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.

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.

Self-heating convenience food has been around for decades, but have you ever wondered how it works? This exciting field of food science combines chemistry, physics, and engineering to create meals that heat themselves. Let's take a closer look at the science behind these on-the-go meals. First, let's explore the technology behind self-heating food. The packaging for self-heating meals is made up of several layers, including a water pouch, a heating element, and an insulating layer. When the pouch is squeezed, it releases water, which then comes into contact with the heating element, creating a chemical reaction that generates heat. This chemical reaction is based on the principle of exothermic reactions, which release energy in the form of heat. The heating element in self-heating food typically contains a mixture of calcium oxide and water, which react to create calcium hydroxide and heat. This reaction is often catalyzed by a small amount of sodium chloride. But how does this chemical reaction actually heat up the food? The heat generated by the reaction is transferred to the surrounding water, which then heats up the food in the container. The insulating layer of the packaging helps to keep the heat trapped inside the container, ensuring that the food stays hot for several minutes. Innovation in self-heating food technology has come a long way since the first self-heating meals were introduced in the 1960s. Today, companies like Hot-Can and OMEALS have developed sophisticated self-heating meal kits that include a variety of menu options, from pasta dishes to breakfast sandwiches. Leading academics in the field of self-heating food technology include Dr. Gregory Ziegler, a professor of food science at Penn State University, who has studied the properties of different materials used in self-heating packaging. With so many fascinating aspects to explore, the science of self-heating convenience food is an excellent topic for students looking to independently explore academic topics through reading, reflection, writing, and self-directed projects.

Discover the fascinating life of Humphry Davy, a self-taught chemist who rose to become a leading figure in British science and literature. From his explosive lectures to his groundbreaking experiments with gases, his influence on popular culture and Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, explore the legacy of this forgotten genius. Thanks to the Davy Notebooks Project, you can now access the first digital edition of his 83 manuscript notebooks and gain invaluable insights into his mind and work. Join us on a journey of discovery into the intertwined history of the arts and sciences in British history.

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.

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.

MIT researchers have developed a 3D-printed miniature vacuum pump that could revolutionize the use of portable mass spectrometers. The pump is inexpensive, lightweight, and can operate at a low cost, making it ideal for use in remote locations or even in space. The unique design prevents fluid or gas from leaking while minimizing heat from friction during the pumping process, increasing the lifetime of the device. This breakthrough could lead to the monitoring of soil contamination in isolated parts of the world or geological survey equipment bound for Mars.

Are you fascinated by the science behind materials? Do you enjoy exploring and testing the properties of different materials? If so, a career in Materials Engineering might be the perfect fit for you! As a Materials Engineer, you will work to develop and improve the materials used in a wide range of products, from electronics to construction materials. You will use your knowledge of chemistry and physics to analyze the properties of different materials and determine how they can be optimized for specific applications. One exciting aspect of this field is the potential for innovation. For example, Materials Engineers have been instrumental in the development of new materials like graphene, which has the potential to revolutionize industries such as electronics and aerospace. Typical duties in this field include conducting experiments and tests to analyze the properties of materials, designing and developing new materials, and collaborating with other engineers and scientists to improve existing products. There are also many areas of specialization within Materials Engineering, such as biomaterials, nanomaterials, and metallurgy. To become a Materials Engineer, you will typically need a bachelor's degree in Materials Science or a related field. Popular undergraduate programs and majors include Materials Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and Physics. Helpful personal attributes for success in this field include strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a passion for problem-solving. You should also have excellent communication skills, as you will often be working closely with teams of other engineers and scientists. Job prospects for Materials Engineers are strong, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 2% increase in employment from 2019 to 2029. There are many potential employers in both the public and private sectors, including companies like Apple, Boeing, and NASA. In summary, a career in Materials Engineering offers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects, develop new and innovative materials, and contribute to a wide range of industries. If you have a passion for science and a desire to make a real impact, this might be the perfect career for you!

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.

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.

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?

Can we develop a mechanical method to detect explosives as effectively as bomb-sniffing dogs? Researchers from MIT Lincoln Laboratory are using a mass spectrometer to measure explosive vapors and understand the requirements for creating an operational explosive detection system that could work in tandem with the canine fleet to improve current airport security systems. The team's research is supported by the Department of Homeland Security's Detection Canine Program and the Next-Generation Explosives Trace Detection program. This innovative research could lead to a faster and more streamlined passenger experience and support the development of technology that remains resilient against evolving security threats

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 a fan of s'mores? Do you want to learn the science behind making the perfect gooey treat? In a quest for perfection, a writer turned to physics and thermodynamics to determine the ideal s'more technique. By considering the heat transfer from marshmallow to chocolate, the writer computed the specific heat and latent heat of melting of both ingredients, and conducted experiments to determine the optimal temperature for the marshmallow. The results? A marshmallow heated to 160°F produces the perfect s'more! This delicious experiment shows that science can be fun and tasty too.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Nanotechnology is a fascinating field of study that explores the science of the very small. Imagine being able to manipulate and control matter at the atomic and molecular level! This is the world of nanotechnology. It is a highly interdisciplinary field that combines physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering to create new materials, devices, and systems that have the potential to revolutionize our world. One of the most exciting aspects of nanotechnology is the potential for new and innovative products that can improve our lives in countless ways. For example, scientists are currently researching how to use nanotechnology to develop new drug delivery systems, create more efficient solar panels, and even build tiny robots that can be used for medical purposes. Some of the most inspiring academic discourse in nanotechnology has come from researchers like Richard Smalley, who won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his work on carbon nanotubes, and Sumio Iijima, who discovered the first carbon nanotubes. Their groundbreaking research has paved the way for countless other scientists to explore the possibilities of nanotechnology. If you're interested in studying nanotechnology at the undergraduate level, you can expect to take courses in subjects like nanomaterials, nanoelectronics, and nanobiotechnology. You'll also have the opportunity to specialize in areas like nanomedicine or nanophotonics, depending on your interests. The potential career paths for someone with a degree in nanotechnology are vast and varied. You could work in industries like electronics, energy, or healthcare, developing new products and technologies that could change the world. Some specific examples of potential employers include Intel, IBM, and General Electric. To succeed in the field of nanotechnology, you'll need a strong background in science and math, as well as excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills. You'll also need to be creative and innovative, as the field is constantly evolving and new discoveries are being made all the time. If you're interested in exploring the world of nanotechnology further, there's no better time to start than now. With so much potential for innovation and discovery, it's an exciting field that is sure to inspire and challenge you for years to come.