Last update:

Break the mold: Who defines the 'real' chemist?

The perception of a chemist varies. Some might imagine the "mad scientist" from old cartoons—a white-haired older man working with beakers in his lab—but as that cliche fades, the reality of what constitutes a chemist's job ...

Conclave: The chemistry behind the black and white smoke

This week, 133 cardinals have gathered in the Vatican to elect a new leader of the Catholic church. During their deliberations, the only indications of their progress are the regular plumes of smoke wafting from a freshly ...

Corpse flower's rare bloom aids forensic chemistry research

A corpse flower, aptly named Putricia, recently bloomed at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney for the first time in 15 years. For forensic scientist Bridget Thurn, it was a unique opportunity to investigate the intersection ...

More news

Other
Testing used cars for drug traces to investigate third-hand contamination risk from methamphetamine use
Other
Video: Preventing Christmas tree fires, with science
Other
Video: The strange chemistry of Mexican Coke
Other
What's the difference between liquid and powder laundry detergent? It's not just the obvious
Materials Science
Pushing the boundaries of traditional ceramic techniques by merging art and science
Other
Finally, a video that really explains how color works
Analytical Chemistry
How do heat protectants for hair work? A chemistry expert explains
Other
Nobel chemistry winner sees engineered proteins solving tough problems
Other
Nobel Prize in chemistry honors 3 scientists who used AI to design proteins—life's building blocks
Other
What are proteins again? Nobel-winning chemistry explained
Other
Demis Hassabis, from chess prodigy to Nobel-winning AI pioneer
Other
AI-aided research, new materials eyed for Nobel Chemistry Prize
Other
Nobel winners hope protein work will spur 'incredible' breakthroughs
Other
Video: Why Canadian trash costs $30,000 per gram
Analytical Chemistry
What's the difference between MSG and table salt? A chemist explains
Other
Grenfell victims were 'overcome by toxic gases' after construction loophole
Analytical Chemistry
Evidence stacks up for poisonous books containing toxic dyes
Biochemistry
Researchers develop an instant version of trendy, golden turmeric milk
Other
Video: Don't drink raw milk. But what about raw milk cheese?
Other
Improving cat food flavors with the help of feline taste-testers

Other news

Molecular & Computational biology
A cooperative approach to reproductive success
Plants & Animals
How simple amber lights could make nights safer for insects
Molecular & Computational biology
Newly unearthed mechanism that helps plants 'feel full' could help crops use fertilizer more efficiently
Astronomy
Webb reveals warped structure in nearby TW Hydrae's protoplanetary disk
Environment
Climate change could dramatically reduce water flowing from the West's headwaters
Archaeology
Laid to rest with care: Ancient infants, perhaps twins, found in 1,200-year-old latrine
Nanophysics
New microscopy method achieves angstrom-scale localization precision with one laser
Evolution
Supergene solves evolutionary puzzle of mirror-image flowers
Astronomy
DESI side project reveals the spectra of disintegrated exoplanets
Biochemistry
Why some nitrogen-processing enzymes are more efficient than others
Education
AI use mirrors student schedules in study of 77,000 online learners
Nanomaterials
Smart sensor identifies present molecules by remembering the past
Molecular & Computational biology
Pine bark and sponge compounds could counter drug-resistant malaria and babesiosis
Condensed Matter
Unusual metal oxide shows signs of magnetism under lattice strain in ultrathin layers
Archaeology
Brittany burial mounds may hide human-shaped stones as Coëby cemetery mystery deepens
Archaeology
Moonlight-like fur and feathers may explain Egyptian god Thoth's two animal forms
Plants & Animals
AI opens new era in cognitive studies of wild primates
Earth Sciences
Pacific cloud brightening could weaken El Nino, but models reveal risks for Europe and Asia
Quantum Physics
Quantum computer completes verified task beyond practical reach of classical simulations
Ecology
Insights into bee biology could ease US rules for organic honey

Video: Why Canadian trash costs $30,000 per gram

How do you turn nuclear waste into a $30,000-per-gram commodity? Tritium, once discarded as a by-product of Canadian nuclear reactors, is now one of the most expensive materials on Earth. This rare isotope of hydrogen powers ...

Evidence stacks up for poisonous books containing toxic dyes

If you come across brightly colored, cloth-bound books from the Victorian era, you might want to handle them gently, or even steer clear altogether. Some of their attractive hues come from dyes that could pose a health risk ...