Catalyst Volume 20 Issue 3

This issue of Catalyst includes the following articles:

Molecules From the Past

This article shows how analysing molecular residues in ancient objects helps to reveal how people and animals once lived.

When the Drugs Don't Work

The article investigates why there are many anti-bacterial drugs but few antivirals.

How Science Works in Africa

The work of a Kenyan scientist searching for better treatments for malaria is the main focus of this article.

Small Wonders: the Invention of Microscopy

The article describes the work of early microscopists such as Leeuwenhoek, Hooke and Swammerdam.

Solar Cells

Devising better, more energy-efficient solar cells is the main subject of this article.

LEDs: Lighting Up a Brighter Future

Like food, water, clothing and shelter, light is essential to people's lives. This article describes the latest, energy-efficient lighting technologies.

Encounters with Aliens - Invasive Species

This article looks at one of the consequences of international trade and travel that is an increase in the movement of so called alien species around the world. Invasive alien species, alongside climate change and habitat destruction, are considered to be one of the main drivers of biodiversity loss. This article asks: what are alien species and what threats do they pose?

Catalyst is a science magazine for students aged 14-19 years. Annual subscriptions to print copies of the magazine can be purchased from Mindsets.