Water
Water is one of the main ingredients to life as we know it, it covers 71 per cent of Earth’s surface and also makes up about 60 per cent of human bodies. It is so essential for life that humans can only live without water for three to four days. Water is a molecule containing two hydrogen and one oxygen atom, its chemical formula is H2O. Water is a liquid at room temperature, ice in its solid state below 0ºC and steam/water vapour in its gaseous state above 100ºC.
Can liquids exist in space?
Even the simplest states of matter aren’t safe beyond Earth
What you're getting wrong about hydration (and how much is really enough)
Here are six science-backed ways to drink yourself healthy
Here’s what could happen to your teeth if fluoride disappears from drinking water
Dental experts are sounding the alarm about removing fluoride from drinking water, but how much of an impact will the ban actually have?
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Something strange is happening to Earth’s rotation. Now we know why
Earth is wobbling more than it should. Scientists say massive water losses are to blame
What exactly do water filters filter out?
They don’t necessarily remove all contaminants.
What is Mexico's blue hole?
The world's deepest marine sinkhole is at least 420m deep but remains a mystery to scientists.
The strange science of how fog forms
Fog occurs when air saturated with water vapour is cooled suddenly, and there are several different ways this can happen.
Earth’s largest cities are sinking into the ocean. Here’s what that means
From Manila to New York, the world’s urban centres are sinking at a disturbing rate and it’s not solely the result of rising sea levels. So what is to blame?
Drinking bottled water is much worse for you than tap, scientists find
Think bottled water is safer than tap water? Think again.
Olympic marathon swimmers will (very very) likely get diarrhoea, say experts
Où sont les toilettes, s'il vous plait?
Why is the pink lake in Australia pink?
Hint: it’s not a Barbie movie marketing ploy.
17 absolutely mind-blowing Underwater Photographer of the Year winners 2024
Come and dive down with us as we take a look at the best photos taken beneath the waves.
Top 10 longest rivers in the world 2024
Spoiler: the Amazon doesn't take the prize for the globe's lengthiest river.
Is water actually wet? Scientists aren't sure
We dive into the surprisingly deep scientific debate.
What is guttation?
The build-up of water inside plants is released via sap through specialist pores in the leaf.
Meet the Amazon river dolphin: pink, piranha-eating, melon-headed cetaceans living in South America's longest waterway
Get ready to explore the vibrant world of these underwater divas with some amazing facts about the pink river dolphin.
What gives clouds their shape?
Why are some clouds puffy and other clouds wispy?
What is the best way to dry clothes indoors?
The ideal way to dry wet laundry is to hang it outside on a warm, sunny day, but that’s not always possible.
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.
What’s the difference between wave energy and tidal energy?
Scientists and engineers are developing ways to capture these renewable resources.
What is a yeti crab?
This squat lobster can be found hanging out at deep-sea hydrothermal vents and cold seeps.
What is a fogbow?
This rare weather phenomenon is the rainbow's ghostly cousin.
Artificial glaciers | What are they and how are they made?
Also called ice stupas, they are an innovative solution to tackling water shortages caused by drought in the summer months, and can help combat the effects of climate change.