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
Your fuzzy flannel pajamas could be incredibly flammable—here's what to know
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 news

Astronomy
Lumina simulation brings the early universe to life on a record-breaking scale
Superconductivity
Supercurrent enables the reading of quantum information without destroying it
Social Sciences
A few seconds of loading time can push online learners off track
Archaeology
Southern Africa's first known stenciled rock art found hiding in plain sight
Plants & Animals
Crows make decisions twice as fast as humans and monkeys
Plants & Animals
Monarchs report their locations via… cellphone?
Condensed Matter
Patterns of polar vortices discovered in lead-free superlattices on silicon
Economics & Business
How screening tools measure disadvantage may leave rural communities overlooked for public support
Biotechnology
Sea cucumber–inspired gel could help heal damaged tissue in humans
General Physics
'One-positron cyclotron' could test a key prediction of the Standard Model
Earth Sciences
Ancient stalagmites reveal exceptions to Asia–South America monsoon seesaw over the past 450,000 years
Plants & Animals
Seabird family tree predicts which species accumulate plastic better than diet, global analysis finds
Environment
Cleaner brick kilns cut pollution, but gains did not reach workers, research finds
Analytical Chemistry
Tests reveal why titanium additions do not fully prevent pitting corrosion in stainless steel
Cell & Microbiology
Newly identified protein pathway helps HIV stay hidden despite treatment
Plasma Physics
Single X-ray pulse reveals plasma nanostructures across scales with one camera
Education
Swinging virtual lightsabers and punching improve pattern-based learning in VR tests
Space Exploration
Everyday Mylar turned into a promising insulator for lunar habitats
Astronomy
Black holes spinning near maximum rate could split in two, calculations suggest
Paleontology & Fossils
Rare fossils reveal what ancient Denisovans may have looked like

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.