Matter and Its Interactions

  1. Materials Science

    Laser light transformed plastic into tiny diamonds

    The technique could be used to make nanodiamonds for quantum devices and other technology.

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  2. Chemistry

    New meat-scented food flavoring comes from sugar — and mealworms

    Insects could become a protein-rich part of the human diet. This new research aims to help people get past the ick of eating insects.

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  3. Chemistry

    Recipes for modern beauty products aren’t so modern after all

    An art historian has combined forces with chemists to uncover the science behind cosmetics used about 500 years ago.

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  4. Space

    Amateur astronomers reveal clues to a mysterious double aurora

    Stunning images from citizen scientists show an unusual pattern in ‘Northern Lights.’ They offer clues that may help astronomers better understand a curious red glow.

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  5. Materials Science

    Cool Jobs: Scientific glassblowers shape science

    Glass has played a major role in research for centuries. Today’s artisans work at the forefront of discovery.

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  6. Animals

    The top side of an elephant’s trunk is surprisingly stretchy

    Research on elephant trunks could inspire new artificial skins for soft robots.

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  7. Chemistry

    Scientists Say: Pigment

    From fruits to fur to fine art, many materials get their colors from compounds called pigments.

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  8. Fossils

    Great white sharks may be partly to blame for the end of megalodons

    Zinc levels in shark teeth hint that megalodons and great whites competed for food — and great whites won.

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  9. Physics

    Scientists Say: Proton

    These positively charged particles are important building blocks in atoms.

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  10. Tech

    You might someday ‘wallpaper’ your bedroom with this loudspeaker

    This thin, flexible and lightweight loudspeaker could reduce noise in loud spaces. It also might enable listeners to experience sound in new ways.

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  11. Chemistry

    Simple process destroys toxic and widespread ‘forever’ pollutants

    Ultraviolet light, sulfite and iodide break down these PFAS molecules faster and more thoroughly than other methods.

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  12. Materials Science

    Let’s learn about diamond

    Diamond is born under extreme heat and pressure inside Earth and elsewhere in the universe.

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