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

Plants & Animals
GPS collars reveal secrets of the power struggle between lions and hyenas in the wild
Earth Sciences
Plants' response to rising CO₂ could put the brakes on dryland expansion
General Physics
A photon that challenges Einstein: According to current physics, it should never have reached Earth
Paleontology & Fossils
One of the oldest known 3D animal fossils found in Norwegian sheep field
Archaeology
Prehistoric builders hauled 25-tonne stones at least 18 km to build iconic Devil's Arrows
Archaeology
Beyond the sea walls: Underwater archaeology reveals the hidden scale of ancient Mediterranean ports
Quantum Physics
A new game demonstrates quantum advantage with provable classical limits
Cell & Microbiology
Researchers rewire ribosomes to specialize in one protein
Archaeology
Did wildfires help spark the invention of pottery?
Astronomy
Extremely massive galaxy proto-supercluster smashes distance record
Cell & Microbiology
Untangling the meta-biomaterial puzzle one property at a time
Biochemistry
Tiny molecular rings open new ways for designing better medicines
Astronomy
JWST finds extreme star-forming galaxies masquerading as faint quasars
Earth Sciences
Sparse-data method estimates sea surface temperatures 40% more accurately than conventional approach
Optics & Photonics
Helium-3 lifts new quantum computing concept with faster tunneling rates
Astronomy
Hubble and Webb find that far-out solar system objects 'remember' the past
Earth Sciences
Cosmic radiation at flight altitudes rises when the sun is less active
Archaeology
Waterlogged seeds reveal melons' ancient journey
Biochemistry
New screening system flags food-packaging chemicals linked to serious health risks
Analytical Chemistry
A crystalline sponge reveals structures of large 'beyond rule of 5' molecules

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 ...