Chemistry news, features and articles
Editor's Picks
-
New reactor could more than triple the yield of one of the world's most valuable chemicalsA new reactor creates ammonia from polluted wastewater using electricity, and it's way more efficient than existing methods.
By Victoria Atkinson Published
-
Why does metal squeak?Squeaking metal can be grating on the nerves, but it serves an important purpose.
By Sarah Wells Published
-
Does honey ever go bad?Honey owes its long shelf-life to its makers, but it doesn't always last forever.
By Kristel Tjandra Published
-
What is the world's most dangerous chemical?There are plenty of harmful chemicals, but the devil is in the details when determining which is the most dangerous.
By Victoria Atkinson Published
-
Why does cotton shrink?The science of ruining your favorite shirt is more complicated than you might think.
By Sarah Wells Published
-
Secrets of radioactive 'promethium' — a rare earth element with mysterious applications — uncovered after 80-year searchScientists have revealed key properties of radioactive promethium, a rare earth element with poorly understood applications, using a groundbreaking new method.
By Victoria Atkinson Published
-
Scientists grow diamonds from scratch in 15 minutes thanks to groundbreaking new processScientists have used a new technique to synthesize diamonds at normal, atmospheric pressure and without a starter gem, which could make the precious gemstones easier to grow in the lab.
By Deepa Jain Published
-
Chinese scientists have found a way to make batteries more efficient — by using waterChinese researchers have found a way to make aqueous batteries more energy-dense, by adding bromide to the electrolyte solution
By Victoria Atkinson Published
-
Why does striking flint against steel start a fire?What's the science behind starting a fire with flint and steel?
By Laurel Hamers Published




