CHEMISTRY

There’s a science behind all those colors.

How Do Fireworks Get Their Colors?

The chemistry behind the vibrant colors of fireworks is another reason to “ooh” and “aah” at the sky this Fourth of July.

Many bread recipes call for active dry yeast, but is it OK to substitute for instant yeast in a jam?

Active Dry Yeast vs. Instant Yeast: What’s the Difference?

You can use active dry and instant yeast interchangeably in most cases, but they’re not exactly the same.

Why Does Fake Jewelry Turn Your Skin Green?

Learning how to stop a ring from turning your finger green is easy. So is understanding why it happens in the first place.

Your bread and your yoga mat might have something in common.

7 Everyday American Food Additives Banned in Other Countries

Red dye 40, olestra, and rbST all have the FDA’s stamp of approval. In other countries, they’re on the do-not-use list.

Turn Your Bar Cart Into a Chemistry Lab With Glasses Shaped Like Beakers and Flasks

Periodic Tableware has turned beakers and Erlenmeyer Flask into wine glasses, beer mugs, and martini glasses so any bar can feel like a lab.

9 Fascinating Facts About Fireworks

One state has banned consumer fireworks outright. And in 2012, San Diego accidentally set off all of theirs at once.

9 Fascinating Facts About Urine

You might think that urine is just bodily waste—but you would be wrong. It's been used in cleansers, medicine, and infertility treatments for centuries.

Sprout of Office: Scientists Taught Spinach Plants to Send Emails About Hazardous Materials in the Soil

“I hope this email finds you well during these unprecedented times.” —A spinach plant in your inbox.

Why Are Oceans Salty?

The salt in the ocean comes from two main sources: rocks on land and vents at the bottom of the sea.

8-Year-Old Twinkies Intrigue Fungus Experts

A Twinkie was found shriveled-up and hardened after eight years in a basement, and now scientists are searching for the fungus behind the transformation.

Recently Declassified Soviet Video Shows the Biggest Nuclear Explosion in History

Tsar Bomba—the biggest hydrogen bomb ever—detonated in October 1961, and the Soviet Union caught it on tape.

Meet Ice Cream Scientist Dr. Maya Warren

Dr. Maya Warren spoke with us about how she turned her passion for ice cream and food science into one of the coolest jobs ever.

Tear Gas vs. Pepper Spray: What’s the Difference?

For one thing, tear gas grenades are usually used for crowd control—pepper spray is more for personal safety.

Has An Element Ever Been Removed From the Periodic Table?

The short answer is: yes, elements have been removed from the periodic table. The longer answer is that what constitutes an 'element' can be complicated.