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Periodic Graphics
A chemistry infographics collaboration between C&EN and Andy Brunning, chemistry educator and author of Compound Interest.
The composition of Earth
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning digs into what elements and minerals make up the layers of our planet
June 17, 2025
Making fabrics fire resistant
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning illuminates the chemistry of flame retardants and how they protect fabrics
May 21, 2025
Permanent magnets explained
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning explores the materials science of permanent magnets
April 25, 2025
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How do mussels stick to rocks?
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning describes how mussels glue themselves to underwater surfaces.
March 19, 2025
Food gelling agents explained
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning cooks up an exploration of the chemical agents behind jellies and other food gels.
February 19, 2025
The science of weight-loss drugs
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning explores the blockbuster weight-loss drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists.
January 23, 2025
Tin years of Periodic Graphics
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning celebrates a decade of graphics with a closer look at tin.
December 19, 2024
The science of beard products
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning waxes poetic about the chemistry of facial hair care.
November 25, 2024
Porphyria and the vampirism myth
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning pokes holes in the idea that the heme-related disorders inspired the concept of vampires.
October 24, 2024
The chemistry of cat and dog kibble
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning explores the chemical components of dry food for pets.
September 27, 2024
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The chemistry of airplane air
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning presents a fresh look at the chemical processes that keep the air in airliner cabins ready to breathe.
August 22, 2024
Summer hair color changes
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning shines light on how summer activities can change the hues of some hairdos
July 29, 2024
The science of space elevators
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning explores what kinds of materials we would need to build an elevator to outer space.
June 29, 2024
The chemistry of Polaroid photography
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning zooms in on the science behind instant-printing photos.
May 24, 2024
The chemistry of hydrangea color changes
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning illustrates the chemistry behind hydrangeas’ hues
April 28, 2024
The chemistry of cast-iron cookware
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning explores how the seasoning process makes cast-iron pans nonstick.
March 25, 2024
6 chemical stories of colors through time
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning paints a vivid picture of how colorants have been created and used throughout history.
February 26, 2024
The chemistry of Chinese New Year
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning explores the colorful and delicious chemistry behind several Chinese New Year traditions.
January 28, 2024
The chemistry of meat alternatives
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning fleshes out the chemistry behind plant-based meat.
January 5, 2024
Hunger, digestion, and feeling full
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning explains what’s going on in our guts before, during, and after a hearty meal
November 19, 2023
The chemistry of candy corn
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning explores the colorful chemistry behind this classic Halloween candy
October 30, 2023
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The science of superconductors
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning details the history and science of superconductors.
September 18, 2023
Kitchen chemistry hacks explained
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning reveals the chemical recipes behind common kitchen shortcuts.
August 20, 2023
The materials science of swimwear
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning dives into the materials science of swimwear.
July 30, 2023
6 unusual side effects of medicines
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning looks at the compounds behind some strange side effects.
July 2, 2023
Cosmetic chemical concerns
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning explains why some chemicals in cosmetics raise concerns.
May 26, 2023
Coke and cola: Soda’s chemical history
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning explores some surprising ingredients in old formulas of popular soft drinks.
April 23, 2023
Making molecular sandwiches
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning looks at the chemistry and history of ferrocene and other sandwich compounds.
March 26, 2023
Mucus, tears, and saliva
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning looks at the biochemistry of our snot, spit, and tears.
February 26, 2023
The science of fusion reactors
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning explains describes the different approaches to fusion power.
January 29, 2023
Fuels for space travel
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning explores the fuels that propel spacecraft.
December 2, 2022
What are our skeletons made of?
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning explores the biochemistry of our bones.
October 29, 2022
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Insecticides and how they work
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning discusses how some common types of insecticides kill pests.
September 26, 2022
The chemistry of acne treatment
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning explains what causes acne and how different medications treat it.
August 15, 2022
The chemistry of textile fibers
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning weaves together chemical information about the different fibers in our clothing
June 26, 2022
The science of making cheese
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning explores the biochemistry of cheese.
May 27, 2022
Baking soda versus baking powder
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning explains how chemical leavening agents make cookies and other baked goods rise
April 24, 2022
How do solar panels work?
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning illuminates how solar cells generate electricity.
March 28, 2022
Common stimulants from plants
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning describes some well-known stimulants that plants make and why they make them.
February 27, 2022
A short history of antiviral drugs
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning lists some notable compounds that target viruses.
January 30, 2022
The science and uses of deuterium
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning describes how deuterium and hydrogen differ and how scientists use the isotope.
