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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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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
Analytical Chemistry
Retaining flavor while removing caffeine—a chemist explains the chemistry behind decaf coffee
Other
Deep learning model overcomes the challenge of real-world measurements of isotope production target cooling systems
Analytical Chemistry
First chemist in history may have been a female perfumer—how the science of scents has changed since

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Plants & Animals
African swine fever: A novel model assesses transmission between domestic pigs and wild boar
Plants & Animals
How an internal plant 'thermostat' guides root growth in unpredictable temperatures
Biochemistry
Nickel catalyst enables precision mirror-image assembly for key drug scaffolds
Biotechnology
AI diffusion models tailor drug molecules to custom-fit protein targets, speeding drug development and evaluation
Ecology
Simple vineyard growing practice impacts soil microbiome deep below surface
Earth Sciences
Hidden ocean feedback loop could accelerate climate change
Nanomaterials
Carbon nanotube fiber sensors achieve record measurement error below 0.1%
Plants & Animals
Chimpanzee empire falls apart in rare instance of division and deadly violence
Cell & Microbiology
Liquid-like histone H1 'glues' nucleosomes, reshaping how DNA compacts
Evolution
Mammal ancestors laid eggs—and this 250-million-year-old fossil proves it
Analytical Chemistry
Hydroxyl radicals in UV-exposed water reveal surprising reaction pathway
Analytical Chemistry
Plant-inspired water membrane filters CO₂ with constant selectivity and adjustable permeance
Archaeology
No more giants, no more heavy handaxes: Why early humans downsized their stone tools
Molecular & Computational biology
A smarter way to build vaccines: Scientists harness AI to target emerging alphaviruses
Cell & Microbiology
Decoy molecules trick soil bacteria into attacking persistent pollutants without genetic engineering
Plants & Animals
Oxygen sensing helps explain why amphibians regenerate limbs but mammals cannot
Earth Sciences
Deadly heat thresholds have already being crossed in six recent heat waves, study shows
Ecology
Wildlife trade increases pathogen transmission: What 40 years of data say about spillover
Cell & Microbiology
Keeping up with the phages: How V. cholerae neighbors swap defenses against viruses
Mathematics
Mathematical signature spots when competition is fair, winner-take-all, or too soft

The persistent problem of 1,4-dioxane in water

Of the many chemicals that can pollute the world's water supplies, 1,4-dioxane is one of the most persistent. Listed as a likely carcinogen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 1,4-dioxane is largely unregulated ...

Cloth face masks that can be disinfected by sunlight

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people have become accustomed to wearing cotton face masks in public places. However, viruses and bacteria that stick to the mask could be transferred elsewhere when the wearer removes or ...

The chemistry behind self-driving cars

Self-driving, electric cars have been touted as the next big thing in transportation. While this technology has progressed in recent years, experts caution that automakers will need the chemical industry to help make it a ...

2 scientists win Nobel chemistry prize for gene-editing tool

The Nobel Prize in chemistry went to two researchers Wednesday for a gene-editing tool that has revolutionized science by providing a way to alter DNA, the code of life—technology already being used to try to cure a host ...

Panel to announce 2020 Nobel Prize for chemistry

The 2020 Nobel Prize for chemistry is being announced Wednesday, an award that has frequently honored work which led to practical applications in wide use today—such as last year's win for the brains behind the lithium-ion ...

Spinach: Chemistry experiments show potential to power fuel cells

"Eat your spinach," is a common refrain from many people's childhoods. Spinach, the hearty, green vegetable chock full of nutrients, doesn't just provide energy in humans. It also has potential to help power fuel cells, according ...

Pandemic provides unique opportunity for atmospheric chemists

As the COVID-19 pandemic slowed travel and business around the world, pollution emission rates dropped in response. With fewer cars on the road and clearer skies, atmospheric chemists jumped at the opportunity to study the ...