From hot ice cream to never-melting flavors, experimental chefs and food scientists are pushing the boundaries of ice cream. Discover the latest wacky creations and the science behind them.

The history of gunpowder is not just about explosions and destruction, but also about invention and innovation. The ancient Chinese alchemists who created the flammable powder that would later become gunpowder were actually trying to create a potion for immortality. While they never found the secret to eternal life, they did discover something that would shape all of civilization. Gunpowder has been used for both good and bad, from creating fireworks to defend against invaders. Learning about the history of gunpowder can inspire us to explore the science behind it and the ways it has impacted our world. By understanding the properties of gunpowder, we can appreciate the beauty of fireworks and the power of scientific discovery.

Have you ever wondered how art restorers save valuable and historical works of art from decay and damage? The process is intricate and fascinating, and it involves a deep understanding of various disciplines, including art history, chemistry, and materials science. In this write-up, we will explore some of the most priceless artworks that have been restored, the restoration process, and the academic concepts that underpin it. Did you know that the famous painting "The Night Watch" by Rembrandt was attacked with a knife in 1975, causing significant damage? Thanks to years of careful and meticulous restoration, the painting has been saved and is now on display at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. The restoration process included the removal of the varnish layer, fixing the canvas, and repainting the damaged areas. This process required a thorough understanding of the chemical and physical properties of the materials used in the painting and the techniques employed by the artist. Similarly, the 15th-century frescoes in the Sistine Chapel in Rome underwent a major restoration process between 1980 and 1994. The restorers faced challenges such as centuries of accumulated dirt, smoke damage from candles, and cracks caused by the movement of the building. The restoration team used innovative techniques such as laser cleaning and microsurgical tools to delicately remove the dirt and paint layers, revealing the original vibrancy and beauty of the frescoes. Leading academics in the field of art restoration, such as James Beck and John Brealey, have made significant contributions to the understanding and advancement of restoration techniques. Beck's research focused on the preservation of historic works of art, while Brealey explored the impact of air pollution on paintings. Art restoration is a captivating field that combines art, science, and history. By exploring this topic further, you can gain a deeper appreciation for the work that goes into preserving priceless treasures for future generations to enjoy.

Discover the molecular gastronomy behind soufflés and meringues, and the unique properties of eggs that make them a textural marvel. Learn the tricks to making a triumphant and stable soufflé, from the best whisking bowl to the ideal oven temperature.

The Inca's discovery of naturally occurring titanium dioxide and silica in a rare mineral deposit revolutionized the history of color, leading to the use of the brilliant white pigment in their ceremonial cups, centuries before its invention in the West. Explore the story of the Giacomo Deposit and the Inca's chromatic revolution.

This story of Harry Coover, a chemist during World War II, highlights the importance of persistence and creative thinking in academic pursuits. Coover and his team encountered challenges in their research, but instead of giving up, they looked for alternative uses for the materials they were working with. This led to the creation of super glue, which has saved countless lives in medical settings. This story shows that academic curiosity and perseverance can lead to unexpected discoveries with practical applications. By exploring academic topics through reading, reflection, and self-directed projects, students can develop the skills needed to tackle complex problems and make meaningful contributions to society.

Does decanting wine really improve its taste or is it just a wine snob's affectation? Experts disagree on whether decanting makes a perceptible difference, but agree on one clear benefit. Discover the controversy behind decanting and decide for yourself whether it's worth it.

Discover the fascinating story of how a broken soda fountain led to the creation of ICEE, the science behind its slushy texture, and the complex chemistry of its flavor syrup. Explore the avalanche-like physics of how ICEE solidifies and the Joules-Thomson effect that makes it puff up. Learn about the inventor, Omar Knedlik, and how his entrepreneurial spirit led to the mass production of his invention, eventually renamed Slurpee by 7-Eleven.

