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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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Bio & Medicine
Nanoparticle flu vaccine protects against three influenza strains in mice
Cell & Microbiology
Engineered yeasts help turn PET plastic and crop waste into protein-rich cookies
Condensed Matter
The superconducting gap of an ultrathin nickelate defies expectations
Molecular & Computational biology
Oldest human brain cells grown in lab 'recorded passage of time'
Cell & Microbiology
Protein degradation rate helps explain why humans develop more slowly than mice
Social Sciences
Collaborative drawing offers new insights into how strangers become friends
Quantum Physics
Quantum computer microscope is set to significantly improve electron microscopy
Plants & Animals
Hot temperatures can dull blue morpho butterflies' iridescent scales
Materials Science
Blowing in the wind, humble balloon gets green makeover
Archaeology
A museum-shelf mystery reveals 6,500-year-old human tooth pendant in Serbia
Biotechnology
AI decodes DNA initiator sequence found in about 60% of human genes
Analytical Chemistry
Computer models pinpoint catalysts for replacing fossil-fueled ammonia production
Space Exploration
Near-total lunar eclipse is coming up with the Americas in prime position
Evolution
Animal genomes follow irreversible 'evolutionary highways' across thousands of species
Earth Sciences
AI mapping reveals hidden stage of Arctic freeze with climate implications
Bio & Medicine
The dynamic duo: 'Weaving' hierarchical DNA materials with two classes of biomolecular nanomachines
Earth Sciences
Thawing Arctic riverbeds may erode up to 10 times faster than unfrozen ground
General Physics
LHC collisions reveal oxygen and neon's shifting nuclear geometry
Mathematics
More than half of adults in US say they lack basic statistical understanding
Space Exploration
Interplanetary spacecraft capture a coronal mass ejection component hidden from Earth

Plastics markets adapt in the age of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has upended life around the world, leaving industries to find creative solutions to stay open and keep up with demand. The polymer industry has been especially "plastic" during this time, adapting materials ...

Video: How tear gas affects your body

2-Chlorobenzalmalononitrile, better known as CS gas, is one of the most common tear gases used in the United States today, but did you know it's not actually a gas?

Benefits of convalescent plasma for COVID-19 are still unclear

With vaccines and therapeutic drugs for COVID-19 still under development, doctors are wondering whether antibody-rich plasma infusions from the blood of recovered patients could be a more immediate way to keep hospitalized ...

Latest findings on bitter substances in coffee

Coffee is very popular around the world despite or perhaps because of its bitter taste. Compounds contained in the coffee such as caffeine contribute to the bitterness to varying degrees. A recent study conducted by the Leibniz-Institute ...

Food technology: Insect flours

According to estimates of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), population growth will cause the worldwide demand for animal proteins to double by 2050. Even if free agricultural areas would be used, ...

New topological materials could have multiple electrical properties

This it is the story of a unique material—made of a single compound, it conducts electrons in different ways on its different surfaces and doesn't conduct at all in its middle. It is also the story of three research groups—two ...

COVID-19 antibody tests: How reliable are they?

With stay-at-home orders expiring around the world, many hope that COVID-19 antibody testing will help businesses and institutions reopen safely. Determining whether people have been infected with SARS-CoV-2 is a key tool ...

What is tear gas?

In the past week, there have been reports of tear gas being used to control crowds protesting the death of George Floyd, so questions have arisen on the dangers of crowd control chemicals.

Exploring the neurological impact of air pollution

Air pollution has become a fact of modern life, with a majority of the global population facing chronic exposure. Although the impact of inhaling polluted air on the lungs is well known, scientists are just now beginning ...