A new way to evaluate molecules offers a finer-grained picture of which ones could become drugs.

Munched by a manipulated microbe, ocean algae readily yield ethanol.

Bruce Banner isn’t the only scientist who could crush you with one mighty squeeze. These days, the Hulk’s superhuman strength is matched by researchers who squish all kinds of stuff in superscience experiments. The goal isn’t to save the world from baddies, but to explore new frontiers in the nature of matter. After all, most material in the universe exists at bone-crushing pressures. Think massive stars and planetary cores — realms no comic book fan or other Earth dweller has ever seen. Deep within the planet, rock experiences pressures more than 1 million times as great as the “1... (p. 26)

Chemists synthesize a five-crossing structure centered on chloride. (p. 12)

A tough new form of the 20th century’s signature polymer could extend its usefulness and make it more recyclable. (p. 8)

First rejected as impossible, the discovery that atoms can pack in subtly varied patterns forced revisions of fundamental concepts. (p. 13)

Photosynthesis appears to be somewhat speedier than conventional wisdom had suggested, a new study finds. If true, this suggests computer projections are at risk of overestimating the potential for trees to sop up carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas.

The Toyota Prius isn’t exactly a muscle car. But the magnets under the hood certainly pack a punch. Pound for pound, these permanent magnets are some of the most powerful on the planet. They generate fields 10 times stronger than those of typical refrigerator magnets, helping the hybrid car’s motor and generator to turn the wheels and charge the battery. The secret to the magnets’ intense fields? About three pounds of alloy made with rare earth elements. Rare earths, 17 chemical elements found mostly in an appendage to the periodic table, have long been the darlings of solid-state phys... (p. 18)