Chemistry
We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
- Climate
Wanted: New ways to chill air conditioners, fridges
A new amendment to the Montreal Protocol will phase out potent greenhouse gases currently used in air conditioners and refrigerators, prompting a hunt for eco-friendly alternatives.
- Chemistry
Water softeners get friendlier to health, environment
New technology softens water without adding sodium, which ends up in drinking water and contaminates the environment.
- Chemistry
Molecules for making nanomachines snare chemistry Nobel
Nanochemists win Nobel prize for devising molecular machines
- Chemistry
Minuscule machines earn trio 2016 chemistry Nobel
The creators of mini machines including chains, axles and motors have earned the 2016 Nobel Prize in chemistry.
- Planetary Science
Rock hounds are on the hunt for new carbon minerals
The race is on to find about 140 predicted carbon-based minerals in locations around the world. Map included.
- Health & Medicine
Phil Baran finds simple recipes for complex molecules
Chemist Phil Baran draws on artistry and creativity to efficiently synthesize molecules that could improve people's lives.
- Materials Science
Qian Chen makes matter come alive
Materials scientist Qian Chen is coaxing nanomaterials to self-assemble in new and unexpected ways.
- Archaeology
Oldest indigo-dyed fabric found
South American society was first known to use complex dye process on fabrics.
- Earth
Where the young hot Earth cached its gold
A simulation of the infant Earth provides a new view of how the iron-loving precious metals ended up buried deep in the planet’s core.
- Chemistry
FDA bans chemicals in antibacterial soaps
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration ruled against 19 antibacterial soap ingredients, citing insufficient evidence of bacteria-killing and safety problems.
- Chemistry
X-rays reveal portrait hiding beneath Degas masterpiece
X-ray technique reveals an additional painting hiding behind Edgar Degas’ "Portrait of a Woman."
- Chemistry
Vaping’s toxic vapors come mainly from e-liquid solvents
New study homes in on a primary source of toxic vaping compounds: the thermal breakdown of solvents used to dissolve flavorings in e-liquids. And older, dirtier e-cigs generate more of these toxicants, study shows.
