Chemistry
- Health & Medicine
New study links chemical in plastics to fatal heart disease
More than one in eight deaths from heart disease in older adults is being linked to DEHP. The plastic chemical appears to play a role in many other health issues, too.
- Space
This astronomer searches for alien chemistry and tech
At the SETI Institute, Chenoa Tremblay uses radio telescopes to look for molecules and emissions given off by alien technology.
- Chemistry
Newfound ‘anti-spice’ compounds tame chili peppers’ heat
Five compounds make some chili peppers taste less spicy than others. Scientists are still figuring out why.
- Fossils
North American rhinos once gathered in large, hippo-like herds
The stumpy-legged rhinos survived until about 12 million years ago, when a supervolcano’s ashfall smothered their world.
- Chemistry
Scientists Say: Lipid
These oily, water-repelling molecules knit together, forming the membranes that sustain life.
- Microbes
Experiment: Yeasty beasties
It’s hard to believe a packet of dry yeast is full of living things. But feed the yeast the right things, and presto! You’ve got bubbly, oozing mess of life.
- Chemistry
Scientists Say: Chiral
Many biological molecules come in a left- and right-handed form — and biology plays favorites.
- Environment
Eco-friendly sunscreen? That’s bananas!
Bananas make their own natural sunscreens. A teen thinks these could work to protect our skin as well, while being safe for aquatic life.
- Chemistry
Experiment: Blow the best homemade bubbles
What’s the best recipe for blowing the most impressive bubbles? Let’s find out.
- Chemistry
A new map of Africa sheds light on the origins of enslaved people
Mapping the element strontium across the continent is helping track down the birthplaces of enslaved Africans brought to the Americas.
- Chemistry
Teen finds cheaper way to make drugs against killer viruses
This drug-making achievement also nabbed the top award — and $100,000 in prize money — at the 2025 Regeneron ISEF competition.
- Chemistry
Micro-sparks between water droplets may have started life on Earth
This micro-lightning can drive chemical reactions that produce compounds needed for the natural formation of life on Earth, experiments show.
