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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
Other
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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Plants & Animals
Cowpea plants create underground defense system for the next generation after insect attacks
Condensed Matter
One step closer to the ideal glass—simulations reveal hidden order at absolute zero
General Physics
Corners in focus: Metasurface enables motion tracking without digital image processing
Cell & Microbiology
Mechanical memory helps explain how cells adapt their movement to changing environments
Environment
Can satellites detect when forests lose resilience?
Ecology
Soil bacteria share amino acids, helping nearly half survive nutrient gaps
Plants & Animals
Tiny root hairs, big impact: How bacteria help plants survive drought
Ecology
Antarctic bacteria share 'life‑support' genes to survive extreme conditions
Earth Sciences
Climate scientists solve monsoon puzzle and warn of risks to fisheries
Plants & Animals
How to CT scan a 400-pound crocodile
Plants & Animals
Tiny ocean plankton hold clues to the future of Maine lobster
Astronomy
A 4-star system caught eclipsing itself in a way never seen before
Astronomy
LST-1 and MAGIC telescopes shatter distance record for the very high-energy blazar OP 313
Cell & Microbiology
Engineered yeasts help turn PET plastic and crop waste into protein-rich cookies
Cell & Microbiology
How chromosomes find their partners
Materials Science
Scientists identify design rules for the best thermoelectric materials
Bio & Medicine
Nanoparticle flu vaccine protects against three influenza strains in mice
Optics & Photonics
New free-space optical link adds a wireless component to the nation's longest quantum network
Ecology
Dry landscapes and newly fallowed fields may raise California Valley fever risk
Cell & Microbiology
Protein degradation rate helps explain why humans develop more slowly than mice

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.