Chemistry
Discovered: The Molecule Responsible for Itchiness
A neurotransmitter called Nppb, we now know, plays a vital role in the sensation of an itch—and removing it can prevent itchiness entirely
May 23, 2013 |
By Joseph Stromberg
Dentists Discovered the Tooth-Saving Properties of Fluoride by Accident
This is the fourth time Portland has voted on fluoride, and it certainly won't be the last
May 22, 2013 |
By Rose Eveleth
Water Cut Off From the World for Billions of Years Is Bubbling From the Bottom of a Mine
1.5 miles down at the base of a Canadian mine life may have thrived
May 16, 2013 |
By Colin Schultz
Easy-Peasy Test Finds Serious Fetal Health Issues Earlier
Scientists can detect signs of Down Syndrome, brain damage and a preterm delivery using this new urine test
May 13, 2013 |
By Colin Schultz
The Water On the Moon Probably Came From Earth
New isotopic analysis of hydrogen in Apollo-era Moon rocks shows that the water locked inside them hails from our planet
May 09, 2013 |
By Joseph Stromberg
Heavy Metals, Insects and Other Weird Things Found in Lipstick Through Time
From seaweed and beetles to lead and synthetic chemicals, lipstick has seen its share of strange—and dangerous—components
May 03, 2013 |
By Marina Koren
How Can the U.S. Government Know If Syrian Combatants Were Affected by Sarin Gas?
Reports from the White House that sarin gas were used in Syria, but how could you test for it?
April 26, 2013 |
By Colin Schultz
Cops Could Soon Use Breathalyzers to Test for Illegal Drugs
Swedish researchers are developing a system that tests for 12 different drugs on your breath, including cocaine, marijuana and amphetamines
April 26, 2013 |
By Joseph Stromberg
For Some Species, You Really Are What You Eat
Flamingos, shrimp and many other animals use chemical compounds found in their diets to color their exteriors
April 24, 2013 |
By Marina Koren
Genetically Modified E. Coli Bacteria Can Now Synthesize Diesel Fuel
By combining genes from different bacteria species, scientists created E. coli that can consume fat and excrete diesel fuel
April 22, 2013 |
By Joseph Stromberg
This Weird New Chemical Can Pull Uranium Out of the Ocean
A highly-selective new compound can pull uranium right out of the ocean water
April 22, 2013 |
By Colin Schultz
Intriguing Science Art From the University of Wisconsin
From a fish's dyed nerves to vapor strewn across the planet, images submitted to a contest at the university offer new perspectives of the natural world
April 19, 2013 |
By Megan Gambino
Merely a Taste of Beer Can Trigger a Rush of Chemical Pleasure in the Brain
New research shows just a sip can cause the potent neurotransmitter dopamine to flood the brain
April 15, 2013 |
By Joseph Stromberg
Highly Recommended: Teaching Climate Change And Evolution in Science Class
On Tuesday, United States educators unveiled a new science curriculum that includes new subjects like climate change and evolution
April 10, 2013 |
By Rose Eveleth
Can We Use Umami to Get People to Eat Better?
Research into umami has unlocked answers about our preferences, our recipes, and perhaps how to correct our crash course with obesity
April 10, 2013 |
By Rose Eveleth
All the Conditions Required for Life to Appear Are Here, in Antarctica’s Amazing Ice Stalactites
Brinicles, more than ice fingers of death, may have driven the formation of life
April 09, 2013 |
By Colin Schultz
What’s in Century-Old ‘Snake Oil’ Medicines? Mercury and Lead
A chemical analysis of early 1900s medicines, billed as cure-alls, revealed vitamins and calcium along with toxic compounds
April 08, 2013 |
By Joseph Stromberg
Your Breath Is as Unique as Your Fingerprint
Microbes within our bodies give our breath a unique signature
April 05, 2013 |
By Rachel Nuwer
Video: Researchers Produce Human Tissue-Like Material Using 3D Printing
Using droplets coated in oil as "ink," a 3D printer can construct a network of synthetic cells that mimics brain and fat tissue
April 04, 2013 |
By Marina Koren
