Chemistry

  1. 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.

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  2. 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.

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  3. 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.

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  4. 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.

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  5. 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.

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  6. 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.

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  7. 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.

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  8. 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.

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  9. Chemistry

    Researchers stretch for improved surfaces

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

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  10. Chemistry

    Cleaning up anthrax

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

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  11. 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.

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  12. Chemistry

    Fatty acid makes busy micropotter

    A fatty acid commonly found in soap and vegetable oil assembles into microscopic, potterylike structures when it crystallizes.

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