Chemistry
We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
- Chemistry
Radiation sickness treatment shows promise
The regimen could be used to protect large numbers of people in the aftermath of major accidents such as Chernobyl or Fukushima.
- Chemistry
Plastic isn’t over yet
A tough new form of the 20th century’s signature polymer could extend its usefulness and make it more recyclable.
- Tech
Tiniest car gets a test drive
Scientists build the world's tiniest electric 'roadster,' and zap it into action.
- Humans
Contrasting the concerns over climate and ozone loss
On November 7, ozone and climate scientists met in Washington, D.C., to discuss whether the history of stratospheric ozone protection offered a useful case study about how to catalyze global action on carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. The simple answer that emerged: No.
- Chemistry
Headache tree is a pain in the brain
Following a gardener’s lead, researchers discover an ingredient in bay laurel that causes uncomfortable swelling of cranial blood vessels.
- Chemistry
Cloud seeding by trees could alter precipitation, climate
Some tree pollens shed molecules that can affect precipitation.
- Humans
Study recalibrates trees’ carbon uptake
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.
- Chemistry
Unusual crystal patterns win chemistry Nobel
First rejected as impossible, the discovery that atoms can pack in subtly varied patterns forced revisions of fundamental concepts.
- Chemistry
Miracle fruit secret revealed
Bizarre berry works by sensitizing the tongue's sweet sensors to acidic flavors.
- Chemistry
Molecules/Matter & Energy
An atom steps in as a mirror, ladybug chemical weapons and more in this week's news.
- Chemistry
Science gets the deets on DEET
New research demonstrates how insect repellent may mix up mosquitoes’ smelling machinery.
- Chemistry
Molecular muscle gets the job done
Chemists solve a stubborn problem by resorting to strong-arm tactics.
