Science Art: Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP): GAF’s Gift to Women, 1967.
This is an ad for a chemical that seemed like a miracle in the 60s (at least to this marketing department), but is one of […]
chemistry
There are two waters, once it gets cold.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham have found that ordinary water becomes ice when it gets really cold (which we all already knew) but also […]
Science Art: “Ballon à col sinueux employé par M. Pasteur dans ses expériences contre la génération spontanée”, 1873.
This is some laboratory glassware used in Pasteur’s experiments, as illustrated in Les merveilles de l’industrie, an 1873 science book that has a marvelous gallery […]
There’s radioactive material *everywhere*. Here’s who’s trying to clean up clinics and food processing plants..
Scientific American introduces us to the RadSecure program, which aims to keep the radioactive isotopes in use all around us from getting too close for […]
SONG: Lost Aromas (A Rose)
SONG: “Lost Aromas (A Rose)” [Download] . ARTIST: grant. SOURCE: Discover 25 Jan 2022, “Smells Are Going Extinct, So Researchers Are Working to Preserve Them,” […]
On the extinction of smells, and the attempt to preserve an aroma.
Discover reports on the growing field of “scent researchers” who are attempting to bring back smells that have long since gone away, and to record […]
These recycled lithium-ion batteries are outperforming new ones.
IEEE Spectrum reports on a research team that has created a new method for recycling the environmentally risky chemicals used in lithium-ion batteries – the […]
Bacteria-killing copper fights superbug spread
Australia’s RMIT University is excited by the prospects of a surface that kills bacteria on its own, without any antiseptics being applied – a new […]
Jet biofuel could change things.
Scientific American explores a frontier of carbon-neutral industry – a way to make airplanes and helicopters fly without so many greenhouse gases in their exhaust: […]
Using good scotch to make better electronics
Not by drinking it! Discover reveals how watching The Glenlivet whisky evaporates – and leaves an almost uniform stain, unlike splotchier drinks like coffee or […]
A particular body odor blocks aggression in men, but triggers aggression in women.
Science Advances sniffs out something peculiar in a “body volatile” (an actively smelly chemical) called hexadecanal, or HEX, which – based on a test using […]
Eco-friendly glitter exists. There’s hope for humanity after all.
Science News shows a sparkle of optimism with a story on a green alternative to craft glitter, made fabulous from cellulose and plant dyes instead […]
Barnacle glue saves lives.
Science magazine offers a briefing on a paste modeled on barnacle glue that sticks to wet surfaces within 15 seconds – making it a perfect […]
The world’s largest shipping firm is putting $1.4 billion into sustainable engines.
Quartz reports on a major move toward a cleaner, carbon-neutral future: The ships will be built by Hyundai Heavy Industries and are due to be […]
A square meter of concrete can store the electricity of two AA batteries.
Scientific American looks at a weird new power source, using probably the most common building material in the modern world as a kind of rechargeable […]