Chemistry
Scientists Say: Pyrolysis
This oxygen-free “burning” reaction explains why charcoal can burn, but typical campfire soot cannot.
Chemistry
More Stories in Chemistry
- Chemistry
Experiment: Make your own marshmallows!
Soft, sticky marshmallows can be made with just three ingredients. Finding the right ratio of sugar and corn syrup is key to making this sweet treat.
- Chemistry
Scientists Say: Alloy
These metallic mergers support our tallest buildings and our finest jewelry.
- Health & Medicine
U.S. sunscreen users are finally getting a new option
FDA will now allow the use of bemotrizinol in U.S. sunscreens. This long-lasting chemical protects against the solar radiation that ages and damages skin.
- Physics
Physics explains why gold doesn’t ‘rust’
Metals like copper tarnish when they react with oxygen in the air. Gold doesn’t, thanks to a quick rearrangement of atoms on its surface.
- Chemistry
Scientists Say: Fluoride
This electrically charged form of fluorine boasts powerful tooth-strengthening abilities.
- Environment
Hawaii is turning fishnets and other plastic trash into roads
Scientists are testing whether plastic pollution from the ocean can be transformed into safe and durable highways.
- Chemistry
Tabletop lightning helps make an alcohol used for fuels and more
Methanol is used in plastics, paints and as a race car fuel. It’s been hard to make. But engineers have found a simple trick: Add lightning to methane.
- Materials Science
Scientists Say: Metal-Organic Framework
Special pockets in these molecular structures make them useful in medicine, climate science and more.
- Physics
Origami research takes top prize at 2026 Regeneron ISEF competition
The top three winners each won at least $80,000. Other teen finalists shared in more than $7 million in prizes at this international science fair.
