Chemistry
You either had a pyromaniac chemistry teacher at school who blew things up, in which case you will love the study of atoms and molecules and their structure and properties, or you had someone boring who told you to learn all the element symbols, in which case you probably gave it up as soon as possible. Either way, we live in an unprecedented era in which we know all the building blocks of the Universe, how they react and how to create completely new substances that can eradicate pain and cure diseases.

How did life on Earth begin?

Earth is unlike any planet we know by virtue of hosting a rich variety of life. But experts are still unsure what got it started.
more

Photosynthesis without plants is now a reality. And it could make life on Mars possible

A team of researchers have designed a breakthrough process which creates light-driven energy – allowing us to live and breathe in space.
more

Here's what would happen if you lit a firework in space

Without additional oxygen provided by Earth's atmosphere, fireworks wouldn't behave the same way as they do on Earth.
more

In pictures: The electric-blue lava pouring from Earth’s strangest volcano

The luminous blue lava found on Java is caused by the sulphuric gasses burning in the oxygen-rich air once they reach the surface.
more

Why do old batteries leak?

The chemicals inside batteries which produce electricity also produce hydrogen which can cause the seal to break.
more

How do you thicken a sauce?

There are a few ways to thicken a sauce. Here's how, according to science.
more

How do tearless onions work?

They hit the shops in early 2022, and have been dubbed a 'game-changer' for home cooking. But how do they actually work?
more

Why are eggs so useful in baking and what is aquafaba?

Aquafaba is made from the viscous leftover from cooking (or soaking) chickpeas, and it's a vegan substitute for eggs.
more

Photosynthesis: What is it and how does it work?

Photosynthesis is essential for almost all life, and it’s the primary source of oxygen in the atmosphere.
more

5 of the best slime kits for sensory play in 2024

Don't just play with slime – make it from scratch with these slime kits.
more

Yeast-free pizza created by process used to make fizzy drinks

The technique could allow those with a yeast allergy to enjoy breads, cakes and pizzas.
more

How many states of matter are there?

Solid, liquid and gas, right? But what about the other five states you’ve missed?
more

Cyanide may have played a key role in the origin of life on Earth, and could help us find ET

Researchers in the US have created a chemical reaction in the lab using cyanide that could have triggered organic life to form on Earth 4 billion years ago.
more

What does a comet smell like?

Can’t blame this one on the dog…
more

The 7 best crystal making kits for learning about science in 2024

Teach your kids about chemistry with these fun crystal making kits.
more

Why is flash photography banned from most museums?

Is it a way of reducing damage to works of art or increasing sales in the museum gift shop? Chemistry expert Emma Davies sheds some light.
more