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

Planetary Sciences
Methane emerges from interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS as it exits the solar system
Environment
A newly recognized pollutant is widely present in the atmosphere
Evolution
Baby Neanderthals may have had a rapid growth spurt compared to modern babies
Astronomy
Webb's Little Red Dots may reveal how giant black holes formed soon after the Big Bang
Astronomy
Weighing in on the mystery of the gravitational constant
Archaeology
Monumental ship burial beneath ancient Norwegian mound predates the Viking Age
Earth Sciences
Relocating Venice among the options explored to protect the city against sea-level rise
Plants & Animals
Monkeys navigate a virtual forest with thought alone, pushing brain-computer interfaces beyond the lab
Biochemistry
How a new technique will help us mine rare-earth metals with plants
Plants & Animals
Sex pheromone of a sandgrain-sized insect deciphered
Social Sciences
Can we trust the science shaping our lives?
Optics & Photonics
Laser-plasma accelerator drives free-electron laser for record 8 hours
General Physics
Looking deep inside quarks: CMS test probes to 10⁻²⁰ meters and finds no inner structure
Earth Sciences
Atlantic current system could be weakening faster than expected
Analytical Chemistry
Closing the carbon cycle: Unraveling the roles of light and heat in CO₂ photocatalysis
Superconductivity
Laser method unlocks 3,000-Kelvin thin-film synthesis for quantum materials
Earth Sciences
Novel technique drills more detail into ice core records
Optics & Photonics
Quantum bottleneck breaks wide open as one light beam carries 23 secure channels at the same time
Planetary Sciences
Titan's lakes may spawn 10-foot waves in gentle winds, new model suggests
Earth Sciences
Navigating the past with ancient stone compass needles

Why doesn't water help with spicy food? What about milk or beer?

Spicy foods taste spicy because they contain a family of compounds called capsaicinoids. Capsaicin is the major culprit. It's found in chilies, jalapeños, cayenne pepper, and is even the active ingredient in pepper spray.

Many old books contain toxic chemicals—here's how to spot them

In our modern society, we rarely consider books to be dangerous items. However, certain books contain elements so hazardous that they require scrutiny before being placed on the shelves of public libraries, bookstores or ...