Chemistry
Sustainability
Scientists use bacteria to turn plastic into useful substances
Researchers developed genetically engineered strains of one type of bacteria that they say could help to tackle the growing problem of plastic pollution.
Shells could help find lost Malaysia Airlines flight MH370: Scientists
By studying the chemical makeup of the shells of barnacles attached to debris from the aircraft, scientists may be able to track where the plane went down.
Scientists find origin-of-life molecule in space for first time
Carboxylic acid, a chemical considered important to life, has been detected in interstellar space for the first time ever.
Arrowhead made from meteorite 3,000 years ago found near lake
A team of researchers examined the Bronze Age artifact in detail, finding that it was extraterrestrial in origin.
Mysteries of Ancient Egyptian artworks revealed after 3,000 years
Chemical imaging techniques have provided a glimpse of what lies under the visible surface of two ancient paintings.
Scientists discover "elixir of life" that slows aging
Researcher Vijay Yadav told Newsweek that the nutrient can be found in several popular food and drinks.
Chemistry professor melts hearts over his surprise "cameos" while teaching
"Is he single?" asked one TikTok user, while another said they'd "never wanted to take chemistry so bad."
Scientists figure out how to make electricity from thin air
Using a device peppered with minute pores, researchers have found a way to harvest the electricity of water molecules in the air.
Here's how coffee affects your brain before bed
Caffeine is a compound found in coffee that stimulates the central nervous system, providing a feeling of increased alertness and energy.
"We are not alone": How James Webb Telescope is hunting down alien worlds
We have found over 5,000 exoplanets so far outside of our solar system, and the James Webb Telescope will help scientists find planets with atmospheres.
Miniproteins that may be key to human evolution appeared "out of nowhere"
Scientists have discovered many new microproteins that are coded for in parts of our DNA previously thought to be empty.
Radius of toxic chemical spill in East Palestine could be miles wide
The Ohio train wreck released carcinogens like vinyl chloride into the environment, with dead animals and impacts on human health already being reported.
Green hydrogen breakthrough edges clean energy closer to reality
Generating electricity with green hydrogen fuels—predicted to become an important energy source in future—produces practically zero greenhouse gas emissions.
Why do fossil fuels have so much carbon stored in them?
When fossil fuels are burned they produce carbon dioxide—a greenhouse gas that traps heat in the atmosphere and is contributing to global warming.
Ancient New York ocean discovery could hold secret of hydrogen storage
The contents of the ancient seawater trapped in rocks for 390 million years may also give scientists clues about the climate on ancient Earth.
Can spider venom restore damaged nerve endings?
A patient with previously diagnosed nerve damage believes a brown recluse spider bite restored sensation in their toes.
Droplet chemistry could pave way for new, better medicines: study
According to researchers, the rates of reactions in droplets are as much as a million times faster than the same chemicals reacting in bulk solution.
Green Hydrogen Breakthrough Sees Water Turned to Energy at Room Temperature
The process has not yet gone to commercial use, but it could prove useful in a world where hydrogen gas is mostly produced through nonrenewable methods.
Scientists Puzzled by Soaring Global Methane Levels
Scientists say the rapid rise in atmospheric methane has significant implications because it is a potent greenhouse gas and can contribute to global warming.
Internet Infuriated by Teacher's 'Salty' Response on Student's Test Paper
"Excuse me what the hell." Redditors were mildly infuriated by one chemistry teacher's "trap" of a test question.
Dangers of Ammonia Explained as Russian Shelling Causes Leak in Ukraine
Ukrainian citizens living near to a chemical plant were warned of possible exposure to ammonia after a Russian strike, according to a local official.
The Best Chemistry TikTok Videos of 2021
From chemical traffic lights to acid that greedily consumes a chicken drumstick, 2021 has seen some mind-blowing demonstrations of chemistry shared on TikTok.
Video of Hot Dog Being Dissolved in Acid Mixture Viewed 10m Times
A TikTok video that shows what happens when a sausage meets a powerful acid called piranha solution has gone viral.
Amazing Video Shows Super Strong Jello Staying Intact After Being Run Over
The jello-like hydrogel substance can even survive the pressure equivalent to being stood on by an elephant, despite being 80 percent water.
Asymmetric Organocatalysis Explained as Nobel Prize for Chemistry Awarded
An "ingenious tool" that has made chemistry greener, according to the committee that picks the prize winner.
Scientists Create 'Living Materials' That Can Self-Repair When Damaged
Such materials could one day be used in medicine to encourage skin repair, according to one researcher.
Scientists Combat Pollution by Turning Plastic Waste Into Vanilla Flavoring
"The results from our research have major implications for the field of plastic sustainability and demonstrate the power of synthetic biology to address real-world challenges," said the study's first author Joanna Sadler.
7 Women Scientists Who Defied the Odds and Changed Science Forever
To mark International Women's Day, we take a look at a handful of female scientists who have made the world a better place.
New Jersey Teen Targeted by Teacher for Visible Trump Re-Election Flag
The 17-year old student was asked by a teacher to take down the flag or leave the class. After the teacher told him for a second time, he left the online class.
Bacteria That Feeds on Metal Accidentally Discovered by Scientists
The discovery could shed light on the mysterious formation of strange, metallic balls that have been documented on the seafloor across many parts of the world.