THIS WEEK IN CHEMISTRY 19TH OCTOBER - 25TH OCTOBER 2014 TARANTULA TOXIN HELPS VISUALISE NEURON ACTIVITY A probe combining a tarantula toxin with a fluorescent compound allows the electrical activity within neurons and other cells to be directly observed. These observations could allow identification of ion channels in the body as targets for drugs. FIRST MOLECULE WITH AN ELEMENT IN +9 OXIDATION STATE Researchers in China successfully formed the IrO4+ molecule, containing Iridium in the +9 oxidation state. No element has previously been found with an oxidation state higher than +8. The team are now working on isolating solid salts of IrO4+. COMET HAS FAINT AROMA OF CAT URINE & ROTTEN EGGS Rosetta data on 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko identifies a range of molecules, including ammonia and hydrogen sulfide. Their concentrations are currently too low for humans to detect, but more complex molecules should be found as the comet heats up. NEW METHOD FOR MONITORING BACTERIAL INFECTION A chemical tracer based on the sweetener sorbitol allows realtime imaging of dangerous bacterial infections. It allows quick and reliable detection, monitoring of response to antibiotics, and allows distinction between bacterial and sterile inflammation in the body. IMPROVED VISUAL TEST FOR CYANIDE IN CASSAVA Cassava is a major crop in the tropics, but contains compounds that can break down to produce cyanide. A new test uses a cobaltcontaining compound that changes colour from orange to violet in the presence of cyanide - quicker & easier than existing methods. CREATED BY COMPOUND INTEREST #TWIChem Twitter: @compoundchem | Facebook: www.facebook.com/compoundchem References & links to papers: http://goo.gl/6UqnNz C