Chemistry
You either had a pyromaniac chemistry teacher at school who blew things up, in which case you will love the study of atoms and molecules and their structure and properties, or you had someone boring who told you to learn all the element symbols, in which case you probably gave it up as soon as possible. Either way, we live in an unprecedented era in which we know all the building blocks of the Universe, how they react and how to create completely new substances that can eradicate pain and cure diseases.
The asteroid that killed the dinosaurs had a very strange origin, scientists find
New evidence that the impactor came from beyond Jupiter may settle an old debate in cosmo-chemistry.
How did life on Earth begin?
Earth is unlike any planet we know by virtue of hosting a rich variety of life. But experts are still unsure what got it started.
These scientists want to make Chernobyl’s radiation glow. Here’s why
Sunglasses at night, a strange but genius invention, and abandoned radioactive mines in the desert: Meet the scientists making uranium glow.
The 7 best crystal making kits for learning about science in 2024
Teach your kids about chemistry with these fun crystal making kits.
Photosynthesis without plants is now a reality. And it could make life on Mars possible
A team of researchers have designed a breakthrough process which creates light-driven energy – allowing us to live and breathe in space.
The 5 laws of making better home coffee, according to science
Social media is filled with expensive tools and fancy new coffee techniques, but most of these aren’t that helpful, these are the factors to focus on.
Here's what would happen if you lit a firework in space
Without additional oxygen provided by Earth's atmosphere, fireworks wouldn't behave the same way as they do on Earth.
In pictures: The electric-blue lava pouring from Earth’s strangest volcano
The luminous blue lava found on Java is caused by the sulphuric gasses burning in the oxygen-rich air once they reach the surface.
Why do old batteries leak?
The chemicals inside batteries which produce electricity also produce hydrogen which can cause the seal to break.
The best chemistry books to better understand our Universe in 2024
Whether you're a student or just someone looking to improve their chemistry knowledge, these books are for you.
What is freezer burn, and should you still eat the food?
When your food goes from frozen to fossilised. Should you risk it?
Where were my body's atoms a million years ago?
Travel back in time and discover the surprising origin story of the atoms that make up your body - a million years in the making.
How does carbon dating work?
It's used to determine the age of organic materials (e.g. wood, charcoal, and bone) by measuring the amount of the radioactive isotope, carbon-14, remaining in the sample.
How do meteorites from Mars end up on Earth?
There are 60,000 recorded meteorites on Earth.
Can you make a functioning candle from earwax?
According to Shrek the movie, it can. But is this really possible?
What is the Maillard reaction?
It's a sequence of chemical reactions that makes food and drink more enticing to us. Yum!
How do you thicken a sauce?
There are a few ways to thicken a sauce. Here's how, according to science.
How do tearless onions work?
They hit the shops in early 2022, and have been dubbed a 'game-changer' for home cooking. But how do they actually work?
Why are eggs so useful in baking and what is aquafaba?
Aquafaba is made from the viscous leftover from cooking (or soaking) chickpeas, and it's a vegan substitute for eggs.
Photosynthesis: What is it and how does it work?
Photosynthesis is essential for almost all life, and it’s the primary source of oxygen in the atmosphere.
5 of the best slime kits for sensory play in 2024
Don't just play with slime – make it from scratch with these slime kits.
Yeast-free pizza created by process used to make fizzy drinks
The technique could allow those with a yeast allergy to enjoy breads, cakes and pizzas.
How many states of matter are there?
Solid, liquid and gas, right? But what about the other five states you’ve missed?
Cyanide may have played a key role in the origin of life on Earth, and could help us find ET
Researchers in the US have created a chemical reaction in the lab using cyanide that could have triggered organic life to form on Earth 4 billion years ago.