Chemistry

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.

Chemistry

Molecular surgery traps hydrogen inside carbon cage

In a feat of precision chemistry, scientists have locked a pair of hydrogen atoms inside a soccer ball–shaped carbon molecule known as a buckyball.

Chemistry

Chemistry au Naturel

Chemists aim to mimic natural systems with the hope of developing more-efficient chemical processes that are also less harmful to the environment.

Chemistry

Hungry for Hydrogen: Microbes in hot springs feed on unlikely source

Microbes dwelling in Yellowstone National Park's hot springs draw their energy not from sulfur but from hydrogen.

Chemistry

Building artificial cells from scratch

Scientists have created artificial cells that can live and produce proteins as their natural counterparts do, but can't replicate.

Chemistry

Recipe for Roman cosmetic revealed

British chemists have found that a white material inside a small tin canister excavated from a 2000-year-old Roman temple is an ancient cosmetic face cream.

Chemistry

Researchers stretch for improved surfaces

A surprisingly simple, new technique could create better coatings for everything from medical implants to ship hulls.

Chemistry

Cleaning up anthrax

Chemists have developed catalysts that spur common oxidants to quickly destroy germs, including deadly anthrax spores.

Chemistry

Busy Beads: Magnetic dust takes droplets for a ride

With a bit of dust and a magnet, chemists can shuttle drops around on a surface, an advance that could lead to chemistry labs on a chip.