Chemistry

Why the sun beats your stove at boiling water—science has the answer

Scientists have long known that sunlight is incredibly good at making water evaporate. In fact, it’s more effective than other heat sources, like your...

Scientists create Mars building material that grows like a plant

The dream of living on Mars has been around for decades, often featured in science fiction books and movies. But with successful Mars landings and...

Scientists solve key weakness in perovskite solar cells

A team of researchers in China has made a major breakthrough that could lead to more efficient and longer-lasting solar panels. The team, led by...

Silent owls inspire breakthrough in noise reduction technology

Owls are known for their ghostly silent flight, gliding through the air without making a sound. Now, scientists have taken inspiration from these quiet hunters...

Scientists find a way to boost battery life without rare materials

Batteries power many things in our daily lives—from smartphones to electric vehicles—but the material used inside them is far from perfect. Right now, most metal-ion...

Scientists create powerful three-layered material to boost hydrogen production

Researchers in Sweden have taken a major step forward in the search for clean energy by developing a new material that could make producing...

Scientists build eco-friendly robots out of rice paper—and they disappear in just 32 days

Scientists from the University of Bristol have found an exciting new use for a surprising material: rice paper. Yes, the same kind used to wrap...

Scientists discover crystals can twist light in surprising ways

New crystal discovery could transform screens and sensors For years, scientists believed they had a clear understanding of how crystals interact with light. But a new...

Scientists use “quantum vacuum” to create a new kind of material

Scientists at Rice University have developed a groundbreaking way to control the behavior of materials by reshaping the "vacuum" around them. While we often think...

This new “sweating” paint keeps buildings cool and slashes energy bills

A new type of paint could change the way we keep our homes and cities cool. Called CCP-30, this cement-based paint doesn’t just reflect sunlight—it...