The chemical breakdown & Chemistry in its element

From medicine to the military, this compound makes lasers for a range of applications. Brian Clegg discovers neodymium chloride

Louise Crane documents the rise and fall of gabapentin – from 'wonder drug' to illicit substance in just 50 years

The story of one of the most ubiquitous artificial compounds

Katrina Kramer introduces the Nobel prize-winning ligand that will give you just the hand you need: BINAP or 2,2'-bis(diphenylphosphino)-1,1'-binaphthyl

A substitute for one of the bases in DNA that can cause the death of cancer cells

Brian Clegg introduces a family of molecules that first gave fluffy softness to freshly washed clothes

Ben Valsler finds out why writing Alice's adventures in Wonderland was such a headache for Lewis Carroll

Find out about the Black Prince's ruby, which is no ruby at all

This powerful poison is said to have the power to transform werewolves and heal snake bites. Brian Clegg unpicks fiction from fact

Is there really a simple, fruity route to weight loss?