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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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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
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

Social Sciences
Both selfishness and generosity distort how we see our impact, but the selfish view is more contagious
Astronomy
FAST and Arecibo point to possible dark galaxy with vast hydrogen reservoir
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
Archaeology
Southern Africa's first known stenciled rock art found hiding in plain sight
Social Sciences
A few seconds of loading time can push online learners off track
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

How is decaf coffee made? And is it really caffeine-free?

Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world, and its high levels of caffeine are among the main reasons why. It's a natural stimulant that provides an energy buzz, and we just can't get enough.

Nobel chemistry winner flunked first college chemistry exam

Talk about bouncing back. MIT professor Moungi Bawendi is a co-winner of this year's Nobel chemistry prize for helping develop "quantum dots"—nanoparticles that are now found in next generation TV screens and help illuminate ...

Video: How is ceviche 'cooked?'

What does it mean to have "cooked" something? Is heat the only way to break down proteins and transform raw ingredients?

The bubbly chemistry behind carbonated beverages

Many people love the refreshing effervescence of a soda, champagne, beer or sparkling water. When you take a sip, the gas bubbles in the beverage burst, and the released gas tickles your nose. But have you ever wondered how ...