November 28, 2021
The chemistry of anesthetics
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning explores the history of anesthetics and how some of the compounds work.
October 17, 2021
What is Play-Doh made of?
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning rolls out the chemistry behind the colorful, nontoxic modeling material
September 26, 2021
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What are the risks of radon?
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning explains how radon can waft into our homes and what risks the radioactive element poses.
August 30, 2021
The chemistry of how our skin responds to the sun
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning illuminates the biochemistry behind sunlight’s effects on our skin.
July 18, 2021
Comparing how air purification technologies trap and attack viruses
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning explains the science behind how various air purification methods remove viruses like SARS-CoV-2 from the air
June 20, 2021
The materials science of cycling
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning explores the alloys and polymers used in bicycle equipment.
May 23, 2021
Faking flavors with chemistry
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning provides a taste of how chemists identify and make artificial flavors.
April 18, 2021
The chemistry of plant flowering
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning explains the chemistry of flowers and their colors and scents.
March 14, 2021
How animals survive freezing
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning explores how some critters adapt to subzero temperatures.
January 31, 2021
How are RNA vaccines made?
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning outlines how companies make these COVID-19 vaccines
January 3, 2021
Toxins in fruits and vegetables
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning points out some of the toxic compounds in the fruits and veggies we eat
November 29, 2020
The science of fear
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning explains the physiology of fright
October 18, 2020
Combating underarm odor
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning explains the chemistry of body odor and how we combat it.
September 20, 2020
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Natural sweeteners
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning provides a taste of the molecules behind some natural sweeteners
August 23, 2020
Summer plant irritants
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning describes the chemistry behind the plants that make us itch and scratch
July 21, 2020
A guide to COVID-19 testing
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning captures the current state of diagnostics for novel coronavirus infection.
June 25, 2020
The science of exercise
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning explores the chemicals at work when we work out.
May 17, 2020
How does immunity work?
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning explains how our bodies fight foreign invaders like coronaviruses
April 21, 2020
The elements of fertilizers
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning digs into how plant fertilizers make use of the periodic table.
March 22, 2020
Cannabidiol, medicine from hemp
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning explains the CBD craze, how the compound works, and how it’s regulated.
February 24, 2020
The chemistry of snow and ice
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning explores water’s unique behavior when temperatures plummet
January 26, 2020
Suppressing wildfires with chemistry
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning answers questions about Phos-Chek, a fire retardant used to stop forest blazes
November 24, 2019
Metal-air batteries, present and future
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning supplies the latest on these promising energy-storage devices.
October 27, 2019
Ant venom and pheromones
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning homes in on the chemicals that help the insects protect themselves and communicate.
September 28, 2019
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Flea and tick treatments for pets
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning digs into the chemical methods used to protect our pets from disease-carrying bugs
August 25, 2019
Sunscreen and coral reef damage
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning reveals how sunscreens damage coral reefs.
July 14, 2019
Environmental impact of industrial reactions
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning lists the top five chemical products in terms of energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions during synthesis.
June 17, 2019
The origins of the elements
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning shines a light on how the big bang and reactions in stars forged the elements
May 5, 2019
Essential elements for humans
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning shines a light on the parts of the periodic table that make life possible
March 31, 2019
Do air pollution masks work?
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning investigates the efficiency of the masks and what they do and don’t filter out.
February 17, 2019
Powder versus liquid detergents
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning compares the ingredients in the two different laundry formulations
January 27, 2019
The biggest chemistry news of 2018
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning recounts our most-read news and feature stories of the year.
December 5, 2018
Periodic graphics: How different light bulbs work
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning illuminates the materials science behind various lighting options
November 19, 2018
The chemistry of Venus flytraps
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning highlights the molecules exploited by the carnivorous plant to lure, catch, and digest its prey
October 14, 2018
Periodic graphics: Platinum drugs for cancer
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning examines the chemistry and impact of cisplatin and its sibling compounds
September 16, 2018
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Gases for scuba diving
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning dives deep into the types of air we need in order to breathe underwater
August 27, 2018
Lava and volcanic gases
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning probes the molecular makeup of the molten rock and gases spewed by volcanoes
July 8, 2018
The chemistry of slime
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning wrings all the molecular details out of the popular goo
June 13, 2018
Periodic graphics: Soap versus body wash
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning explains the similarities and differences between the two bath products
May 18, 2018
Periodic graphics: How is plastic recycled?
