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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
Can atmospheric methane removal limit peak warming?
Archaeology
Excavations at Prado Vargas now span 140 square meters of a Neanderthal layer
Plasma Physics
Dark plasma regions reveal overlooked source of reactive atomic oxygen
Earth Sciences
Ancient charcoal reveals evidence of wildfires near the South Pole
Condensed Matter
Tiny polymer particles keep water jets stable for longer
Superconductivity
Three quantum phases in chromium-based material hint at a spin-triplet superconductor
Astronomy
Do black holes have hidden hair? Scientists find a new way to check
Planetary Sciences
New model measures economic risks solar storms pose to US power grid
Social Sciences
How 'hyperselection' is making modern life efficient, pleasant—and boring
Astronomy
Rare pulsar unleashes 114 giant pulses in a single hour
Nanophysics
Two-color X-ray pulses capture the same nanoparticle at two moments in time
Evolution
Reconstructed ancient protein maps how bacterial enzymes evolved distinct functions
Environment
What happens when you flush? Study reveals how toilet aerosols reach the breathing zone
Earth Sciences
Isle of Jura research casts new light on how rivers carve through landscapes
Plants & Animals
Decades-old museum specimens reveal 10 extraordinary new worms
Plants & Animals
How bird movements are helping researchers track a global virus
Earth Sciences
Six unusual structures identified at Earth's core-mantle boundary with the help of deep learning
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

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 ...