CHEMISTRY

‘Alchemist in His Workshop’ by David Teniers the Younger, 17th century.

8 Fascinating Facts about Alchemy

There’s more to this spooky pseudo-science than simply turning lead into gold.

Tollund Man—a bog body at the Silkeborg Museum in Denmark

8 Kinds of Mummies That Aren’t From Ancient Egypt

China, Chile, and New Zealand are a few places that have historic mummies of their own.

Stainless steel is rust-resistant, but not quite rust-proof.

What Stops Stainless Steel From Rusting?

Stainless steel has a secret ingredient that makes it highly resistant to rust.

Surprisingly, there is truth in this advertising.

Does Febreze Really “Trap” Bad Odors?

When you spritz some Febreze into the air, it actually uses compounds called cyclodextrins to trap those odor-causing molecules.

The key to a brighter smile? Hydrogen peroxide.

How Do Teeth Whiteners Work?

The main ingredient for a whiter smile? Hydrogen peroxide.

The Scientific Reason Cheddar Cheese Tastes So Good

That delicious bowl of cheddar soup is really a big bowl of (good) bacteria.

What Are Urinal Cakes, Anyway?

Don't let the name fool you: Urinal cakes are most definitely not meant to be eaten. So what are they, and what do they do?

There’s a science behind all those colors.

How Do Fireworks Get Their Colors?

The chemistry behind the vibrant colors of fireworks is another reason to “ooh” and “aah” at the sky this Fourth of July.

Many bread recipes call for active dry yeast, but is it OK to substitute for instant yeast in a jam?

Active Dry Yeast vs. Instant Yeast: What’s the Difference?

You can use active dry and instant yeast interchangeably in most cases, but they’re not exactly the same.

Why Does Fake Jewelry Turn Your Skin Green?

Learning how to stop a ring from turning your finger green is easy. So is understanding why it happens in the first place.

Your bread and your yoga mat might have something in common.

7 Everyday American Food Additives Banned in Other Countries

Red dye 40, olestra, and rbST all have the FDA’s stamp of approval. In other countries, they’re on the do-not-use list.

9 Fascinating Facts About Fireworks

One state has banned consumer fireworks outright. And in 2012, San Diego accidentally set off all of theirs at once.

9 Fascinating Facts About Urine

You might think that urine is just bodily waste—but you would be wrong. It's been used in cleansers, medicine, and infertility treatments for centuries.

Sprout of Office: Scientists Taught Spinach Plants to Send Emails About Hazardous Materials in the Soil

“I hope this email finds you well during these unprecedented times.” —A spinach plant in your inbox.

Why Are Oceans Salty?

The salt in the ocean comes from two main sources: rocks on land and vents at the bottom of the sea.

8-Year-Old Twinkies Intrigue Fungus Experts

A Twinkie was found shriveled-up and hardened after eight years in a basement, and now scientists are searching for the fungus behind the transformation.

Recently Declassified Soviet Video Shows the Biggest Nuclear Explosion in History

Tsar Bomba—the biggest hydrogen bomb ever—detonated in October 1961, and the Soviet Union caught it on tape.

Meet Ice Cream Scientist Dr. Maya Warren

Dr. Maya Warren spoke with us about how she turned her passion for ice cream and food science into one of the coolest jobs ever.

Tear Gas vs. Pepper Spray: What’s the Difference?

For one thing, tear gas grenades are usually used for crowd control—pepper spray is more for personal safety.

Has An Element Ever Been Removed From the Periodic Table?

The short answer is: yes, elements have been removed from the periodic table. The longer answer is that what constitutes an 'element' can be complicated.

What Is Inside a Lava Lamp?

Lava lamp creators are notoriously tight-lipped about their secret ingredients, but DIY lava lamps aren’t impossible.

Marie Curie

Marie Curie made history with her discoveries. Here are some facts you should know about the scientist.

What Is One Hour Martinizing?

A New York chemist found a way to make dry cleaning safer and faster, so of course he named the process after himself.

Statue of Friedlieb Ferdinand Runge in Germany.

7 Facts About Friedlieb Ferdinand Runge

Friedlieb Ferdinand Runge, the subject of a a new Google doodle, is the German chemist who identified caffeine.