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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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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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Video: Don't drink raw milk. But what about raw milk cheese?
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Improving cat food flavors with the help of feline taste-testers
Analytical Chemistry
Retaining flavor while removing caffeine—a chemist explains the chemistry behind decaf coffee

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Archaeology
Wonderwerk Cave bones reveal possible fire use by human ancestors 1.79 million years ago
Earth Sciences
Atlantic 'cold blob' caused by weakening ocean current system that's likely nearing a tipping point, reanalysis finds
Ecology
How gene swapping helped build the planet's decomposers
Space Exploration
Lunar orbiter concept could reveal five key elements across moon in two years
Molecular & Computational biology
Continuous stirring made early life-like RNA systems more extinction-prone, experiment shows
Nanomaterials
'Flawless on the outside, flipped within': Detecting hidden defects in 2D dielectrics with light
General Physics
Quantum circuits help AI overcome memory limitations with minimal new parameters
Evolution
Epigenetic changes can be inherited without changing DNA in animals
Nanophysics
Gold nanoparticles unlock vibrant structural colors across the visible spectrum
Biotechnology
Terahertz biophotonics: Understanding the path towards practical applications for biological imaging
Molecular & Computational biology
First nonrepeating biological clock discovered in C. elegans guides growth
Earth Sciences
Machine learning uncovers 1,750 quakes tracing 250-kilometer edge of Alaska microplate
Molecular & Computational biology
Hidden protein switch controls photosynthesis as light conditions change
Plants & Animals
Medieval pandemic left a hidden legacy in Europe's oldest trees
Quantum Physics
Predictive surrogates could cut quantum computing measurement overhead by more than 99.97%
Astronomy
MUSE maps spiral galaxy W2246f, uncovering old core and ongoing star formation across disk
Earth Sciences
Volcanic eruptions linked to rising famine risk across China's history
Earth Sciences
Mount Etna eruptions reveal carbon dioxide and water can trigger separate explosive paths
Plants & Animals
120,000-year-old European fallow deer—tracing the loss of genetic diversity
Environment
Infrastructure for African mines destroying forests at 34 times the rate of the mines themselves

Drug discovery and development—in space

Carrying out scientific experiments in space allows scientists to study and make drugs without gravity, which can lead to surprising results that improve research back on Earth. According to a cover story in Chemical & Engineering ...

Nobel prize for three chemists who made molecules 'click'

Three scientists were jointly awarded this year's Nobel Prize in chemistry on Wednesday for developing a way of "snapping molecules together" that can be used to explore cells, map DNA and design drugs that can target diseases ...