Chemistry
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We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
- Health & Medicine
Early work on human growth hormone paved way for synthetic versions
In 1966, researchers reported the complete chemical structure of human growth hormone. Today synthetic growth hormone is used to treat growth hormone deficiency.
- Earth
Most diamonds share a common origin story
Most diamonds form from fluids deep inside Earth’s interior that contain carbonate compounds, new research suggests.
- Health & Medicine
Fridge-sized contraption makes drugs on demand
A new drug-making system rapidly produces a variety of medications on demand.
- Health & Medicine
Machine makes drugs on demand
A new drug-making system rapidly produces a variety of medications on demand.
- Climate
Organic molecules help fatten cloud-making water droplets
Cloud-forming water droplets can grow larger thanks to organic molecules on the exterior of the drop, new research suggests.
- Science & Society
Science gives clues to ‘The Bedroom’ as van Gogh painted it
Art and science converge in a visualization of the original colors of Vincent van Gogh’s “The Bedroom.”
By Kate Travis - Chemistry
After 75 years, plutonium is still NASA’s fuel of choice
On the 75th anniversary of the discovery of plutonium, the radioactive element is still not a major source of fuel for nuclear power plants in the United States.
- Chemistry
Frozen oil droplets morph and shine
Scientists can turn oil droplets into an array of crystalline shapes by manipulating the chemistry and temperature of the droplets’ surroundings.
- Chemistry
Experiment offers glimpse at how to make hydrogen metallic
A new phase of hydrogen could represent the stepping stone for transforming element 1 into a metal.
By Andrew Grant - Chemistry
Experiment offers glimpse at how to make hydrogen metallic
A new phase of hydrogen could represent the stepping stone for transforming element 1 into a metal.
By Andrew Grant - Chemistry
Four elements earn permanent seats on the periodic table
The four newest elements on the periodic table gain official recognition and will be getting new names soon.
By Andrew Grant - Science & Society
Science puzzles no longer so puzzling
This year, researchers solved the riddle of mysterious radio bursts, the Erdös discrepancy problem and an elusive acid.