Retaining flavor while removing caffeine − a chemist explains the chemistry behind decaf coffee

Even unstimulating coffee has stimulating chemistry.

Michael W. Crowder, Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University • conversation
July 23, 2024 • ~10 min

Meteorites from Mars help scientists understand the red planet’s interior

These rare rocks come in a few different types, which can tell geologists about Mars’ volcanic past and hint at its potential habitability.

James Day, Professor of Geosciences, University of California, San Diego • conversation
July 12, 2024 • ~8 min

The first chemist in history may have been a female perfumer - here’s how the science of scents has changed since

Perfume has complex and fascinating links to ancient chemistry.

Roberta Angioi, PhD, Postdoctoral Researcher in Analytical Chemistry, Dublin City University • conversation
June 21, 2024 • ~7 min

An AI tool for predicting protein shapes could be transformative for medicine, but it challenges science’s need for proof

Science has a need to verify results, but DeepMind’s protein prediction tool doesn’t work this way.

Sam McKee, Tutor and researcher in Philosophy of Science, Manchester Metropolitan University • conversation
May 31, 2024 • ~7 min

Unravelling life’s origin: five key breakthroughs from the past five years

The origin of life on Earth is one of the biggest mysteries in science.

Louise Gillet de Chalonge, PhD Student in Astrobiology, Dublin City University • conversation
May 2, 2024 • ~9 min

Many old books contain toxic chemicals – here’s how to spot them

Two poisonous books were recently removed from the French national library.

Mark Lorch, Professor of Science Communication and Chemistry, University of Hull • conversation
April 29, 2024 • ~6 min

Saturn’s ocean moon Enceladus is able to support life − my research team is working out how to detect extraterrestrial cells there

Saturn’s moon Enceladus has geysers shooting tiny grains of ice into space. These grains could hold traces of life − but researchers need the right tools to tell.

Fabian Klenner, Postdoctoral Scholar in Earth and Space Sciences, University of Washington • conversation
April 17, 2024 • ~8 min

A young Black scientist discovered a pivotal leprosy treatment in the 1920s − but an older colleague took the credit

Historians are working to shine a light on Alice Ball’s legacy and contributions to an early treatment of a dangerous and stigmatizing disease.

Mark M. Lambert, Assistant Professor of Behavioral Medicine, Medical Humanities, and Bioethics, Des Moines University • conversation
April 12, 2024 • ~8 min

What’s in tattoo ink? My team’s chemical analysis found ingredients that aren’t on the label and could cause allergies

Some tattoo inks contain unlabeled materials that can cause allergic reactions.

John Swierk, Assistant Professor, Chemistry, Binghamton University, State University of New York • conversation
March 22, 2024 • ~7 min

Lithium-ion batteries don’t work well in the cold − a battery researcher explains the chemistry at low temperatures

Electric vehicles are catching on across the US, but they’re also catching on fire in colder regions like the Northeast and Midwest.

Wesley Chang, Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics, Drexel University • conversation
March 5, 2024 • ~7 min

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