The National Science Foundation has joined forces with NBC Learn and the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) to celebrate the International Year of Chemistry by creating "Chemistry Now" - a weekly, online, video series that uncovers and explains the science of common, physical objects in our world and the changes they undergo every day. The series also looks at the lives and work of scientists on the frontiers of 21st century.
21st Century Chemist Kent Kirshenbaum of New York University engineers and folds synthetic peptoids in hopes of creating “hunter-killer” molecules that can target and destroy deadly bacteria like staph (MRSA).
Graphene, one of the most promising chance discoveries in recent history
We mark the award of the 2011 Nobel Prize in Chemistry with a look at two other notable Nobel-worthy advances: discovery of buckminsterfullerene, a 'surprise' carbon allotrope.
The structure and behavior of H2O in liquid form.
The dirt on using ammonia as a cleaning agent
The history and the how behind the first synthetic fabric
“The Chemistry of Ice” explains what happens when liquid H2O freezes into a solid crystal.
A Swiss chemist tries to stain-proof tablecloths by coating them with a viscous cellulose-based liquid, but it peels off in clear sheets when it dries. That new material, when refined, revolutionizes the way food is packaged and sold.
Transforming venom into a pain reliever
This "Chance Discovery" video tells the story of the first shatter-resistant safety glass.
Chlorophyll, the chemistry of seeing green
“The Chemistry of Salt” examines the molecular structure of sodium chloride, or NaCl, and explains how this salt crystal can melt ice crystals on sidewalks and roads.
It's a Wash: The Chemistry of Soap” explains how soap and detergents — surfactants — affect the surface tension of H2O to break up greasy dirt.
The Chemistry of CO2: Carbon Dioxide,” uses CO2's molecular structure to explain and illustrate the Octet Rule (Rule of 8); and examines CO2's role in carbonation, the carbon cycle, and the Earth's atmosphere, surface temperature, and ocean acidity.
Failing to wash their hands was these researchers' sweetest desicion
A scientist at 3M takes note of a weak adhesive with special characteristics
As light as nylon yet harder than steel — “Chance Discoveries: Kevlar” tells the story of lab experiments with aromatic polyamides that produced the synthetic material now common in bicycle helmets, tires, and “bulletproof” police and combat gear (although not in fashion, despite the early designs of one apparel company).
Why do tree leaves turn gold, orange and scarlet in the fall? “Chemistry of Changing Leaves” explains the role of pigment molecules, including chlorophyll, carotenoids, and anthocyanin.
So much of what we wear, sit on, use and touch every day is made, at least in part, of polymer plastics. “Chance Discoveries: Polyethylene” tells the story of how the world's most used plastic was first formed and developed into the “miracle” material of post-WWII America.
A profile of North Carolina State “green” chemist Elon Ison, who is designing catalysts to make safer, cleaner alternative fuels.