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Welcome To Periodic Graphics

A monthly collaboration between C&EN and Andy Brunning, chemistry educator and author of the popular graphics blog Compound Interest.

To see more of Brunning’s work, go to http://compoundchem.com.

Periodic graphics: The opioid epidemic

June 12, 2017 Learn about the drugs behind the public health crisis.

To download a pdf of this article, click here.

Hepatitis Awareness Month

May 15, 2017 Learn about the types of viral hepatitis and ways to treat them.

To download a pdf of this article, click here.

Dyeing Easter eggs

April 10, 2017 Discover the chemistry behind the Spring tradition.

To download a pdf of this article, click here.

Do anti-aging creams work?

March 6, 2017 Peer into the scientific evidence behind wrinkle creams.

To download a pdf of this article, click here.

Chemistry at the movies

February 20, 2017 Learn about the molecules responsible for your cinematic experience.

To download a pdf of this article, click here.

How do evergreen trees stay green?

January 16, 2017 Learn the chemical tactics conifers use to make it through the winter.

To download a pdf of this article, click here.

Fighting stress and anxiety

January 2, 2017 Learn the biochemistry of stress and anxiety.

To download a pdf of this article, click here.

Why Li-ion batteries catch fire

November 14, 2016: Learn why the compact components sometimes burst into flame.

To download a pdf of this article, click here.

The chemistry of nanotechnology

October 10, 2016: Discover the chemistry behind the nanotechnology in products around your house.

To download a pdf of this article, click here.

The chemistry of canning

September 12, 2016: Learn the science involved in preserving your home-grown fruits and veggies.

To download a pdf of this article, click here.

The Russian doping scandal

August 8, 2016: Learn more about the chemical intrigue behind the Russian sports-doping scandal.

To download a pdf of this article, click here.

The compositions of U.S. coins

July 11, 2016: Some fun facts about the metals in pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters

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The chemistry of dentistry

June 13, 2016: Survey the compounds dentists use to keep your pearly whites healthy

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The chemistry of sunglasses

May 9, 2016: Learn how your shades protect your eyeballs from the sun’s radiation

To download a pdf of this article, click here.

Water-repelling chemistry

April 11, 2016: Learn why April showers roll off of raincoats and treated windshields

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Chocolate Chemistry

March 14, 2016: Take a peek inside the delectable molecular world of chocolate

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Helping Flowers Last Longer

February 22, 2016: Examine how the molecular makeup of flower food helps preserve petals

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The Chemistry Of Lip Balms

January 11, 2016: See how these winter must-haves protect and moisturize.

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To see a Spanish translation, click here.

The Chemistry Of Holiday Berries

December 7, 2015: Sample the toxic and healthful molecules behind the decorative fruits.

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The Chemistry Of Cold Medicines

November 16, 2015: Examining a dose of the molecules behind decongestants, cough syrups, and throat lozenges.

To download a pdf of this article, click here.

The Chemistry Of Pumpkins

October 12, 2015: Before you get out the pumpkin-carving kit, take a look at this spooktacular review of this seasonal squash.

To download a pdf of this article, click here.

The Chemistry Of Writing Inks

September 21, 2015: Explore the blend of chemicals used by pens to leave their indelible marks.

To download a pdf of this article, click here.

Summer Bug Chemistry

August 17, 2015: Explore some warm-weather-loving insects and their chemical compounds.

To download a pdf of this article, click here.

The Chemistry of Barbecue

July 13, 2015: It's summer, so many of us are dusting off the grill and salivating at the thought of barbecue.

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The Chemistry of Strawberriess

June 15, 2015: Sample the molecular makeup of this sweet summer fruit

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Allergies And Antihistamines

May 11, 2015: Exploring the origins of hay fever and how we squelch it

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The Chemistry Of Daffodils

April 13, 2015: Exploring the molecular makeup of these symbols of spring

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The Chemistry Of A Pint Of Guinness

March 16, 2015: Exploring the famous beer’s bubbles and bitterness

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Aphrodisiacs

February 9, 2015: Examining the scientific evidence behind the titillating claims

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Deicers And Antifreeze

January 12, 2015: Profiling molecules that keep our roads and runways clear during winter

To download a pdf of this article, click here.

Scents Of The Season

December 8, 2014: Exploring the molecular basis of holiday smells

To download a pdf of this article, click here.

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