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
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

Other news

Evolution
Mammal ancestors laid eggs—and this 250-million-year-old fossil proves it
Plants & Animals
Chimpanzee empire falls apart in rare instance of division and deadly violence
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
Earth Sciences
Deadly heat thresholds have already being crossed in six recent heat waves, study shows
Plants & Animals
Oxygen sensing helps explain why amphibians regenerate limbs but mammals cannot
Archaeology
No more giants, no more heavy handaxes: Why early humans downsized their stone tools
Biochemistry
How surface chemistry impacts the performance of malaria nets
Plants & Animals
Ant larvae control parental care by using odor signals
Evolution
Great apes mirror facial expressions with surprising precision, study shows
Cell & Microbiology
Examining embryo model ethics beyond box-checking
Earth Sciences
Rock bonding changes understanding of earthquake mechanics
Astronomy
What if dark matter came in two states?
Soft Matter
New AI method flags fluid flow tipping points before simulations break down
Environment
High levels of forever chemicals found in Svalbard reindeer
Evolution
From Asgard to Earth: Tiny tubes may reveal the moment complex life began
Archaeology
Ancient Māori remains point to largely plant-based diets before colonization
Molecular & Computational biology
One DNA letter can trigger complete sex reversal
Evolution
Dragonflies share humans' red-light sensing trick, detecting wavelengths near 720 nm

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 ...

A special elemental magic

A staple in every science classroom is the periodic table of elements, and for many it is their first introduction to the vast mysteries of the natural world.

Going nuclear on the moon and Mars

It might sound like science fiction, but scientists are preparing to build colonies on the moon and, eventually, Mars. With NASA planning its next human mission to the moon in 2024, researchers are looking for options to ...