Crystallographers have come up with an explanation as to why so many popcorn kernels fail to pop. Find out more in the latest issue of X-factors, the XRD magazine, online now from science writer David Bradley and SpectroscopyNOW

Tracking molecular excitations is now possible using the novel technique of 2D electronic spectroscopy. The method now means scientists have a simple way to track light-induced changes and could sound a death knell for conventional spectroscopy. The method has a wide range of applications and has already revealed surprising results about the workings of photosynthesis. Read the full story and more in the spectroscopy webzine Spectral Lines from David Bradley and SpectroscopyNOW.com

Slimming down the electronics industry with molecular systems based on protein fragments rather than silicon chips is the aim of an Israeli research team. Their novel approach could lead to lighter, cheaper and completely flexible electronic devices within the next two to three years, they say. More on this and more physical science News from David Bradley Science Writer.

Dutch researchers have figured out why the activity of catalysts used to produce clean fuels gradually falls. Read David Bradley's report on the findings in Reactive Reports together with other chemistry articles

Technical advances are making the already popular sports of cycling and mountain biking even more fun. Major improvements in cycling technology, notably in suspension and braking, mean a safer and more comfortable ride, but it is in the field of materials science where the real impact is felt. Science Writer Michael Marshall takes us on a smoother than smooth ride through the latest material gains in cycling technology read on in the latest issue of Elemental Discoveries.

This Cassini-Huygens article ponders the abundance of methane on Titan. Titan's atmosphere is mostly nitrogen but there are also methane and many other organic compounds. On Earth, life refreshes the methane supply as it is a by-product of metabolism. This is not likely to be the source of methane on Titan but if, as on Earth, sunlight is continuously destroying methane, how is methane getting into Titan's atmosphere?

Lands, rivers and methane springs: latest images of Titan. Titan's atmosphere is mostly nitrogen but there is also methane and many other organic compounds.

Scientists at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston have shipped pieces of the Genesis polished aluminum collector to researchers at Washington University in St. Louis, marking the first distribution of a Genesis scientific sample from JSC since the science canister arrived there Oct. 4, 2004. Read all about it at NASA.

While much of the solar wind is hydrogen, it is hoped that Genesis captured samples of many elements in the periodic table. An analysis of these elements will help to determine the sun's composition in detail.

GoElemental! is an interactive open-air project in the city of Bath in the UK based around the periodic table of elements 6pm - 9pm, from the 17-19th December 2004. It is at St Michael's Square, opposite the Little Theatre Cinema, Bath, BA1 1SP, UK.

The work takes the format of a three-day interactive animation, to be projected onto a wall opposite the Little Cinema in St Michael's Square. Using their mobile phones, the audience will be able to text an element's name to a number provided at the show to find out where that element is used and what it does. On receiving the request, the projection will change and show a humorous or exciting animation of their chosen element.

GoElemental intends to whet people's curiosity about the scientific chemical elements, and introduce them to their everyday uses in an accessible and fun way. The idea behind the project is to spark a sense of wonder about the world around us.

GoElemental has been developed by Kerry Bradshaw, an MA student at Bath Spa University college, in collaboration with James Grierson from the Science department at Oxford Community school, and Peter Bradshaw, based in San Francisco, USA.

For more information s

Japanese chemists have used a natural approach to construct self-organizing spherical networks of organic molecules. Such supramolecular structures might be useful as catalysts, sensor molecules, or as molecular sieves. Read on in the latest issue of Spotlight, the physical sciences webzine produced by David Bradley and www.PSIgate.ac.uk