Chemistry

A bubbly science activity from Science Buddies

The U.S. FDA decision comes after fits and stops for RNA-interference therapies

Researchers programmed a computer to compare structures and toxic effects of different chemicals, making it possible to then predict the toxicity of new chemicals based on their structural similarity to known ones.  

A variety of corn from Oaxaca, Mexico, has aerial roots that harbor nitrogen-fixing bacteria, allowing the corn to suck nitrogen straight from the air. Christopher Intagliata reports. 

Minerals and elements are recycled in Earth’s mantle to form the precious gems

CFCs, the harmful ozone-depleting chemicals banned back in the 1980s, are experiencing a mysterious comeback

By analyzing the proteins in ancient dental plaque, archaeologists determined that British menus almost three millennia ago featured milk, oats and peas. Christopher Intagliata reports.

A soapy science activity from Science Buddies

Privacy concerns, cultural differences fuel skepticism about this approach in other settings

New method that tests for insect DNA on farm produce could “revolutionize” agricultural pest surveillance

Experiments in mice suggest the technology has a long way to go before being used for pest control in the wild

We tend to imagine that below the crust, Earth is a seething pool of molten rock—but it’s not