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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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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
Analytical Chemistry
Retaining flavor while removing caffeine—a chemist explains the chemistry behind decaf coffee

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Evolution
Oldest example of preserved tube feet reveals clues about the lives of 452-million-year-old sea lilies
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ALMA spots a nine-member stellar family in the act of formation
Archaeology
Lavatory shaft reveals the cost of 17th‑century vanity in Germany
Astrobiology
How long can plants survive on Earth? New model suggests up to 2 billion more years
General Physics
Horizon edge states gain finite description in string theory calculation
Plants & Animals
How sperm whale vocal dialects evolve as they adopt new calls while still remembering the old
Plants & Animals
White barn owls may use moonlight to startle prey
Earth Sciences
Oldest known asteroid impact on Earth dated to 3 billion years
Cell & Microbiology
Physical pressure helps pathogenic P. aeruginosa survive antibiotic treatment
Evolution
Brain growth may explain why birds lay outsized eggs compared with dinosaurs
Social Sciences
People care more about being right than avoiding mistakes, study finds
Molecular & Computational biology
Four-decade mystery solved as PKCβ structure reveals new drug target
Paleontology & Fossils
Pterosaur wing tests suggest modern reconstructions miss major shape diversity
Cell & Microbiology
Chloroplast study reveals molecular lock that helps power life on Earth
Plants & Animals
Moose are native to Colorado, study shows
Plants & Animals
Why warmer seas may not wipe out female fish in some species
Analytical Chemistry
Self-driving chemistry lab discovers catalysts that can switch products on demand
Condensed Matter
Wave-packet interferometry captures elusive dark excitons in organic superconductor
Cell & Microbiology
New algorithm identifies disease-linked changes in cells without prior training
Astronomy
Hubble details early galaxy transforming neighborhood 1.4 billion years after Big Bang

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 ...