Chemistry

  1. Earth

    Fossil-fuel use is confusing some carbon-dating measurements

    Carbon-14 dating of recent artifacts will soon give scientists confusing results. That’s another price society pays for its reliance on fossil fuels.

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  2. Chemistry

    Forensic scientists are gaining an edge on crime

    Advances in forensic science are helping to recover invisible fingerprints and identify missing people from bits of tissue or bone.

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  3. Chemistry

    Scientists Say: Fluorescence

    This property causes materials — including some animals’ skin, fur or feathers — to glow under light.

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  4. Environment

    This chemist uses online videos to teach about the perils of microplastics

    Imari Walker says her journey as a scientist and science communicator lets her talk about and advocate for her passion.

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  5. Chemistry

    Explainer: What is a hydrogel?

    These unusual materials have a host of unusual properties. You can even make a starch-infused version in your kitchen.

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  6. Environment

    ‘Forever’ chemicals show up in students’ school uniforms

    Researchers found PFAS “forever chemicals” in kids’ school uniforms and other clothing. Studies have linked these compounds to health risks.

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  7. Materials Science

    Let’s learn about microplastics

    Microplastics have turned up everywhere from the highest mountains to the bottom of the ocean — and even inside animals and people.

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  8. Chemistry

    Could we make vibranium?

    The ‘perfect’ metal may belong to the fictitious Marvel world of Wakanda, but scientists hope to one day mimic some of its key traits.

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  9. Physics

    Explainer: What are the different states of matter?

    Most people know solids, liquids and gases — but what about the four other states of matter?

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  10. Animals

    Sea creatures’ fishy scent protects them from deep-sea high pressures  

    TMAO’s water-wrangling ability protects a critter’s critical proteins — including muscle — from crushing under deep ocean pressures.

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  11. Chemistry

    Lego-like way to snap molecules together wins 2022 chemistry Nobel

    This so-called ‘click chemistry’ allows scientists to build complex molecules in the lab and in living cells.

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  12. Chemistry

    Scientists Say: Salinity

    The higher the salinity, the saltier a body of water.

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