Chemistry

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We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.

  1. Chemistry

    Three kids’ science books offer fun, fascinating experiments

    No matter what interests kids, there’s a do-it-yourself science book for them. Here are three with entertaining and educational options.

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  2. Chemistry

    Pathway pieced together to make opiates in yeast

    Scientists have engineered yeast to make sugar into thebaine, a precursor to opiates such as morphine.

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  3. Chemistry

    Automated chemistry could build better drugs fast and cheap

    Automated molecular synthesis may win over chemists who are not convinced that more technology in drug design is better.

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  4. Science & Society

    Monster fish, forensics and space exploration on display

    Exhibits and opera infuse science into their experience.

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  5. Chemistry

    Mussels use chemical primer to cement themselves to rocks

    Gluing proteins contain their own built-in primer.

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  6. Chemistry

    Plants’ ‘don’t-eat-me’ chemicals no problem for earthworms

    Newly discovered gut compounds called drilodefensins allow earthworms to pack in plant debris loaded with hazardous chemicals.

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  7. Climate

    Carbon dating may soon lead to mismatches

    Carbon released from burning fossil fuels will jeopardize the effectiveness of many carbon dating applications, new research predicts.

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  8. Chemistry

    Biology may provide just the right chemistry for new drugs

    Using enzymes and microbes to make new drugs may help revive the pharmaceutical industry.

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  9. Chemistry

    Missing enzyme to blame for scentless roses

    The unusual enzyme behind roses’ sweet smell may help researchers revive the flower’s potent aroma.

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  10. Environment

    Mystery toxins in tainted New Zealand honey nabbed

    Sweet and stealthy toxins have been caught sticky-handed, potentially solving a decades-long mystery of tainted honey in New Zealand.

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  11. Chemistry

    Quantum chemistry may be a shortcut to life-changing compounds

    Quantum chemistry could launch a manufacturing revolution, helping to identify materials for improved solar cells, better batteries or more effective medicines.

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  12. Plants

    Fifty years ago, ethylene research ripened

    In 1965, scientists realized ethylene was the molecule that ripens fruit.

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