Chemistry
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Latest about Chemistry
![Manufacturing lithium ion batteries in battery research facility.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/wCrvGMrewaRDxUXK6MpjX4-320-80.jpg)
How do electric batteries work, and what affects their properties?
By Victoria Atkinson published
Electric vehicles use lithium ion batteries with small amounts of nickel, manganese and cobalt. How do they work and what chemistry affects their properties?
![two photos of a small toilet bowl, showing a blue blob of sticky material being dropped into the bowl and sliding down without leaving a mark](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/kwRn9fEGBNSAdmmEz68N7P-320-80.jpg)
A new, ridiculously slippery toilet bowl could keep poop from sticking, scientists report
By Victoria Atkinson published
Scientists have made a tiny model of a new, incredibly slippery toilet that poop shouldn't stick to.
![Wet paper tears apart in man's hands.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/JH73CciU3n4CnHuda2wnmE-320-80.jpg)
Why does paper tear more easily when it's wet?
By Victoria Atkinson published
Paper gets flimsy when wet due to its chemical structure, primarily its hydrogen bonds.
![Illustration of atomic orb.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/V5soyZMxRL2R4xQqUGB56o-320-80.jpg)
'Quantum superchemistry' observed for the 1st time ever
By Stephanie Pappas published
A new type of chemistry performed at very cold temperatures on very small particles enables quick, precise reactions.
![An artisan applies a gold leaf to wood by using the "guazzo" technique, burnishing the gold leaf with an agate, in a workshop of Florence.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/E8eB8bMrmTTNWVetxBYeM7-320-80.jpg)
Why is gold so soft?
By Charles Q. Choi published
Gold is the most malleable element, but what's the science behind it?
![We see two firefighters in full gear holding a hose and blasting close by flames.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/9rN9i3Zaq2FiTT3dQZzhb-320-80.jpg)
How does water put out fire?
By Donavyn Coffey published
Water extinguishes fire, but it doesn't act on the flames themselves.
![Uranium nitrate called uranyl, with uranium ore, radioactive material on isolated white background_RHJ via Getty Images](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/rJpWHmKSCCdxTGEr6r2zbQ-320-80.jpg)
Scientists discover 1st 'neutron-rich' isotope of uranium since 1979
By Robert Lea published
Scientists have synthesized a previously unknown isotope of uranium, uranium-241, that may start to disappear after just 40 minutes.
![A selection of images showing seedlings growing in a lab vs. computerized models.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/dQxNGcBHZHbiVt3qARsV55-320-80.jpg)
Alan Turing's famous mathematical model was right all along, chia seed experiment reveals
By Jennifer Nalewicki published
For the first time, scientists using chia seed experiments have confirmed that Alan Turing's mathematical model can explain patterns seen in nature.
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