Chemistry

Genetics

Scientists Say: Telomere

These protective caps at the ends of chromosomes play a key role in cell replication.

Materials Science

Scientists Say: Goldene

Making this metallic, two-dimensional (2-D) material is difficult — but super-thin sheets of gold could have uses in electronics and chemistry.

Health & Medicine

This spice could be the basis of a smart, infection-fighting bandage

Infused with yellow turmeric, the bandage turns red to highlight the pH of an infection. A teen showed that at the 2024 Regeneron ISEF competition.

Chemistry

Scientists Say: Excitation

Excited electrons are to thank for dazzling fireworks displays, plants harnessing energy, the semiconductors behind modern tech and more.

Chemistry

Scientists Say: Methane

Used to cook food and heat homes, this potent greenhouse gas accounts for 30 percent of the warming of our climate.

Chemistry

Experiment: How to make the boldest, brightest tie-dye!

Clothes are made from a variety of fibers, from natural to synthetic ones. Let’s explore how different fibers react with dyes.

Materials Science

A bit of electricity can glue hard metals to soft materials

Using this method to stick and unstick metals from soft materials could one day create new types of batteries.

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.