Chemical Reactions

Melted calculator
(Image credit: Stephen Roberts/Shutterstock)

Here is the science behind the coolest chemical reactions that you’ve seen on Reddit, YouTube or elsewhere on the web.

Latest about chemical reactions

Electrical discharges given off by the leaves of plants during a thunderstorm can significantly alter the surrounding air quality.

Plant leaves spark with electricity during thunderstorms — and that could be altering our air quality in unpredictable ways

By Harry Baker published

During thunderstorms, leaves from trees and other plants create mini electric discharges that can significantly alter the surrounding air quality. But researchers are unsure if this is beneficial or harmful.

Wildfires
A glass of water being filled from the faucet in the sunlight.

Scientists find a simple way to destroy 'forever chemicals' — by beheading them

By Stephanie Pappas published

PFAS chemicals, known as "forever chemicals" because they don't break down in nature, can be beheaded with a simple, inexpensive method.

Health
An illustration depicts Titan's dense yellowish atmosphere above a river of methane on the moon surface

Moon-in-a-jar recreates the hazy atmosphere of Titan, Saturn's largest moon

By Nicoletta Lanese published

A new experiment recreated Titan in small glass cylinders.

Saturn
A rare meteorite found in England in March 2021.

4.6 billion-year-old meteorite found in horseshoe footprint

By Stephanie Pappas published

A meteorite found nestled in a horseshoe imprint in England was formed in the early days of the solar system and may contain the building blocks of life.

Meteoroids
Turn milk into plastic in this fun hands-on science experiment.

Summer School with Live Science: Turn milk into plastic

By Diana Whitcroft published

This Friday (July 9), we will explore the chemistry of milk plastic, (or casein plastic) in our new kids video series: Summer School with Live Science.

Planet Earth
Egg drop experiment, which is part of the Summer School with Live Science.

Summer School with Live Science: Egg Drop Challenge

By Diana Whitcroft published

Live Science will explore the critical field of engineering in our new kids video series: Summer School with Live Science.

Planet Earth
Lemon volcanoes.

Summer School with Live Science: Lemon volcanoes

By Diana Whitcroft published

Live Science will explore the eruptive realm of acid-base chemistry in our new kids video series: Summer School with Live Science.

Volcanos
Colorful depiction of atoms.

Lightest-known form of uranium created

By Mara Johnson-Groh published

Scientists have discovered a new type of uranium that is the lightest ever known.

Planet Earth
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Best Periodic Table Gifts

By Amy Kaspriskie published

Ensure the science-obsessed person in your life nerds out with a creative chemistry-inspired gift. Our collection of the periodic table finds will certainly be a hit.

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Best Gifts for Chemistry Lovers

By Amy Kaspriskie published

The science of gift-giving is simple when you're buying for chemistry lovers, just keep the periodic table in mind. To assist, we've assembled our favorites items.

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