Here’s the weekly summary of both new chemistry research and studies that have been in the news. This week features news on how using a greener solvent could help tame fiery organolithium chemistry, how chemists have helped work out how sailors on John Franklin’s ill-fated arctic expedition died, and more. As always, links to further articles and original research papers are provided below.

Note: links to studies behind a journal paywall are indicated with (£). Studies without this symbol are open access, and can be accessed and read for free. Asterisked studies are free but require logging in to read.

Featured Stories

Graphene-spike silly putty can detect human pulse: [Article] [Study (£)]

Franklin expedition: Fingernails rule out lead poisoning: [Article] [Study (£)]

Chemoluminescent nanoparticles detect viruses in blood: [Article] [Study*]

Chemists help identify Egyptian Queen’s mummified legs: [Article] [Study]

Greener solvent tames fiery organolithium chemistry: [Article] [Study (£)]

Keep track of older ‘This Week in Chemistry’ posts on the category page, or via the #TWIChem hashtag on Twitter.

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