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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
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

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General Physics
How some cyclists paradoxically start 'from rest' with a non-zero velocity
Archaeology
Iron Age seeds reveal the origins of Iberian wine
Paleontology & Fossils
Tyrannosaurus rex teeth reveal a body temperature close to the human average
Mathematics
Mathematician challenges a 2,000-year-old legend about the Parthenon's optical illusions
Astronomy
Webb measures extreme gas outflows from distant 'dead' galaxies
Plants & Animals
Caffeine pollution could disrupt crustacean defenses against predators
Cell & Microbiology
Tendon cells can rebound from stiffness when returned to softer tissue-like surroundings
Planetary Sciences
Snow, monsoons and oceans shift Earth's center of mass each year, satellite tracking shows
Biochemistry
Why you really shouldn't overcook your proteins
Planetary Sciences
Newfound 'baby' planet smashes record for youngest known world
Plants & Animals
Weeping whales: Stillborn humpback whale grieving documented
Quantum Physics
Circular Rydberg atoms set three records, staying stable for 11 milliseconds
Plants & Animals
Why do some chimpanzee mothers carry their dead infants for months?
Nanophysics
Light lets microswimmers switch between bacteria-like and algae-like propulsion
Ecology
Fungi neutralize spruce defense mechanisms with sugar
Plants & Animals
Long-term oyster reef restoration shows clear success in murky waters
Condensed Matter
Hot electrons reveal electronic collisions may raise resistance in twisted graphene
Biochemistry
Without bacteria or chemicals: How methanol and formaldehyde form abiotically in nature
Archaeology
We may soon be able to read long-lost ancient scrolls damaged by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius
Astronomy
Muon rings enable precise calibration of telescopes at the Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory

Cutting acrylamide in fried and baked snacks

In 2002, the discovery of acrylamide in certain snacks rattled consumers and the food industry. Acrylamide, a probable human carcinogen, forms by a chemical reaction during baking or frying. Although experts say it's impossible ...

You butter believe it: Low-calorie spread made mostly of water

Cornell University food scientists have created a new low-calorie 'butter' spread that consists mostly of water. A tablespoon of this low-calorie spread has 2.8 grams of fat and 25.2 calories. Butter, on the other hand, which ...

Fighting a mighty weed

Weeds are pesky in any situation. Now, imagine a weed so troublesome that it has mutated to resist multiple herbicides. Palmer amaranth, a member of the pigweed family, is spreading across states and growing in strength. ...

Fungal compound deodorizes skunk smell

Being sprayed by a skunk is no fun for people or their pets, and the strong, stinky secretions can serve as a nasty reminder of the wildlife encounter for days or weeks. Available "de-skunking" formulas often either don't ...

The top five strangest poisons that can kill you

There are some crazy poisons in this world of ours, and they're often found in things you'd least expect. In this week's episode of Reactions, we break down our top five strangest poisons.