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning explains what happens (or doesn’t) after you throw those bottles and bags in the recycle bin
April 19, 2018
Periodic graphics: The chemistry of bitters
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning samples the ingredients and molecules that lend the cocktail flavorings their pungency
March 12, 2018
Periodic graphics: The chemistry of air fresheners
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning sniffs out an answer to the question of whether air fresheners actually ‘kill’ bad odors
February 19, 2018
Periodic graphics: The chemistry of wildfires
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning explains wildfire combustion and its impact on human health and the environment
January 15, 2018
Periodic graphics: The chemistry of spiderwebs
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning explains the chemistry that makes spider silk strong and elastic.
October 10, 2017
Periodic graphics: The chemistry of glue
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning untangles the molecular components of various adhesives.
September 11, 2017
Periodic graphics: The chemistry of frozen desserts
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning samples the science behind ice cream and other icy treats
July 12, 2017
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Periodic graphics: The opioid epidemic
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning explains the drugs behind the public health crisis
June 6, 2017
Types of viral hepatitis and how to treat them
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning explains the types of viral hepatitis and ways to treat them
May 15, 2017
Periodic graphics: Dyeing Easter eggs
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning explains the chemistry behind the tradition
April 10, 2017
Periodic graphics: Do antiaging creams work?
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning peers into the scientific evidence behind wrinkle creams
February 28, 2017
Periodic graphics: Chemistry at the movies
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning takes a gander at the molecules responsible for your cinematic experience
February 14, 2017
Periodic graphics: How do evergreen trees stay green?
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning queries the chemical tactics conifers use to make it through the winter
January 10, 2017
Periodic graphics: Fighting stress and anxiety
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning explains the biochemistry of stress and anxiety
December 20, 2016
Periodic graphics: Why Li-ion batteries catch fire
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning reveals reasons why the compact components sometimes burst into flame
November 14, 2016
Periodic graphics: The chemistry of nanotechnology
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning explains the chemistry behind the nanotechnology in products around your house.
October 7, 2016
Periodic graphics: The chemistry of canning
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning packs in the science involved in preserving your home-grown fruits and veggies
September 12, 2016
The Russian doping scandal
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning untangles the complicated web of sports doping intrigue leading up to the Rio Olympics
August 2, 2016
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Periodic graphics: the compositions of U.S. coins
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning shares some fun facts about the metals in pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters
July 11, 2016
The chemistry of dentistry
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning surveys the compounds dentists use to keep your pearly whites healthy
June 13, 2016
Periodic graphics: The chemistry of sunglasses
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning describes how your shades protect your eyeballs from the sun’s radiation
May 9, 2016
Periodic graphics: Water-repelling chemistry
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning explains why April showers roll off of raincoats and treated windshields
April 11, 2016
Periodic graphics: chocolate chemistry
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning takes a peek inside the delectable molecular world of chocolate
March 14, 2016
Helping Flowers Last Longer
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning examines how the molecular makeup of flower food helps preserve petals
February 16, 2016
The Chemistry Of Lip Balms
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning spreads the molecular news about how these winter must-haves protect and moisturize.
January 11, 2016
The Chemistry Of Holiday Berries
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning samples the toxic and healthful molecules behind the decorative fruits
December 7, 2015
The Chemistry Of Cold Medicines
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning gives us a dose of the molecules behind decongestants, cough syrups, and throat lozenges
November 16, 2015
The Chemistry Of Pumpkins
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning carves up the seasonal squash to reveal the molecules behind their color, aroma, and taste
October 12, 2015
The Chemistry Of Writing Inks
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning explains the blend of chemicals used by pens to leave their indelible marks.
September 21, 2015
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Summer Bug Chemistry
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning highlights the quirky sights and smells of warm-weather insects
August 17, 2015
The Chemistry Of Barbecue
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning serves up some chemical facts about how grilling produces smoky flavor
July 13, 2015
The Chemistry of Strawberries
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning samples the molecular makeup of this sweet summer fruit
June 15, 2015
Allergies And Antihistamines
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning explores the origins of hay fever and how we squelch it
May 11, 2015
The Chemistry Of Daffodils
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning explores the molecular makeup of these symbols of spring
April 13, 2015
The Chemistry Of A Pint Of Guinness
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning explores the famous beer’s bubbles and bitterness
March 13, 2015
Aphrodisiacs
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning examines the scientific evidence behind the titillating claims
February 9, 2015
Deicers And Antifreeze
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning profiles molecules that keep our roads and runways clear during winter
January 12, 2015
Scents Of The Season
Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning explores the molecular basis of holiday smells
December 8, 2014