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.

Pyrex, the first-ever consumer cooking products made with temperature-resistant glass, revolutionized the way we think about glass and fueled an interest in more durable materials. Learn about the history of Pyrex and its impact on the functional design of cookware in an exhibit at the Corning Museum of Glass. Discover how home economics and the role of women in academia, public education, industry, and government influenced the development of Pyrex.

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.

The study published in PLOS ONE reveals the discovery of Roman gold coins that were previously thought to be fake for over 150 years. The coins, which are now scientifically proven to be authentic, shed light on the long-lost emperor Sponsian and his reign. The coins were found in an isolated gold mining outpost in Roman Dacia, providing insight into the area's untold story.

Marine archaeologists and explorers embark on a daring mission to locate Sir Ernest Shackleton's lost ship, Endurance, trapped in the treacherous Antarctic sea-ice for over 100 years. Despite failed attempts, the fascination with Shackleton's Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition and the legendary escape of his men fuels the search for this elusive shipwreck. With new technology and tactics, the Endurance22 project sets out to make history and answer the question: what would it mean to find the Endurance?

Have you ever wondered what lies beyond the pages of a closed book? Imagine being able to see the words on the pages without ever opening the cover. This is the exciting concept behind the technology developed by a group at MIT. Using terahertz waves, they can now read through closed books and uncover the hidden information inside. To do this, they had to overcome a series of challenges including the need for a radiation source that can penetrate the paper, the ability to distinguish between different pages, and the recognition of characters that are partially hidden. Learning about these academic concepts not only expands your knowledge of science and technology but also opens up new possibilities for studying antique documents and other important materials. Take the first step towards exploring the unseen world and discover the thrill of uncovering hidden information.

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.

Plastics have become ubiquitous in our daily lives, but few of us know the history behind this versatile material. The first plastic was created in 1863 by an American named John Wesley Hyatt, who invented celluloid, made from cellulose found in wood and straw. This discovery led to a cascade of new plastics, including bakelite, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, acrylics, and nylon. Plastics have replaced other materials like wood, glass, and fabric in furniture, clothing, and packaging. While plastics have brought convenience and cost-effectiveness, they have also created staggering environmental problems. Many plastics are made of nonrenewable resources, and plastic packaging was designed to be single-use, but some plastics take centuries to decompose, creating a huge buildup of waste. By learning about plastics, students can understand how science and innovation have shaped our world, and they can explore ways to address the environmental problems associated with plastic use.

Understanding the science behind climate change is crucial for high school students. Eunice Foote, a women's rights activist, discovered the greenhouse effect in 1856, but her work was buried for 150 years. Guy Stewart Callendar and Charles Keeling continued their research in the 1930s and 1950s, respectively, and proved that human activity was causing global warming. Keeling's Mauna Loa project is still the world's benchmark site for measuring CO2. By learning about the history of climate science, students can appreciate the importance of perseverance in scientific research and the impact of human activity on the environment. Understanding climate science can also help students make informed decisions about their own carbon footprint and advocate for change in their communities.

Are you fascinated by the mysteries of the past? Do you ever wonder how ancient people built massive structures without modern technology? Then you'll love this new discovery! According to Smithsonian Magazine, researchers have found stone engravings that depict desert kites, massive stone structures used by Stone Age hunters to trap wild animals. What's amazing is that these engravings are accurate, to-scale depictions of desert kites that date back to between 7,000 and 8,000 years ago, making them the oldest known realistic plans for large, human-made structures. Read on to learn more about this incredible discovery and what it tells us about the ingenuity of our ancestors.

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.

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.

Waste management is an essential aspect of public health, and it has a long and fascinating history. From ancient Roman public latrines to modern wastewater treatment plants, the evolution of toilets and sewage systems has been pivotal in preventing the spread of dangerous microorganisms that cause cholera, dysentery, and typhoid. Learning about the history of waste management is not only intellectually stimulating but also practically important for understanding the importance of proper sanitation. While modern toilets have a wide range of features, billions of people around the world still lack access to proper sanitation facilities, putting them at risk of disease. By studying the history of waste management and developing new sanitation technologies, we can address the behavioral, financial, and political issues that produce inequity throughout the sanitation pipeline and improve public health for all.

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 fascinated by the evolution of human civilization? Then you won't want to miss this groundbreaking research by Heriot-Watt University! According to a paper published in Nature Scientific Reports, our ancestors in Europe were using fire for cooking, heating and defense at least 250,000 years ago - 50,000 years earlier than previously thought. The research team used forensic chemical methods to identify incomplete burning molecules at an archaeological site in Spain, providing definitive evidence of human-controlled fire. This discovery sheds new light on our understanding of human development and the role of fire in our evolutionary success.

Space debris tells a story of humanity's evolving relationship with space. With over 100 million objects orbiting Earth, Lisa Ruth Rand, a Caltech professor, studies the impact of space debris on human culture and the environment. Learn how gender politics intersect with space exploration and how space is a global environment that poses unique challenges. Discover the fascinating history of space junk and its potential hazards to spacecraft and satellites.

The development and spread of railroads across the United States brought about many changes to American life, including the establishment of standard time. Before the railroads, each town kept its own local time, which made it difficult to keep a train schedule and prevent accidents. To eliminate confusion, the railroads of the United States and Canada instituted standard time zones on November 18, 1883, allowing the railroad companies to operate more effectively and reduce deadly accidents. The concept of standard time has remained since then, and it has become a matter of law with the Standard Time Act of March 19, 1918. Learning about the history of standard time is intellectually stimulating and can help students understand how transportation and communication have evolved over time. Additionally, understanding the importance of standard time is practically beneficial as it is still used today in many aspects of our lives.

Unravel the mysteries of ancient texts, including a stamped clay disk, Easter Island tablets, and a 16th-century world map. Discover the secrets of the Minoan kingdom and the Voynich manuscript. Join the search for answers to these enigmatic artifacts.

Have you ever wondered what life was like thousands of years ago? Do you have a passion for exploring the mysteries of the past? If so, a career in archaeology might be just the thing for you! Archaeology is the study of human history and prehistory through the excavation and analysis of artifacts, structures, and other physical remains. It's a fascinating field that combines science, history, and detective work to uncover the secrets of our ancestors. As an archaeologist, you could find yourself working on a variety of projects, from excavating ancient ruins to studying the remains of early human civilizations. You might specialize in a particular area, such as underwater archaeology, or focus on a specific time period, such as the ancient Egyptians or the Mayans. Typical duties of an archaeologist include conducting fieldwork and excavations, analyzing and interpreting data, and writing reports on findings. You might also work with other professionals, such as historians, geologists, or anthropologists, to gain a better understanding of the past. To become an archaeologist, you'll typically need a bachelor's degree in archaeology, anthropology, or a related field. Many universities offer undergraduate programs in archaeology, and some even have specialized majors, such as archaeology and art history or archaeology and classics. Helpful personal attributes for a career in archaeology include a love of history and a passion for discovery. You should also be detail-oriented, patient, and able to work well in a team. The job prospects for archaeologists are good, with a projected growth rate of 5% over the next decade. There are many potential employers in both the public and private sectors, including museums, universities, government agencies, and consulting firms. Some notable employers in the field of archaeology include the Smithsonian Institution, the National Park Service, and the Archaeological Institute of America. With a career in archaeology, you could have the opportunity to work on exciting projects all over the world, from the pyramids of Egypt to the ruins of Machu Picchu. So if you're ready to dig deep into the past and uncover the secrets of our ancestors, a career in archaeology might be just what you're looking for!

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.