Nanoparticles will change the world, but whether it's for the better depends on decisions made now

Nanoparticles have contributed to profound medical advances like the COVID-19 vaccine, but without oversight, they pose ethical and environmental issues.

Kristin Omberg, Group Leader, Chemical and Biological Signatures, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory • conversation
Sept. 7, 2023 • ~9 min

The bubbly chemistry behind carbonated beverages

Ever wonder how soda manufacturers get the bubbles and fizz inside the can? A chemist explains some of the science behind the carbonation process. Hint − it involves carbon.

Michael W. Crowder, Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University • conversation
Aug. 14, 2023 • ~7 min

Why does your hair curl in the summer? A chemist explains the science behind hair structure

A chemist explains how the structure of your hair follicles, your genetic code and environmental factors like humidity influence how hair behaves on a day-to-day basis.

Tara S. Carpenter, Principle Lecturer, University of Maryland, Baltimore County • conversation
Aug. 11, 2023 • ~7 min

Before he developed the atomic bomb, J. Robert Oppenheimer's early work revolutionized the field of quantum chemistry – and his theory is still used today

Remember building model molecules with balls and sticks in chemistry class? You have J. Robert Oppenheimer to thank for that, as a quantum chemist explains.

Aaron W. Harrison, Assistant Professor of Chemistry, Austin College • conversation
Aug. 4, 2023 • ~7 min

Before developing the atomic bomb, J. Robert Oppenheimer's early work revolutionized the field of quantum chemistry – and his theory is still used today

Remember building model molecules with balls and sticks in chemistry class? You have J. Robert Oppenheimer to thank for that, as a quantum chemist explains.

Aaron W. Harrison, Assistant Professor of Chemistry, Austin College • conversation
Aug. 4, 2023 • ~7 min

3M offers $10.3B settlement over PFAS contamination in water systems – now, how do you destroy a 'forever chemical'?

PFAS can be filtered, but getting rid of the chemicals is a monumental challenge. A biochemist and soil scientist explain.

Hui Li, Professor of Environmental and Soil Chemistry, Michigan State University • conversation
June 23, 2023 • ~8 min

Glass: Neither a solid nor a liquid, this common yet complicated material is still surprising scientists

Two glass researchers explain how glass is made, the unique properties of glass and how those properties have allowed it to be a useful material to humans for thousands of years.

Katelyn Kirchner, PhD Candidate in Materials Science, Penn State • conversation
June 13, 2023 • ~7 min

Researchers turned superglue into a recyclable, cheap, oil-free plastic alternative

Researchers have developed a method for producing strong plastic materials by tweaking the chemical structure of superglue.

Scott Phillips, Professor of Materials Science and Engineering, Boise State University • conversation
March 22, 2023 • ~5 min

Water in space – a 'Goldilocks' star reveals previously hidden step in how water gets to planets like Earth

Astronomers have long known where water is first formed in the universe and how it ends up on planets, asteroids and comets. A recent discovery has finally answered what happens in between.

John Tobin, Scientist, National Radio Astronomy Observatory • conversation
March 16, 2023 • ~9 min

How science fiction predicted recent high-tech developments in chemistry

Astounding leaps forward in diagnostics, recycling and food are just a few areas of chemistry that were once considered science fiction

Mark Lorch, Professor of Science Communication and Chemistry, University of Hull • conversation
Dec. 29, 2022 • ~8 min

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