Chemistry

From urine to phosphorus: A depiction of the first modern elemental discovery

Chemistry, Culture / /

Alchemy, considered the embryonic stage of modern chemistry, has led to the discoveries of many basic elements like carbon and iron. But the discovery of the so-called philosopher’s stone was a central motivation for the alchemical field. The distillation of a common yet surprising bodily fluid, urine, led to its discovery in the 1600s.  Alchemists […]

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Not so forever chemicals: A new treatment for PFAS removal

Biology, Chemistry, Environment / /

Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS, have persisted in the environment for decades, earning the name “forever chemicals.” These man-made chemicals, found in nonstick cookware, waterproof clothing, and grease-resistant packaging, have been manufactured since the 1940s, and have since impaired waters globally. PFAS contain carbon and fluorine bonds, one of the strongest bonds in

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Opinion: A surface-level look into quantum states from a chemistry major fascinated by electrons

Chemistry, Opinion, Physics / /

The electron exists in a state of superposition: They inhabit multiple states simultaneously. For example, an electron can be in one quantum state as well as a different one. This doesn’t mean that it is in both states at once but that it is in a superposition of both states. It is both and none

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Perseverance rover perseveres: Explaining Mars’ atmosphere

Chemistry, Space / /

NASA, as part of its everlasting odyssey to acquire knowledge about Earth’s famous neighbor, has launched yet another rover to embark on a treacherous expedition to the red, rocky terrains of Mars. The spacecraft was granted the name Perseverance, a title fitting for the government agency’s undertaking. This mission would be no straightforward task. Prior

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