Chemistry news, features and articles

Explore Chemistry

Editor's Picks

Close up view of a pile of hexagons with chemical elements symbols (3d render)
Periodic table of elements quiz: How many elements can you name in 10 minutes? Can you name everything from Ac to Zr? Test your knowledge of the periodic table and see if you can top the leaderboard
Atomic structure, large collider, CERN concept.
Inside the 20-year quest to unravel the bizarre realm of 'quantum superchemistry' More than two decades ago, scientists predicted that at ultra-low temperatures, many atoms could undergo 'quantum superchemistry' and chemically react as one. They've finally shown it's real.
The monument for Marie Sklodowska Curie, the only person to win a Nobel Prize in two different sciences: the Nobel Prize for physics in 1903 (jointly with her husband), and the Nobel Prize for chemistry in 1911.
Nobel Prize in Chemistry: 1901-Present The Nobel Prize in Chemistry includes famous winners such as Marie Curie and Otto Hahn.

Latest about Chemistry

A chemist in a lab coat. Most people think chemistry is something done in lab, but you practice aspects of chemistry everyday.

What is chemistry?

By Alane Lim, Ben Biggs published

Reference Chemistry is the study of matter, its properties, how and why substances combine or separate to form other substances, and how substances interact with energy.

Reference
Representatives from the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences sit in front of a screen displaying the winners of the 2021 Nobel Prize in Chemistry..

Nobel Prize in chemistry given to duo whose method solves 'mirror-image problem' in chemistry

By Ben Turner published

Their solution allows scientists to select the 'chirality' of the molecule they are building

Chemistry
Baking soda cleaning

Why are vinegar and baking soda so good for cleaning?

By Stacy Kish published

Why are common household items like baking soda and vinegar such good cleaning agents?

Chemistry
A pile of plastic bottles.

Scientists convert plastic waste into vanilla flavoring

By Yasemin Saplakoglu published

Scientists have figured out a way to convert plastic waste into vanilla flavoring with genetically engineered bacteria, according to a new study.

Chemistry
A 3D illustration of a neutron star in a gas nebula.

1st measurement of a neutron 'skin' is unlocking the secrets of exploded stars

By Ben Turner published

The thickness of a lump of lead can teach us about the mysterious husks of exploded stars.

Chemistry
collection of plastic toys

How do we turn oil into plastic?

By Emma Bryce published

Here's how crude oil becomes plastic.

Chemistry
An image shows a water droplet hanging from a fern frond. Hydrogen bonds bind water molecules to each other, giving the droplet its characteristic shape. But they're easily broken. Researchers recently discovered a form of hydrogen bond so strong it's comparable to the covalent bonds binding hydrogen and oxygen together into water molecules within the droplet.

New type of ultra-strong chemical bond discovered

By Rafi Letzter published

Similar to the bonds found in water, but way more powerful, this new bond could offer deep insight into the true workings of chemical reactions.

Chemistry
Scientists transitioned ammonia into a metallic bronze.

Scientists finally solve the mystery behind a 100-year-old chemistry experiment

By Stephanie Pappas published

Scientists may finally understand the mysterious transition behind a century-old chemistry experiment involving metals.

Chemistry
Periodic table of elements

How Many Chemical Elements Can You Name? 1 in 5 Americans Can't Name One.

By Stephanie Pappas published

One in 5 Americans can't name a single element on the Periodic Table.

Elements
PFAS were developed for firefighting foam.

What Are PFAS?

By Rachel Ross published

These synthetic chemicals have been included in numerous household products for more than eight decades, but are they safe?

Chemistry
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Archives