Asteroids in the solar system could contain undiscovered, superheavy elements

Scientists have been searching Earth’s surface for superheavy elements too difficult to make in the lab, but now, many are looking to the skies instead.

Johann Rafelski, Professor of Physics, University of Arizona • conversation
Oct. 27, 2023 • ~8 min

Physics has long failed to explain life – but we're testing a groundbreaking new theory in the lab

Life seems to just mysteriously ‘emerge’ from non-living parts, such as elementary particles.

Lee Cronin, Regius Chair of Chemistry, University of Glasgow • conversation
Oct. 24, 2023 • ~7 min

A layered lake is a little like Earth’s early oceans − and lets researchers explore how oxygen built up in our atmosphere billions of years ago

An unusual lake with distinct layers of low-oxygen and high-iron water lets researchers investigate conditions like those in the early Earth’s oceans.

Elizabeth Swanner, Associate Professor of Geology, Iowa State University • conversation
Oct. 23, 2023 • ~11 min

Quantum dots − a new Nobel laureate describes the development of these nanoparticles from basic research to industry application

Louis Brus explains some of the foundational research – and how even the letter carrier wants to shake your hand when you’ve just won a Nobel Prize.

Louis Brus, Professor Emeritus of Chemistry, Columbia University • conversation
Oct. 20, 2023 • ~10 min

New class of recyclable polymer materials could one day help reduce single-use plastic waste

A team of scientists has developed a method for creating a new class of plastic materials that are potentially more recyclable than single-use plastics.

Emma Rettner, PhD Candidate in Materials Science and Engineering, Colorado State University • conversation
Oct. 19, 2023 • ~7 min

Rancid food smells and tastes gross − AI tools may help scientists prevent that spoilage

Pantry food can go bad if exposed to oxygen, but an AI model might help develop more effective preservatives and keep food fresher for longer.

Lucas de Brito Ayres, PhD Candidate in Chemistry, Clemson University • conversation
Oct. 19, 2023 • ~7 min

Becoming a Nobel laureate: Louis Brus on his discovery of quantum dots – podcast

Louis Brus, one of the newest Nobel laureates in chemistry, speaks to The Conversation Weekly podcast.

Gemma Ware, Editor and Co-Host, The Conversation Weekly Podcast, The Conversation • conversation
Oct. 19, 2023 • ~4 min

Only 1% of chemical compounds have been discovered – here's how we search for others that could change the world

The limitless world of chemistry and how researchers investigate it.

Matthew Addicoat, Senior Lecturer in Functional Materials, Nottingham Trent University • conversation
Oct. 17, 2023 • ~8 min

Germicidal UV lights could be producing indoor air pollutants, study finds

While useful for killing pathogens including SARS-CoV-2, the lights may cause unwanted chemical reactions and should be used with ventilation, researchers say.

David Chandler | MIT News • mit
Oct. 17, 2023 • ~7 min

Targeting a coronavirus ion channel could yield new Covid-19 drugs

Chemists discover the structures of open and closed states of the channel, which could help the development of antiviral drugs to reduce inflammation.

Anne Trafton | MIT News • mit
Oct. 13, 2023 • ~6 min

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