Matter and Its Interactions

Microbes

Scientists Say: Microcin

Small and deadly (to bacteria), these protein-like molecules fight the growth of potentially dangerous germs in our gut.

Microbes

Thank microbes for chocolate’s tasty flavors

Cocoa beans matter, but yeast and bacteria may be the real secret to fine chocolate flavor.

Chemistry

Structures that work like Hermione’s magic handbag land a chemistry Nobel

Richard Robson, Susumu Kitagawa and Omar Yaghi developed these metal-organic frameworks, which can trap pollutants, collect water from air and more.

Archaeology

Knotted strands of 500-year-old hair tell a surprising story

Used in a device called a khipu, the hair reveals the owner’s simple diet. Those data now suggest that in Incan society, even some commoners kept records.

Physics

Could we ever build the tech to shrink ourselves?

The atoms that make us up couldn’t be shrunk or smashed closer together — at least, not without catastrophic consequences.

Chemistry

Scientists Say: Element

The number of neutrons and electrons can vary in atoms of the same element. The number of protons alone sets each of these substances apart.

Chemistry

Behold the world’s thinnest pasta

Made from white flour and formic acid, the nanofibers average just 370 nanometers across. That’s two-hundredths the thickness of a human hair.

Physics

Weirdly, mayo can help study conditions ripe for nuclear fusion 

Yes, mayo. The texture of the sandwich spread is perfect for mimicking what a fusion fuel capsule goes through when blasted with lasers.

Tech

Bioelectronics research wins top award at 2024 Regeneron ISEF

Three grand-award winners each took home at least $50,000. Hundreds more teens shared more than $9 million in prizes at the international competition.

Environment

To limit pollution, new recipe makes plastic a treat for microbes

Microplastics made from fossil fuels take centuries to disappear. But the plant- and algae-based plastic can break down in weeks to months.

Tech

Lego bricks inspired a new way to shape devices for studying liquids

Inspired by Lego building blocks, the approach could enable design of adaptable tools to study how fluids move through very small spaces.

Physics

Experiment: Make your own cents-able battery

Make your own ‘voltaic pile’ with pennies and nickels, and find out how many coins will make the most electricity!