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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 ...

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Corpse flower's rare bloom aids forensic chemistry research
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Your fuzzy flannel pajamas could be incredibly flammable—here's what to know
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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
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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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Avian influenza threatens vulture populations worldwide
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Human and chimpanzee leaders share a taste for risk
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Greenhouse gases hit record highs, yet again
Plants & Animals
Scientists reveal the staggering number of bat deaths at wind turbines
Paleontology & Fossils
121-million-year-old fossils suggest Longipteryx had no tail feathers
Space Exploration
Perseverance offers clues to protect crews from ultrafine Mars dust
Optics & Photonics
New converter could bridge light wavelength gap in quantum communications
Plasma Physics
Radio waves drive a fusion plasma current that could help reactors run continuously
Materials Science
Technician cracks 1,600-year-old mystery to replicate color-changing effect of Roman glass masterpiece
Astrobiology
Earth may have formed much of its water as the planet grew
Bio & Medicine
Scientists reveal hidden world of living cells in human milk
Astronomy
Radio images reveal disturbances from Betelgeuse's mysterious companion that lurks within its shadows
Mathematics
The mathematics of growing a shell—recreating diverse mollusk shells with just three inputs
Biochemistry
Anyone Can Dock: Molecular docking platform brings protein-binding predictions to smartphones, tablets and computers
Environment
Greenhouse gas levels hit new record highs in 2025: UN
Astronomy
Webb links interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS to worlds beyond Neptune through similar ice signatures
Earth Sciences
Ancient fault suggests earthquake heating may amplify tsunami-triggering slip
Nanophysics
Mathematical puzzle from 1904 takes physical form in gold-studded helium droplets
Bio & Medicine
Nano-wrinkles and actuation break up infectious biofilms on implants
Education
Scientists produce less disruptive research as they age, but their breakthroughs are more likely to last

Nobel prize for three chemists who made molecules 'click'

Three scientists were jointly awarded this year's Nobel Prize in chemistry on Wednesday for developing a way of "snapping molecules together" that can be used to explore cells, map DNA and design drugs that can target diseases ...

Video: Why isn't weed killer working anymore?

Farmers used to worry about weeds. Then, herbicides solved that problem. At least for a while. In 1997, there were 432 new patents for herbicides; by 2009, there were only 65.

Large, tasty popcorn kernels with infrared cooking

No movie experience is complete without popcorn, whether plain, buttered, or coated with sweet or savory toppings. Microwaves and counter-top air poppers are common appliances for making this tasty snack at home, but now, ...

Banana peels make sugar cookies better for you

Banana peels aren't always destined for the trash or compost anymore. They're making their way onto people's plates, replacing pork in "pulled peel" sandwiches and getting fried up into "bacon." And now, researchers reporting ...