Andy Extance

Bag of chemicals posing as a science journalist. @ABSW board member; director at @exempirical, widower. Not here anymore - check me on Bluesky or LinkedIn.

[Andy Extance @andyextance]

After my partner died of cancer, the fact I write about new treatments for it in my work has been complicated. Inspired by this, I have launched an Instagram account called The Widowers Guide to the Science of Cancer - you can see it here: https://t.co/Rrjjv6RDwT

[ABSW @absw]

Story ideas don't land in your inbox. You find the best ones when you step away from your screen and start talking to people. And we are here to help you with that! @easternblot @OfficialUoM Book your spot now: https://t.co/TqsVi88Awl

[ABSW @absw]

Hosted by @IOPPublishing, with researchers from @BristolUni and guidance from @PhysicsWorld and ABSW.
The day ends with networking and Blood on the Clocktower with @andyextance! 🐺
🎟️ £15 members | £40 non-members
Book: https://t.co/4bFiTBTcO1

[Andy Extance @andyextance]

What do you think the science writing and journalism profession will look like in 2030 and beyond? Join
me, @wblau and many others to discuss this, and decide how we respond, in an innovative 'community assembly' format either in London or online in July https://t.co/qqh2zVMMsz

[Andy Extance @andyextance]

Published today by the BBC: the Young Science Writer Award 2025 winning essay. Record entries this year and a brilliant standard of science writing from pupils across the UK. Congratulations to winner Hasset Kifle (St Margaret Ward Catholic Academy, Stoke-on-Trent). Read:

[ABSW @absw]

The Young Science Writer Award is a competition for 14-16 year olds attending state-funded, non-selective UK schools. In 2025, we saw our highest number of entries to date with essays focused on a wide range of topics in STEM. Read Hasset's winning entry: https://t.co/PoEiWgZJ9z

[Andy Extance @andyextance]

If you want to know more about the science behind it, I worked with @climate_adam on this video he did about how greenhouse gases work a few years back: https://t.co/170fiWZdhx

[Andy Extance @andyextance]

Did you know that the gases in one tiny blue asthma inhaler can cause as much global heating as 30kg of CO2? You can read all about it in my latest @ChemistryWorld story at https://t.co/VFOnQn4NLB.

[Andy Extance @andyextance]

If you are not already awestruck about the fact that chemists can follow processes on the infinitesimally small femtosecond scale I hope you will be after watching this! Then if you’re interested read my @ChemistryWorld story at https://t.co/KI6kkxGxNa Thanks to @ListNanna et al!

[Andy Extance @andyextance]

t's part of a general trend towards falling emissions in China, which you can also read about at https://t.co/NKqlG0wLdD and https://t.co/4yqFIWkSiD

[Andy Extance @andyextance]

This amazing-looking solar farm uses an exciting new technology now being manufactured in China. You can read about it in my new Chemical and Engineering News story at https://t.co/hC5iVFiIcT

It's good to share some positive news for a change!

[ABSW @absw]

#training #OpinionWriting

📢LAST CALL!!
✍️ Join the ABSW Opinion Writing Masterclass, 3 Oct, 10:00-16:15, at The Dana Centre, London.
Essential craft, real feedback.
Registration closes at noon, Wed 24 September 🔗 https://t.co/Il741JPY6R

[Victoria Gill 💙💛 @Vic_Gill]

Our little team won an @absw award for our doc on Churchill, Manitoba.
Chuffed & proud - of our film & fab colleagues
Thank you @PolarBears & to the amazing people in Churchill who were so warm, generous & kind. (You can watch *Where the Polar Bears Wait* on @BBCiPlayer now)

[Andy Extance @andyextance]

@cardiacimager I sent you an email yesterday trying to reach you for an article I'm writing. Could you please let me know as soon as possible whether or not you can help? Thanks!

[ABSW @absw]

#ABSW #ConfictZone

Studies in Survival - Science and Conflict in Gaza and Beyond
📆 Thursday, February 27, 18:00-19:30 GMT
Chaired by @andyextance

🎤 Meet our speakers

🔗https://t.co/RAPXgXaW4m

[Andy Extance @andyextance]

Easy to make and versatile enough to go on everyday devices, perovskite solar cells are hampered by poor stability and lead toxicity. It should be possible to cheaply and cleanly recycle them, which enhances their chances of commercial success. By me: https://t.co/oj6roncYqo

[Andy Extance @andyextance]

I was today years old when I discovered pure calcium metal can be a bit yellowy. I have seen a photo that looks yellow and is apparently 99.999% pure but is copyrighted so I can't share it. Most online photos of calcium don't look yellow. Anyone know the scientific reason why?

[Andy Extance @andyextance]

As US President Donald Trump adds further confusion to the Middle East crisis, I'm chairing an online @absw on February 27th at 6pm UK time on how education and research drive change even in the most challenging environments. Register for free: https://t.co/w3GIEIt25X

[ABSW @absw]

🥳 Last week #ABSWmembers met for the annual after Christmas party at the @TheBetjemanArms 🎉 And it looks people enjoy it!
Tag people you have met there... Let's start with our board members! 😉
@obrientweet @andyextance @munkeatlooi @RogerHighfield @ben_deighton @jvchamary

[Andy Extance @andyextance]

@1989_mariab I would probably have told them that they just shouldn't have responded, and saved the energy consumed in the GPT query

[Andy Extance @andyextance]

Chemistry friends! Do you use AI in your current/recent role? 💻 If so, please tell me:
⚒️ What tools do you use?
🛠️ How do you use them?
🔨 Do you rely on them?
💡 Do you consider them transformational?
🤔 How do you gauge whether it's worth your time investigating a new tool?

[Andy Extance @andyextance]

@1989_mariab It seems rather trusting, to say the least