What's that stuff?
Exploring the chemistry of the materials that surround us
What is hand sanitizer, and does it keep your hands germ-free?
Useful when you don't have access to a sink and some soap, hand sanitizers have become a hot commodity in the face of COVID-19
MARCH 23, 2020
What's ski wax, and how does it help us schuss down the slopes?
Although formulations are kept secret among competing athletes, one thing is clear: Fluorinated ingredients are contaminating ski slopes
FEBRUARY 3, 2020
What's fiberglass, and how does the delicate material reinforce thousands of products?
Often overlooked, this lightweight, wispy material is big business
SEPTEMBER 22, 2018
What's baijiu, and where does its unique flavor come from?
Scientists and spirit producers are learning more about the chemistry of the Chinese liquor
AUGUST 7, 2018
What's ice cream, and why do we scream for it?
Innovations in food science continually improve on this classic sweet treat
JULY 25, 2018
What are hair removers, and how do they get rid of unwanted fuzz?
Creams. Wax. Sugar. Lasers. We get to the scientific root of depilation
MAY 22, 2018
What's the chemistry that helps raincoats keep us dry and comfortable?
Layers of material and specialized chemistry have always been key to waterproof apparel
APRIL 10, 2018
What are Holi colors, and what gives them such vibrant hues?
Carousing with the colorful powder gets wild during the Hindu festival of Holi, but celebrants should take care to play it safe
FEBRUARY 26, 2018
What's artificial snow, and how is it made?
When nature won't cooperate, people use myriad methods to craft snowscapes for all occasions
FEBRUARY 5, 2018
What's sunless tanner, and how does it impart that faux glow?
1 simple molecule holds the key to keeping a tan year-round
JANUARY 22, 2018
What's glass, and how are modern-day researchers enhancing its properties?
Easily tailored through chemistry, the vintage material plays a crucial role in applications old and new
NOVEMBER 27, 2017
What are pool chemicals, and how do they protect swimmers?
Chlorine kills microbes in pools, but don't blame it for your green hair
AUGUST 7, 2017
What's in fireworks, and what produces those colorful explosions?
Fireworks have thrilled crowds for centuries; now science is working to make their fallout more environmentally friendly
JULY 3, 2017
What's in baseballs, and can materials explain a spike in scoring?
Baseball has a home run conundrum, but experts aren't blaming the balls
JUNE 26, 2017
What are sports drinks, and do regular athletes need them?
The tasty mixtures of water, sugar, and electrolytes are useful for elite endurance athletes but probably not for normal fitness fans
FEBRUARY 21, 2017
What's in a bowling ball, and how does its chemistry help topple pins?
Polymer science reigns supreme on the lanes
FEBRUARY 21, 2017
What's chocolate, and how does its chemistry inspire such cravings?
Hundreds of chemicals make chocolate so delicious, and it was once a currency you could eat
FEBRUARY 13, 2017
What's whisky and how do you best enjoy its hundreds of flavor compounds?
The controversial act of adding a little water might help drinkers savor the complex taste of this spirit
JANUARY 30, 2017
What's champagne and how do you preserve its precious fizz?
A million bubbles and hundreds of molecules give this sparkling wine its alluring je ne sais quoi
JANUARY 2, 2017
What's gluten-reduced beer, and can celiac patients drink it?
An enzyme used widely to clear up beer haze chops up gluten as well
MAY 30, 2016
What makes truffles so enticing, and are foodies unwittingly enjoying synthetic scents?
Dug up from the earth, these fungal treats are prized for their heady aroma
SEPTEMBER 14, 2015
What's nitro cold brew, and why is it so damn delicious?
Researchers ponder how pushing nitrogen into specially brewed coffee imparts a smooth, creamy flavor
AUGUST 24, 2015
What's hookah, and is it healthier than smoking a cigarette?
Many people think that water pipe smoking, a growing trend in the U.S., is a risk-free way to get a nicotine fix
JUNE 22, 2015
What Is Tinsel Made Of?
From silver to lead to plastic, this holiday tree decoration has evolved with the times
DECEMBER 15, 2014
What's pumpkin spice flavor, and why do we fall for it every autumn?
The popular latte and treat seasoning contains no actual pumpkin, but it boasts plenty of food chemistry
OCTOBER 20, 2014
Why are trick candle flames so impossible to blow out?
A little magnesium dust ignites surprise at birthday parties
AUGUST 9, 2010
What's wasabi, and is your fiery buzz legit?
In most restaurants, horseradish stands in for the real thing
MARCH 22, 2010
What's inside disposable hand warmers?
Small packets of warmth work through a simple exothermic reaction
JANUARY 25, 2010
What's Silly String, and why is it so sticky and light?
It's a party for polymer chemistry, all in a can
OCTOBER 26, 2009
What are frankincense and myrrh and why is their smell so mystical?
Culture and chemistry meet in fragrant plant-based incense
DECEMBER 22, 2008
Grab your lab coat. Let's get started
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