Glass is a material that we use every day, but have you ever wondered how it works? Glass is made from silicon dioxide, which is heated until it becomes a flowing liquid. As it cools, the molecules lose energy and become an amorphous solid, allowing light to pass through without being scattered. The subatomic level of glass is what makes it transparent, as the electrons in glass are spaced far enough apart that visible light can't provide enough energy for them to jump between them. This unique property has made glass an essential material for many uses, from windows to lenses. Understanding the science behind glass can help you appreciate the importance of this material in modern civilization.

Did you know that each whiskey has its own unique chemical fingerprint? Researchers at the University of California, Davis found over 4,000 different non-volatile compounds in 60 different whiskeys, making each one distinct in taste and aroma. Discover the complex chemistry behind your favorite spirit and learn how to distinguish a scotch from a bourbon by looking at its chemistry.

MIT physicists have observed a resonance in colliding ultracold molecules for the first time, shedding light on the mysterious forces that drive molecules to chemically react. The team found that a cloud of super-cooled sodium-lithium (NaLi) molecules disappeared 100 times faster than normal when exposed to a very specific magnetic field, indicating that the magnetic field tuned the particles into a resonance, driving them to react more quickly than they normally would. These findings suggest that scientists could one day harness particles’ natural resonances to steer and control certain chemical reactions.

The periodic table may seem like just another table of information, but it is so much more. It is a tool that scientists use to understand the world around us. By organizing all the chemical elements in order by atomic number, the periodic table creates a recurring pattern of properties called the periodic law. This allows us to predict the behavior of elements we haven't even discovered yet! Through the history of the periodic table, we can see how scientific discoveries and technological advancements build upon one another. Learning about the periodic table not only expands your scientific knowledge but also helps you develop analytical and critical thinking skills. By exploring this fascinating topic, you may even be inspired to pursue a career in science and help advance our understanding of the world.

Glass was once a precious material for kings, but its origins and history remain mysterious. Recent materials science techniques have begun to fill in the details, opening a window onto the lives of Bronze Age artisans, traders, and kings, and the international connections between them. Discover the secrets of ancient glassmaking and its colorful hues that would have afforded the most striking colors other than gemstones.

Chocolate is not just an art, it's also a science. Discover how chocolatiers use the complex physics of chocolate to create the perfect texture, taste, and appearance. Learn about the six-phase polymorphic crystal structure of chocolate and how chocolatiers manipulate it through tempering. Explore the similarities between chocolate and carbon and how chocolatiers use their knowledge of physics to regulate the spread of flavor in their creations. Join master chocolatier Richard Tango-Lowy and physicist Joshua Erlich on a journey through the fascinating world of chocolate physics.

Chemistry is an exciting field that involves the study of the composition, structure, and properties of matter. It is a field that explores the science behind everyday materials and phenomena. If you have an interest in science, problem-solving, and innovation, then a career in chemistry may be perfect for you! In a chemistry career, you could work in a variety of industries, including pharmaceuticals, food and drink, cosmetics, energy, and materials science. For example, you could work in drug development, designing new materials for use in batteries or electronic devices, or developing new food products with unique flavors and textures. You could also work in research, where you might study the properties of new materials or develop new chemical processes. Typical duties in a chemistry career include conducting laboratory experiments, analyzing data, writing reports, and presenting findings to colleagues. There are also many areas of specialization within chemistry, including analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, and biochemistry. Other related fields include chemical engineering, environmental science, and materials science. To become a chemist, you typically need a bachelor's degree in chemistry or a related field. Popular undergraduate programs and majors include chemistry, biochemistry, and chemical engineering. Additionally, graduate education is often necessary for advanced positions in research and development. Helpful personal attributes for a chemistry career include a strong aptitude for math and science, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills. It's also important to have excellent communication and teamwork skills, as well as a passion for learning and a commitment to ongoing education. Job prospects for chemists are strong, with many opportunities available in both the public and private sectors. Notable potential employers include companies such as Pfizer, Dow Chemical, and DuPont, as well as government agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Institutes of Health.

