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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 ...

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Testing used cars for drug traces to investigate third-hand contamination risk from methamphetamine use
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Video: Preventing Christmas tree fires, with science
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Video: The strange chemistry of Mexican Coke
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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
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Finally, a video that really explains how color works
Analytical Chemistry
How do heat protectants for hair work? A chemistry expert explains
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Nobel chemistry winner sees engineered proteins solving tough problems
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Nobel Prize in chemistry honors 3 scientists who used AI to design proteins—life's building blocks
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What are proteins again? Nobel-winning chemistry explained
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Demis Hassabis, from chess prodigy to Nobel-winning AI pioneer
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AI-aided research, new materials eyed for Nobel Chemistry Prize
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Nobel winners hope protein work will spur 'incredible' breakthroughs
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Video: Why Canadian trash costs $30,000 per gram
Analytical Chemistry
What's the difference between MSG and table salt? A chemist explains
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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
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Video: Don't drink raw milk. But what about raw milk cheese?
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Improving cat food flavors with the help of feline taste-testers

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Earth Sciences
Six unusual structures identified at Earth's core-mantle boundary with the help of deep learning
Plants & Animals
How bird movements are helping researchers track a global virus
Nanomaterials
Extreme pressure turns blue pigment into record-long single-atom copper chains
Astronomy
'Quiet' pulsar suddenly reveals three glitches in 15 years of observations
Evolution
The extinct American 'cheetah' was not a cheetah after all
Astronomy
A black hole as light as 40 tons can exist inside a star if dark matter helps
Mathematics
Some disagreement makes groups more trustworthy, mathematical framework finds
Astronomy
FAST finds two mysterious hydrogen clouds with no visible stars
Earth Sciences
Lakes aren't just storing water—they're changing the carbon cycle
Biotechnology
Breaking through AlphaFold's limits to predict how proteins change shape
Veterinary medicine
Views from a physician and veterinarian: How to improve barriers to pet care when owners are hospitalized
Plants & Animals
Tree species diversity protects forests from climate extremes, study finds
Archaeology
Late Roman decrees uncover military system behind amphitheater animal spectacles
Earth Sciences
New method predicts where massive earthquakes will strike
Astronomy
Betelgeuse's atmosphere is becoming spotty and asymmetric—and a nearby companion could be shaping the pattern
Planetary Sciences
Particle shape and size predict asteroid strength, revealing Bennu's surface is 50 times weaker than ground coffee
Plants & Animals
Critically endangered pygmy raccoons observed making their own paper toys
Archaeology
AI helps reveal the immersive sensory experiences of ancient Etruscan tombs
Evolution
Not a cheetah: Ancient DNA reveals the surprising Arctic life of extinct North American cat
Archaeology
Iron Age Botswana site sourced copper across southern Africa—but tin from just one place

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 ...