Chemistry
We summarize the week's science breakthroughs every Thursday.
- Humans
Metal water bottles may leach BPA
Consumers who switched from polycarbonate-plastic water bottles to metal ones in hopes of avoiding the risk that bisphenol A will leach into their beverages aren’t necessarily any better off, a new study finds. Some metal water bottles leach even more BPA — an estrogen-mimicking pollutant — than do ones made from the now-pariah plastic.
- Chemistry
Molecules/Matter & Energy
Tibetan singing bowls, supersized Rubik's Cubes and sound-squeezing soda cans in this week's news
- Chemistry
Fats stimulate binge eating
Much like marijuana, fatty foods can spur overeating, a study in rats shows. The new finding also suggests possible therapies to combat the munchies.
- Tech
Some comfort about broken CFLs
My night-owl daughter woke me in a panic at around 2 a.m., a couple of weeks back. While swatting at a fly, she’d just broken the compact fluorescent light illuminating her closet. Having heard me warn endlessly of how we should be careful in handling these bulbs — since they contain mercury — she wanted to know what kind of damage control was called for. I only wish I knew then what I do now.
- Chemistry
Molecules/Matter & Energy
Electrifying ink, superelastic alloys, knotty molecules and more in this week's news.
- Chemistry
Molecules/Matter & Energy
Human magnetism, electronic fungus sniffers and heat-triggered tumor killers in this week's news.
- Chemistry
Molecules/Matter & Energy
A first look at the roots of sight, plus fading blues, steady birds and more in this week’s news.
- Chemistry
Dino proteins could have been sheltered
An analysis of collagen structure finds protective pockets, backing up claims of preserved tissue finds.
- Tech
New technique spins superlong nanowires
Made from any number of materials, fibers are millionths of a millimeter across and kilometers long.
- Chemistry
Molecules/Matter & Energy
Antimatter in a bottle, superfluid swirls, ladybug poisons and more in this week's news.
- Chemistry
Water-air interface barely there
The transition between gas and liquid is an extremely insubstantial affair.
- Chemistry
Molecules/Matter & Energy
Detecting gunshot residue, free-falling through sand and thinning blood magnetically in this week's news.
