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Chemistry

Illustration shows plants with eggs where flowers should be. In center are two chickens with red slash through them. Background shows faint outline of proteins.
Technology

Cracking the recipe for perfect plant-based eggs

Hint: It involves finding just the right proteins. With new ingredients and processes, the next generation of substitutes will be not just more egg-like, but potentially more nutritious.

Collage shows DNA, chromosomes, histones, a few key chemicals.
Living World

These proteins have been secretly managing your cells

Scientists have long known that histones spool DNA and help regulate genes. They may be doing a lot more.

Conceptual illo shows a portion of a cell with receptors in its membrane. Little particles with radioactive symbols at their tips are floating around; one of them is docked onto the receptor.
Health & Disease

Radioactive drugs strike cancer with precision

The tumor-seeking radiopharmaceuticals are charting a new course in oncology, with promise for targeted treatments with fewer side effects

Several cows stare at the camera, in closeup view
Food & Environment

Cleaning up cow burps to combat global warming

New tools for lowering methane emissions from livestock are on their way

A collage shows a scientist using a pipet as well as various polymers and natural materials.
Technology

Toward truly compostable plastic

Materials scientists are cooking up environmentally friendly polymers from natural sources like silk, plant fibers and whole algae. Economics and acceptance remain hurdles.

An impressive cone-shaped volcano, with clouds over its summit, a lake on the side and green vegetation in front.
Physical World

Central American volcanoes offer clues to Earth’s geological evolution

Along 1,100 kilometers, from Mexico to Costa Rica, lies the Central American volcanic arc, where the variety of magma types make for a geological paradise

A square piece of clear wood, with a green leaf behind it
Technology

Why scientists are making transparent wood

Stronger than plastic and tougher than glass, the resin-filled material is being exploited for smartphone screens, insulated windows and more

On a purple background of irregular texture, we see pink circles with small yellow spheres within them.
Health & Disease

Saliva: The next frontier in cancer detection

Scientists are finding tumor signals in spit that could be key to developing diagnostic tests for various types of cancer

An animated image shows a variety of different colored cannabis leaves on prescription bottles.
Health & Disease

Scientific highs and lows of cannabinoids

Hundreds of these cannabis-related chemicals now exist, both natural and synthetic, inspiring researchers in search of medical breakthroughs — and fueling a dangerous trend in recreational use

Photograph of a cluster of grapes hanging from a vine, surrounded by leaves.
Food & Environment

Climate change is altering the chemistry of wine

Warming, wildfires and unpredictable weather threaten to disrupt the delicate processes that underlie treasured wines. Researchers and producers are innovating to keep ahead.

Bubbles at the bottom of a glass, viewed from above.
Food & Environment

Champagne bubbles: the science

As you uncork that bottle and raise your glass, take time to toast physics and chemistry along with the New Year

A short repeating movie clip shows a cyclist riding down a bike path in the dark; the path glows green.
Technology

Will glow-in-the-dark materials someday light our cities?

Substances that persistently luminesce are already used in some bike lanes, and in the future could be applied to sidewalks, streets and buildings — saving energy and reducing urban heat

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