Chemistry
We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
- Chemistry
Milk protein a potential flame retardant
Protein found in milk offers a nontoxic way to extinguish fabric fires.
- Earth
Age of Earth’s crust confirmed
Decaying atoms traced in zircon uphold dating of Earth's crust at about 4.374 billion years old.
- Tech
Creature power
Biological fuel cells that generate electricity by harnessing sugars and oxygen in the body may one day power implanted devices in humans and other animals.
- Chemistry
X-rays uncover hidden faces in Rembrandt painting
Lead paint under the surface of the work gives away the artist’s indecisiveness.
- Math
Goldberg variations: New shapes for molecular cages
Scientists have figured a way to iron out the wrinkles in a large class of molecular cages.
- Chemistry
Carbon monoxide junked for making plastic
Using a catalyst, chemists can swap in the less dangerous carbon dioxide.
- Chemistry
Swapping electrolytes could prevent big battery fires
Researchers now say they have designed a nonflammable lithium ion battery that is as effective as what is already in use.
- Chemistry
Battery blueprint promises green energy storage
A device that relies on organic molecules could cheaply bank power from renewable sources.
- Chemistry
Salt spices up chemistry
Hot, compressed sodium chloride stretches the fundamental rules of matter.
- Chemistry
Ancient bond holds life together, literally
The chemical link between sulfur and nitrogen in animal tissues and organs may have sparked the assembly of single cells into complex animals.
- Chemistry
Keeping wine fine for a longer time
Trace metals in wine can be oxidized, producing browning and a nasty smell. A new study shows how we might be able to keep wine fine using chelators. The catch? You may not be able to drink it.
- Life
To cook up life, just add citrate
The theory that RNA spawned the first organisms gets a boost from a common compound.
