Chemistry

Chemistry

Nitrogen Power: New crystal packs a lot of punch

At extremely high temperatures and pressures, nitrogen gas assumes a three-dimensional crystal structure called polymeric nitrogen, a long-sought energy-storage material.

Chemistry

Chemistry Catches Cocaine at Source

Scientists have devised a method for identifying cocaine's geographical origin by determining the chemical signatures of five distinct coca-growing regions in the Andes.

Chemistry

Connection blocker may stop viruses

Using compounds that disrupt the interface of two viral proteins might present a novel strategy for combating viruses, a study of herpes suggests.

Chemistry

Detailed yellow-bud research blossoms

In identifying the chemical responsible for the color of many yellow flowers, scientists have moved one step closer to engineering sunny-colored designer buds.

Chemistry

Weighty Discovery: Chemical screening technique identifies potential anthrax drug

A new version of mass spectrometry could speed the process of drug discovery by enabling more accurate screening of thousands of chemicals at once.

Chemistry

Crystal could generate pure hydrogen fuel

An organic crystal's unusual molecular-trapping behavior could help drive a new hydrogen economy.

Chemistry

Chemical Knot: Scientists assemble legendary symbol by interlocking molecules

Chemists have constructed a molecular version of a Borromean knot.

Chemistry

Strange brew brings inorganic chemicals to life

A mixture of inorganic chemicals spontaneously forms cell-like structures that behave like tiny chemical reactors.

Chemistry

Home Experiments

Collapsing a soft drink can, fireproofing a balloon, creating cool light, and bending water are among the activities offered by Bassam Z. Shakhashiri, a chemistry professor at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. His Web pages provide instructions for performing these and other experiments at home. Go to: http://scifun.chem.wisc.edu/homeexpts/HOMEEXPTS.HTML.

Chemistry

Space Invaders

Recent astronomical observations and sophisticated lab experiments portray space as a breeding ground for complex organic molecules, the likes of which may have jump-started life on Earth.

Chemistry

King Midas’ Modern Mourners

Chemistry resurrects—in Philadelphia—an ancient funeral banquet.

Chemistry

Materials Factory: RNA manufactures palladium particles

Chemists have evolved RNA fragments in the lab that spontaneously synthesize highly uniform, hexagonal-shaped nanoparticles of palladium.