Chemistry

Space

Comets may be the source of sandy dunes on Saturn’s largest moon

In an early reshuffling of the solar system, comet collisions and other space rocks could have sent dusty bits falling to Titan’s surface.

Chemistry

Here’s why teens’ body odor can be especially strong

The body odors of teens and younger kids share dozens of chemicals in common. But teens have some that infants and toddlers appear to lack.

Environment

To limit pollution, new recipe makes plastic a treat for microbes

Microplastics made from fossil fuels take centuries to disappear. But the plant- and algae-based plastic can break down in weeks to months.

Chemistry

Air pollution can make it harder for pollinators to find flowers

Pollutants that build up in night air can break down the scents that attract pollinating hawkmoths to primrose blooms, disrupting their pollination.

Chemistry

Turning jeans blue with sunlight might help the environment

When dipped in indican and exposed to sunlight, yarn turns a deep blue. This process is more eco-friendly than the current denim dyeing method.

Animals

At last: How poison dart frogs ship defense toxins to their skin

A liver protein appears to help the amphibians collect and move toxins from their food to their skin. Those toxins can defend the frogs from predators.

Materials Science

Let’s learn about graphene

Scientists have been trying to understand and harness this material’s superpowers since its discovery in 2004.

Climate

Chemists make device to destroy planet-warming methane pollution

It can slash diffuse sources of this extremely potent greenhouse gas, such as from livestock barns and other sites.

Archaeology

Analyze This: Stonehenge’s ‘Altar Stone’ has mysterious origins

After a century of searching for the source of the Altar Stone, scientists have yet to figure out where ancient people got the rock.

Health & Medicine

Scientists Say: Calorie

These little units help us measure energy transfer in chemistry, nutrition and beyond.

Chemistry

Pollution power? A new device turns carbon dioxide into fuel

Scientists made a device that converts the greenhouse gas into formate. This salt can then run a fuel cell to make electricity.

Environment

New ultrathin materials can pull climate-warming CO₂ from the air

To slow global warming, we’ll need help from CO2-trapping materials. Enter MXenes. They’re strong and reactive — and they love to eat up CO2.