CHEMISTRY

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.

10 Facts About the Element Lead

Ancient Romans put it in everything—even their wine.

Pslawinski, Wikimedia Commons // CC BY-SA 2.5

8 Facts About the Element Neon

Most of the signs you think are neon are actually made with other gases.

How to Make a Homemade Pie Crust, According to Science

You just need three ingredients: Flour, water, and fat. What could go wrong?

The Science Behind Brining Your Thanksgiving Turkey

Why exactly does brining make your roasted turkey so delicious?

Your Showerhead Is Really Gross—and It Might Make You Sick

Time to get out the bleach.

8 Facts About Silver

Silver makes it rain—in more ways than one.

How Fossil Fuel Use Is Making Carbon Dating Less Accurate

It's deeply concerning to archaeologists and paleontologists who rely on the method.

8 Dangerous Items That Used to Be Allowed in Kids' Chemistry Kits

Way back when, chemistry sets were stocked with poison and blowtorches, all in the name of education.

This 6.5-pound gold nugget was sold at auction in 2010.

10 Lustrous Facts About Gold

All the gold on Earth may have come from outer space.

10 Electrifying Facts About Michael Faraday

Michael Faraday's formal schooling was limited, but his work as a bookbinder allowed him to learn about chemistry, physics, and a mysterious force called "electricity."

6 Radiant Facts About Irène Joliot-Curie

Marie Curie’s elder daughter had a brilliant and tragic career of her own.

10 Facts About Silicon

If you have a cell phone in your pocket or dirt on your shoes, you’re carrying silicon.

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