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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 ...

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Corpse flower's rare bloom aids forensic chemistry research
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Your fuzzy flannel pajamas could be incredibly flammable—here's what to know
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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
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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

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Cell & Microbiology
Researchers create first whole-body single-cell atlas of an adult vertebrate
Plants & Animals
Birds and humans share fundamental song and speech patterns, study finds
Plants & Animals
Long-distance flights can throw seabirds' internal clocks out of sync, causing navigation errors
Optics & Photonics
A blue laser for underwater communication and sensing
Plants & Animals
Global maps reveal farming, dams and agricultural runoff as leading threats to freshwater species
Plants & Animals
Is it a boy or a girl? For alligators, it may come down to one degree
Nanomaterials
AI helps uncover overlooked 2D materials and create 11 new ones
Analytical Chemistry
One molecule, many atoms: Platinum bonds respond to surface features up to 10 nanometers away
Earth Sciences
Key Atlantic currents could collapse this century, but the risk is missing from almost all national climate plans
Analytical Chemistry
New catalyst builds proton highways to tackle a long-standing hurdle in green ammonia synthesis
Cell & Microbiology
Newly characterized Streptomyces strain yields previously unknown natural products
Plants & Animals
Shrinking bat populations can weaken ecosystem benefits even while species remain widespread
Astronomy
Cosmic microwave background offers evidence of gas flowing in galaxy clusters
Plants & Animals
Smaller ants devote more of their resting energy budget to their brains
Archaeology
Ancient charcoal remains provide clues about Neanderthal camp organization
Earth Sciences
As ancient oceans warmed, carbon export and fish productivity surged
Astronomy
Grand Theft Astro: Stars' criminal histories could reshape estimates of their internal magnetic fields
Astronomy
Rubin observatory reveals two hidden companions of the Milky Way
Nanophysics
Ultrathin carbon ribbons conduct electricity like metals in first successful synthesis
Ecology
Heat-evolved algae offer clues to helping corals withstand warming seas

Keeping heavy metals out of beer and wine

A frosty mug of beer or ruby-red glass of wine just wouldn't be the same if the liquid was murky or gritty. That's why producers of alcoholic beverages usually filter them. But in a study appearing in ACS' Journal of Agricultural ...

Video: What is white chocolate?

Today, we're showing our love for white chocolate. Sure, it lacks the rich flavor of milk chocolate and the glossy brown color of dark chocolate.

Research shows hidden fire risk of emollients

New research carried out by forensic scientists at Anglia Ruskin University has shown that commonly-used emollients can pose a significant fire risk once they have dried on fabric such as clothing and bedding.

Video: How shaving cream works

Whether you rock sideburns or baby-smooth legs, all shavers share one concern—the threat of razor-sharp metal. But luckily, shaving cream packs the right chemistry to keep us looking good while protecting our sensitive skin.

Bitter rapeseed

Rapeseed doesn't just contain oil but high-quality protein, too. However, protein extracts from rapeseed have an intense, bitter off-taste. A team led by food chemist Thomas Hofmann has now identified the substance that is ...

Taking the bite out of snake venom

According to the World Health Organization, about 100,000 people die from venomous snakebites every year. Many of these fatalities occur in rural areas of developing countries that lack access to antivenoms. That's why researchers ...

A 'greener' way to take the bitterness out of olives

Olives are staples of the Mediterranean diet, which has been linked to a reduced incidence of cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease and other conditions. However, freshly picked olives are very bitter and require curing ...