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New reactor could more than triple the yield of one of the world's most valuable chemicals
By Victoria Atkinson published
A new reactor creates ammonia from polluted wastewater using electricity, and it's way more efficient than existing methods.
Why does metal squeak?
By Sarah Wells published
Squeaking metal can be grating on the nerves, but it serves an important purpose.
Does honey ever go bad?
By Kristel Tjandra published
Honey owes its long shelf-life to its makers, but it doesn't always last forever.
What is the world's most dangerous chemical?
By Victoria Atkinson published
There are plenty of harmful chemicals, but the devil is in the details when determining which is the most dangerous.
Why does cotton shrink?
By Sarah Wells published
The science of ruining your favorite shirt is more complicated than you might think.
Secrets of radioactive 'promethium' — a rare earth element with mysterious applications — uncovered after 80-year search
By Victoria Atkinson published
Scientists have revealed key properties of radioactive promethium, a rare earth element with poorly understood applications, using a groundbreaking new method.
Scientists grow diamonds from scratch in 15 minutes thanks to groundbreaking new process
By Deepa Jain published
Scientists have used a new technique to synthesize diamonds at normal, atmospheric pressure and without a starter gem, which could make the precious gemstones easier to grow in the lab.
Chinese scientists have found a way to make batteries more efficient — by using water
By Victoria Atkinson published
Chinese researchers have found a way to make aqueous batteries more energy-dense, by adding bromide to the electrolyte solution
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