · Jul 9

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) were the next big thing in chemistry when invented three decades ago.

Finally, these intricate sponge-like powders are hitting the market, to capture carbon dioxide, harvest water, and more.

by @kms163.bsky.social | @nature.com
www.nature.com/articles/d41...

8 49

Reposted by Katharine Sanderson

Ed Hawkins @edhawkins.org · Jun 19

Are you a journalist writing about a current heatwave?

The images you choose are critical to the story.

The @climateoutreach.bsky.social team have shown some ideas here which help stress the risks rather than the typical ice creams: www.climatevisuals.org/how-do-you-p...

How do you photograph heat? - Climate Outreach

www.climatevisuals.org

6 100 230

Katharine Sanderson @kms163.bsky.social · Jun 17

short and sweet by me but what amazing things caterpillars are! www.nature.com/articles/d41...

Hungry caterpillars can brew exotic molecules in their guts

Researchers fed moth larvae the chemical building blocks, and the insects’ enzymes did the rest.

www.nature.com

3

Katharine Sanderson @kms163.bsky.social · Jun 12

Beach treasure

1

Katharine Sanderson @kms163.bsky.social · May 23

Actually that is an exaggeration. I feel it is improving after tweaking some things so maybe

Katharine Sanderson @kms163.bsky.social · May 23

I feel like I want to do the research. But, well, my brain doesn't work!

1

Katharine Sanderson @kms163.bsky.social · May 23

Freelancers! Is there data around productivity for freelancers around menopause? I have had awful brain fog these past several months and got to thinking that at any one time swathes of self employed women must be seeing their earnings plummet as a result of the 🧠🌫 #menopause #freelance #juggle

2 1 2

Katharine Sanderson @kms163.bsky.social · May 19

it was crazy that day!

Tom Larkin @tomlarkin.bsky.social · May 6

I’ve been telling people how rough our St Agnes race on Saturday was. Now I have video evidence. Apparently one of the Looe crews ended up with a fish on board! You can catch a glimpse of us in Troy - red boat with a white flash at the front. #GigRowing #Scillies #WPGC25

1 4

Katharine Sanderson @kms163.bsky.social · May 19

true story! Can confirm

1

Katharine Sanderson @kms163.bsky.social · May 19

thanks Tom! Not my photo, one of Beardy's from Smile and Turn, but captures it amazingly. What a weekend! 7 races all told! Loved it

Katharine Sanderson @kms163.bsky.social · May 19

this photo tells a story! The 2025 World Pilot Gig Championships. We have raced our guts out to try and get 10th place. 11th and we were out of the competition. 10th and we made the final. After a nail-biting hour we were declared 10th. So proud of this bunch of warriors. Credit: Smile and Turn

1 4

Katharine Sanderson @kms163.bsky.social · May 19

It was an honour to be a judge for this year's #ABSWawards. What an epic lineup of the brightest and best in science journalism. Congrats to all finalists!

ABSW @absw.bsky.social · May 19

#ABSWawards

👏 Meet the finalists!!! 🎉🎉

"For those that didn't make it as a finalist, you are all commended for your contribution to science and technology journalism in 2024, and I hope you continue to produce such vital work in 2025."
Martin Ince, Chair of the Judging Panel

zurl.co/969NN

Meet the Finalists 2025 | Association of British Science Writers

Find out who has made it to the finals in this year's ABSW Awards

zurl.co