Lovecraftian horror is a unique type of terror that responds to the rapid scientific progress of our era, using scientific elements to lend eerie plausibility. Rather than recognizable monsters or graphic violence, the terror in Lovecraft's fiction lies in what's not directly portrayed, but left instead to the dark depths of our imagination. Lovecraft's protagonists often stumble onto hints of the existence of the Great Old Ones, beings that exist beyond our conceptions of reality, whose true forms are as inscrutable as their motives. Even indirect glimpses of them are enough to drive them insane. The Cthulhu Mythos, named after Lovecraft's infamous blend of dragon and octopus, is a shared universe adopted by a wide variety of authors, often reimagining them from diverse perspectives that transcend the author's prejudices. Learning about Lovecraftian horror will inspire you to independently explore academic topics through reading, reflection, writing, and self-directed projects.

Maps are a fundamental tool for navigation and education, but did you know that every map humans have ever made is wrong? That's because it's impossible to make a 100% accurate flat map of a spherical planet. Despite this, maps are still widely used today, including the Mercator projection, which distorts the size of land masses and bodies of water. However, maps are not just about navigation - they also shape our perception of the world. Simple changes in map design can completely shift our point of view. Learning about the different types of maps and their limitations can expand your understanding of geography and the world around you. By exploring this topic through reading, reflection, and self-directed projects, you can become an expert in cartography and gain a deeper appreciation for the power of maps.

Teflon, a material that doesn't stick to anything, was stumbled upon accidentally in 1938 by a chemist named Roy Plunkett. Teflon's properties make it perfect for things that need to be slippery, chemical-resistant, or waterproof, which means it has a lot of applications. It can be found all over the place, from raincoats to industrial ball bearings to artificial joints. The incredible properties of PTFE, the chemical name for Teflon, come from its molecular structure. It's a polymer, meaning it's made of long chains of repeating units of atoms strung together. PTFE has tight carbon-fluorine bonds that ignore the normal, intermolecular forces that help substances stick to each other. Even the famously adhesive feet of geckos usually can't get a grip on it. Learning about the properties of materials like Teflon can inspire independent exploration of science and engineering, which can lead to exciting career opportunities in fields like materials science and chemical engineering.

Are you interested in using your creativity and problem-solving skills to make a positive impact on the world? Then a career in chemical engineering might be right up your alley! Chemical engineering is a field that combines knowledge of chemistry, physics, and mathematics to design and develop new products and processes. As a chemical engineer, you could work in a variety of industries, including pharmaceuticals, energy, food and beverage, and more. For example, you might work on developing new medicines to treat diseases, or on designing more efficient and sustainable ways to produce energy. One exciting aspect of chemical engineering is the potential for innovation and discovery. For example, chemical engineers have been instrumental in developing new materials like graphene, which has the potential to revolutionize industries from electronics to transportation. In terms of day-to-day duties, chemical engineers might be involved in everything from designing experiments and analyzing data to overseeing production processes and troubleshooting problems that arise. There are also many areas of specialization within the field, such as materials science, process design, and environmental engineering. To become a chemical engineer, you'll typically need to earn a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering or a related field. Some popular undergraduate programs include the chemical engineering programs at MIT, UC Berkeley, and the University of Texas at Austin. In addition to technical knowledge, there are a few personal attributes that can be helpful in a career in chemical engineering. These include strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively. As for job prospects, chemical engineering is a field with plenty of opportunities for growth and advancement. Some notable employers include companies like Procter & Gamble, ExxonMobil, and DuPont, as well as government agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy. In conclusion, if you're interested in using your scientific knowledge to make a difference in the world, a career in chemical engineering might be the perfect fit for you. With plenty of opportunities for innovation and growth, this field offers the chance to make a real impact on society and the environment. So why not explore this exciting career path today?

Scientists at SLAC and Stanford have found a way to generate low-carbon fuel from seawater by extracting hydrogen through a double-membrane system and electricity. Their innovative design could help advance efforts to produce clean energy and store energy for weeks, months or longer for electric grids. The study also provided a better understanding of how seawater ions move through membranes, which could help scientists design stronger membranes for other applications.