Chemistry

Researchers have developed a heat sensor that can detect temperature changes of just ten thousandths of a degree Celsius—comparable with the sensitivity of pit vipers. Christopher Intagliata reports.

Researchers at IBM assembled the fragile molecule atom-by-atom using a specialized microscope

A cheesy science project

Trevor Mundel, president of global health at the Gates Foundation, talks to Scientific American editor-in-chief Mariette DiChristina about the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and the efforts to create vaccine platforms for rapid responses to epidemics.

When LSD binds to serotonin receptors, it pulls a "lid" closed behind it, locking it in place for hours, and explaining its long-lasting effects. Christopher Intagliata reports. 

You think it's just a beverage, but it's a whole lot more

Levels in young animals elevated to 1,000 times the acceptable amount in people

Chemists have synthesized the most complex molecular knot ever, using a strand just 192 atoms long. The advance could lead to new tougher materials. Christopher Intagliata reports.

Curcumin dupes assays and leads some drug hunters astray

Deer and opossums on an Oklahoma highway harbor microbes with helpful chemicals

It stands just under three micrometers tall, carved with a scanning electron microscope

“G-putty” is so sensitive that it can track even the steps of a small spider