chemistry

Latest in chemistry

a red diamond on a dark backgorund

That’s no ruby. It’s an extremely rare red diamond. That’s no ruby. It’s an extremely rare red diamond.

By Laura Baisas

an illustration of an extinct marsupial with brown and white fur and a small trunk-like nose

Australia’s giant extinct marsupials may be ID’d using tiny bone bits Australia’s giant extinct marsupials may be ID’d using tiny bone bits

orange and yellow flames on a black background

Can humans spontaneously combust? The baffling cases explained. Can humans spontaneously combust? The baffling cases explained.

By Lauren Leffer

An Egyptian artifact with flecks of Egyptian dye being examined by researcher

Scientists recreate lost recipes for a 5,000-year-old Egyptian blue dye Scientists recreate lost recipes for a 5,000-year-old Egyptian blue dye

Erupting volcano

Earth’s core is leaking gold Earth’s core is leaking gold

A group of bright colorful hot peppers on a red background.

Scientists discover why some hot peppers are total wild cards Scientists discover why some hot peppers are total wild cards

white smoke coming out of a chimney

What makes smoke black versus white? What makes smoke black versus white?

By Laura Baisas

brown egg on blue background

How to make an egg bounce How to make an egg bounce

By Laura Baisas

Gooseneck kettle pouring water into pour-over coffee carafe on table next to coffee beans and mugs

How to brew the best pour-over coffee, according to science How to brew the best pour-over coffee, according to science

Green ocean island water against blue sky with mountains in distance

Earth’s oceans weren’t always blue, scientists say Earth’s oceans weren’t always blue, scientists say

Transparent wood sample overlaying 'Transparent wood (TW)' on computer screen

Eggs, sticky rice, and transparent wood create new kind of window Eggs, sticky rice, and transparent wood create new kind of window

Mars Curiosity rover selfie picture against Martian background

Curiosity finds largest-ever organic molecules on Mars Curiosity finds largest-ever organic molecules on Mars

Red tomatoes with googly eyes on yellow background

Scientists finally figured out why tomatoes don’t kill you Scientists finally figured out why tomatoes don’t kill you

Image of nanoflower structure

Future bandages could be armed with nanoflowers Future bandages could be armed with nanoflowers

Thermogalvanic fridge prototype device held in blue gloved hand

The electrochemical cells that could power fridges of the future The electrochemical cells that could power fridges of the future

Dimmable car sun visor

This company wants to redesign the humble car sun visor This company wants to redesign the humble car sun visor

Close up of white wine bottle pouring into wine glass

Bacteria-powered artificial tongue can taste-test alcohol for additives Bacteria-powered artificial tongue can taste-test alcohol for additives

Close up of dark roast coffee beans

Scientists figured out the optimal cup of coffee Scientists figured out the optimal cup of coffee

Researchers have developed a hydrogel that melts into and preserves ancient waterlogged wooden artifacts. Without the gel, the artifacts need to be dried, and that risks damaging the relics.

New goo preserves 800-year-old wooden shipwreck samples New goo preserves 800-year-old wooden shipwreck samples

mercury broken thermometer

Are ‘heavy metals’ dangerous? Yes, but not everything you’ve heard is true. Are ‘heavy metals’ dangerous? Yes, but not everything you’ve heard is true.

By Lauren Leffer