Why is the sky blue?

The answer has to do with molecules.

Daniel Freedman, Dean of the College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics & Management, University of Wisconsin-Stout • conversation
Jan. 20, 2025 • ~6 min

Why does red wine cause headaches? Our research points to a compound found in the grapes’ skin

Opt for a lighter, cheaper red wine if you’re trying to dodge a headache this holiday season.

Apramita Devi, Postdoctoral researcher in food science and technology, University of California, Davis • conversation
Dec. 16, 2024 • ~7 min

We developed a way to use light to dismantle PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ – long-lasting environmental pollutants

PFAS are made up of a chain of incredibly strong carbon-fluorine bonds, which make them difficult to break down.

Xin Liu, Postdoctoral Scholar in Chemistry, Colorado State University • conversation
Dec. 13, 2024 • ~8 min

Meat has a distinct taste, texture and aroma − a biochemist explains how plant-based alternatives mimic the real thing

Whether your holiday table has turkey or Tofurky this year, you’re consuming a combination of proteins, fats and water.

Julie Pollock, Associate Professor of Chemistry, University of Richmond • conversation
Nov. 25, 2024 • ~9 min

Rain may have helped form the first cells, kick-starting life as we know it

The earliest cells likely didn’t have membranes to separate and protect their components and chemistry away from a harsh surrounding environment. But they may have made do with rain.

Aman Agrawal, Postdoctoral Scholar in Chemical Engineering, University of Chicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering • conversation
Oct. 15, 2024 • ~12 min

I was a beta tester for the Nobel prize-winning AlphaFold AI – it’s going to revolutionise health research

AlphaFold, which has been awarded the 2024 Nobel prize in chemistry, could pave the way for new treatments and drugs.

Rivka Isaacson, Professor of Molecular Biophysics, King's College London • conversation
Oct. 11, 2024 • ~7 min

AI was central to two of 2024’s Nobel prize categories. It’s a sign of things to come

AI will feature in future Nobel prizes as scientists exploit the power of this technology for research.

Nello Cristianini, Professor of Artificial Intelligence, University of Bath • conversation
Oct. 10, 2024 • ~5 min

Many stable atoms have ‘magic numbers’ of protons and neutrons − 75 years ago, 2 physicists discovered their special properties

All the oxygen in your body is thanks to magic numbers of protons and neutrons in the nucleus.

Sean Liddick, Associate Professor of Chemistry, Michigan State University • conversation
Oct. 7, 2024 • ~9 min

Tiny robots and AI algorithms could help to craft material solutions for cleaner environments

Some materials react and generate potentially helpful particles when exposed to light. Analytical AI can help scientists sort through materials to find ones with this property.

Mahshid Ahmadi, Assistant Professor of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Tennessee • conversation
Sept. 17, 2024 • ~7 min

Cheesemaking is a complex science – a food chemist explains the process from milk to mozzarella

Cheesemaking is an ancient practice, and modern methods and chemistry have made it a science.

John A. Lucey, Professor of Food Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison • conversation
July 24, 2024 • ~8 min

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