News

Chemistry

Zinc-air batteries are typically single-use. A new design could change that

Swapping out the electrolyte in zinc-air batteries helps these next-gen power sources last longer.

Animals

These spiders may sew leaves into fake shelters to lure frogs to their doom

Madagascar’s huntsman spiders use silk to turn two leaves into a cool hollow. Such microhabitats may appeal to the spiders’ prey, a study suggests.

Climate

What the pandemic can teach us about ways to reduce air pollution

Data collected during COVID-19 shutdowns may help tease out the complicated chemistry that brews poor air quality.

Earth

Plastic drinking water pipes exposed to high heat can leak hazardous chemicals

Lab tests exposing commonly used water pipes to wildfire-like heat show damaged pipes can leach the carcinogen benzene and other chemicals.