Chemistry

  1. Animals

    The scent of queen ‘murder hornets’ can lure males into traps

    Traps baited with compounds found in the mating pheromone of hornet queens attracted thousands of males.

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  2. Chemistry

    Scientists Say: Inorganic

    Inorganic molecules include salts, minerals and other compounds that lack organics’ carbon-hydrogen bonds.

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  3. Environment

    We all unknowingly eat plastic, which may host toxic pollutants

    In the environment, plastics attract all types of toxic chemicals. If ingested, new data show, chemicals on those plastic bits may harm the gut.

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  4. Materials Science

    A disinfectant made from sawdust knocks out deadly microbes

    It’s made by pressure-cooking sawdust and water, is cheap and easy to make — and could lead to greener cleaning products than chemicals used today.

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  5. Life

    Scientists Say: Cellulose

    Cellulose is an abundant natural polymer found in plants and algae. It’s used to make everything from paper to clothing.

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  6. Chemistry

    New process can transform urban CO2 pollution into a resource

    Researchers have developed a liquid metal that breaks down carbon dioxide in the air, converting it from a climate threat into a valuable raw material.

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  7. Environment

    Clothes dryers may be a major source of airborne microplastics

    Scientists thought washing machines were a leading contributor of microplastics. Now it appears dryers may be an even bigger problem.

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  8. Planets

    No, organic molecules alone don’t point to life on Mars

    These carbon-based molecules, found in a meteorite, may reflect merely a mixing of water and minerals on the Red Planet over billions of years.

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  9. Chemistry

    Explainer: What are fats?

    A fat molecule's three long chains of carbon and hydrogen atoms repel water, stash energy and keep living things warm — even in the bitter cold.

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  10. Ecosystems

    Scientists Say: Decay

    This word can refer to rotting flesh or the transformation of radioactive atoms.

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  11. Chemistry

    Snail slime + gold could boost the power of sunscreens and more

    These two strange ingredients could make skin-care products that are better for both our skin and the environment.

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  12. Chemistry

    Explainer: What is a metal?

    Metals can bend and pull without snapping, and conduct electricity. The reason: Their atoms tend to lose electrons to neighboring atoms.

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