Chemistry
We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
- Chemistry
Striking Oil: High-pressure processing minimizes trans fats
Improvements in the techniques used to hydrogenate vegetable oils could soon fill store shelves with food products containing smaller percentages of unhealthful trans fats.
- Chemistry
Inside a melting crystal
A model crystal made of water-saturated polymer spheres shows that small defects in a crystal can cause it to melt from the inside out.
- Chemistry
Energy on Ice
Recent efforts to unlock a frozen source of natural gas deep under the permafrost and ocean floor have energized prospects for a methane-hydrate industry.
- Chemistry
Chemical analysis deciphers biblical palette
The first characterization of the paints used to decorate the margins of Gutenberg Bibles could help guide preservation and future restoration efforts.
- Chemistry
Boxes coated with citronella repel insects
A fragrant grass extract known as citronella oil may deter insects from infesting cartons of food.
- Chemistry
Metal Rebel: Under extreme pressure, sodium breaks the rules for turning into liquid
In a demonstration that defies certain basic assumptions in physics, researchers have created liquid sodium at room temperature under high pressures.
- Chemistry
Crystal clear
Growing drug crystals on different polymer surfaces could improve a critical step in the development of pharmaceuticals.
- Chemistry
The Proper Popper: Corn kernel’s chemistry is key to its ka-pop
The secret to better popcorn popping is the crystalline structure of the kernel's hull.
- Chemistry
Color Trails: Natural dyes in historic textiles get a closer look
A new chemical technique for extracting natural dyes from ancient textiles could help identify the plant species from which the colorants came.
- Chemistry
Expanding the genetic code
In an effort to explore the mechanisms of evolution, researchers have designed an unnatural chemical base and inserted it into synthetic DNA in a test tube.
- Chemistry
Stopping wool from shrinking
Treating wool with a fungal enzyme not only prevents the fibers from shrinking but also is more environmentally friendly than using conventional chemical treatments.
- Chemistry
Parrot plumage has exclusive pigmentation
The spectacular colors of parrot feathers owe their vibrancy to a set of pigments found nowhere else in nature.
