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.
Chance Discoveries: Sweeteners
Failing to wash their hands was these researchers' sweetest desicion
Chance Discoveries: Post-It Notes
A scientist at 3M takes note of a weak adhesive with special characteristics
Chance Discoveries: Kevlar
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).
Chemistry Of Changing Leaves
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.
Chance Discoveries: Polyethylene
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.
"Green" NC State Chemist Looks For Cleaner, Safer Fuel Process
A profile of North Carolina State “green” chemist Elon Ison, who is designing catalysts to make safer, cleaner alternative fuels.
Diamonds, Pencils And Buckyballs: A Look At Buckminsterfullerene
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.
Chance Discoveries: Graphene
Graphene, one of the most promising chance discoveries in recent history
Chance Discoveries: Safety Glass
This "Chance Discovery" video tells the story of the first shatter-resistant safety glass.
Origami Chemistry: NYU Chemist Folds Molecules
21
st 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).
Chemistry Of Fear And Fright
Are you arachnophobic? Acrophobic? Ophidiophobic (afraid of snakes)? “Chemistry of Fear and Fright” explains how two hormones, adrenaline and cortisol, work to trigger a cascade of “fight or flight” fear responses when you're confronted by a spider, great height or snake.
Chemistry Of Color: Flowers
The chemistry of petal pigments: chromoplasts, conjugated bonds.
Common Scents: Chemistry of Smell
Odor reader chemist works to develop artificial nose
Chance Discoveries: Synthetic Dye
The unexpected discovery of mauveine, the first synthetic dye.
Cheeseburger Chemistry: Pickles
The chemistry behind the making of pickles
Cheeseburger Chemistry: Condiments
The chemistry of condiments: ketchup, mustard, and mayo
Cheeseburger Chemistry: Tomatoes
How chemistry ripens and reddens tomatoes: ethylene, lycopene, gases, diffusion.
Cheeseburger Chemistry: Burgers
The chemistry behind turning raw ground beef into a tasty burger.
The Chemistry Of Chocolate
The chemical reactions that make chocolate: heat, temperature, and melting point
Cheeseburger Chemistry: The Bun