Chemistry

  1. Chemistry

    DNA, RNA…and XNA?

    Scientists create artificial genetic molecules that can carry information, evolve.

    By Roberta Kwok
  2. Chemistry

    Squeeze power

    Under pressure, plastics produce energy.

    By Stephen Ornes
  3. Animals

    Eyes from ions

    Scientists use charged molecules to grow eyes in tadpole guts.

    By Stephen Ornes
  4. Chemistry

    Self-cleaning clothes

    A few hours of sunshine cleans specially treated cotton fabrics.

    By Stephen Ornes
  5. Chemistry

    DEET confuses mosquitoes

    Scientists suspect the repellant messes with a mosquito’s sense of smell.

    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. Chemistry

    Plant-powered plastics

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

    By Sharon Oosthoek
  8. Chemistry

    Superslim silicene

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

    By Stephen Ornes
  9. Oceans

    Sea changes

    Carbon dioxide is making the oceans more acidic.

    By Stephen Ornes
  10. Chemistry

    Like poison for phosphorus

    Scientists report finding bacterium that can live off arsenic.

    By Stephen Ornes
  11. Physics

    Explainer: What is a laser?

    Lasers are the brightest source of light on Earth and produce the purest form of color possible.

    By Amanda Leigh Mascarelli
  12. Chemistry

    Prizes award big ideas about small things

    Carbon and IVF win big in this year’s Nobel prizes.

    By Stephen Ornes