Matter and Its Interactions

  1. Chemistry

    Explainer: Ocean acidification

    Here’s why shellfish and other animals in the sea suffer when the ocean is forced to absorb too much carbon dioxide.

    By Stephen Ornes
  2. Physics

    Neutrinos not so fast

    Scientists say the particles may not outrace light after all.

    By Stephen Ornes
  3. Tech

    Tracing a gem’s origins

    Lasers identify the country — and even a mine — that a precious stone hails from.

    By Stephen Ornes
  4. Science & Society

    Introducing the 2011 Nobel Prize winners

    Scientists in 2011 won for making unexpected discoveries about crystals, the human body and the universe.

    By Stephen Ornes
  5. Physics

    Breaking the universal speed limit

    Particles appear to race faster than the speed of light.

    By Stephen Ornes
  6. Tech

    A greener way to keep flames away

    Scientists use safer materials to create a new flame retardant.

    By Stephen Ornes
  7. Planets

    Possible new saltwater stains on Mars

    Dark streaks that grow in spring, fade in winter may point to saltwater on the Red Planet.

    By Stephen Ornes
  8. Chemistry

    Plant-powered plastics

    Scientists are using green materials to create more Earth-friendly plastics.

    By Sharon Oosthoek

  9. Kids’ ingenuity honored at Intel ISEF

    Young scientists receive awards in international competition.

    By Laura Sanders
  10. Space

    A curious cosmic explosion

    A bright blowup far, far away keeps astronomers guessing.

    By Stephen Ornes
  11. Chemistry

    Superslim silicene

    Lab-made sheets of silicon are only one atom thick.

    By Stephen Ornes
  12. Oceans

    Sea changes

    Carbon dioxide is making the oceans more acidic.

    By Stephen Ornes