Victoria Atkinson

Scientists have revealed key properties of radioactive promethium, a rare earth element with poorly understood applications, using a groundbreaking new method.

Chinese researchers have found a way to make aqueous batteries more energy-dense, by adding bromide to the electrolyte solution

Using a clever laser technique, scientists have squished pairs of atoms closer together than ever before, revealing some truly mind-boggling quantum effects.

Scientists have detected a new, unusually large molecule never seen in space before. The 13-atom molecule, called 2-methoxyethanol, was detected in the Cat's Paw Nebula.

Goldene is the latest 2D material to be made since graphene was first created in 2004.

A four-atom molecule has broken the record for coldest large molecule.

The element bismuth can "float" between magnets due to magnetic levitation. What's the science behind this phenomenon?

Is there an evolutionary reason why cats have sparse fur near their ears?

We finally understand why blueberries are blue — and the secret lies not in the flesh or skin, but the waxy coating around it.

The reason for copper's unique properties comes down to the configuration of its electrons.

People with psychopathic traits often struggle with emotional empathy, but they're usually adept at cognitive empathy and can use this to manipulate people.

BetaVolt's BV100 is smaller than a coin and contains a radioactive isotope of nickel that decays into copper and supplies power to a device for up to 50 years. But it probably won't power your smartphone anytime soon, an expert suggests.

Microsoft's AI tool narrowed 32 million theoretical materials down to 18 in just 80 hours — with scientists synthesizing one that can reduce Lithium usage in batteries by 70%.

Astronomers accidentally uncovered an extremely dark primordial galaxy — one of the faintest objects in the universe — because of a typo in their telescope coordinates.

To reach absolute zero, all of the particles within an object have to stop moving.

The Vikings reached as far west as Newfoundland, but did they also venture into Africa, the Middle East and Asia?

Panasonic signs a deal with Sila Nanotechnologies that will see its fleet of EVs use better-performing and longer-lasting lithium-ion batteries that swap graphite for silicon.

The length of a second depends on how you're measuring it.

Foxgloves contain digoxin, a drug used to treat cardiac arrhythmia and heart failure that can also be toxic. But can ingesting it cause a heart attack?

There are 17 rare earth elements on the periodic table, but a better name for them would be the "troublesome earths." Here's why.

Scientists used a process called 'diffusioosmosis' to write words that lingered in liquid water.

Glass has unique properties, but is it a solid or a liquid, or does it fall into its own scientific category?

Used coffee grounds that are heat treated increase the compression strength of concrete.

Electric vehicles use lithium ion batteries with small amounts of nickel, manganese and cobalt. How do they work and what chemistry affects their properties?