chemistry

In the Orion Nebula (M42), new stars and planetary systems are being born. They are build from the materials of previous stars which have died in a supernova explosion.

Science

The Long Path To Life And The Recycled Star You Are

1:00pm May 06, 2016

To make enough of the elements to support the chemical complexity of biology, we need an enormously old universe. Stars truly are the factories of life. But for you or your cat to exist, several generations of stars need to have come and gone - each born from the atoms of previous generations, like the babies of the Orion Nebula.

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An artist's illustration shows element 117, which has now been officially added to the periodic table of the elements.

Science

4 New Elements Are Added To The Periodic Table

12:08pm January 04, 2016

by Bill Chappell

With the discoveries now confirmed, "The 7th period of the periodic table of elements is complete," according to the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry.

This photo from the University of Virginia shows a chemical hearth discovered in the Rotunda at the University of Virginia during renovations at the school in Charlottesville, Va.

Science

Historic Chemistry Lab With Links To Thomas Jefferson Discovered Behind Wall

9:18pm October 18, 2015

by Brakkton Booker

The "chemical hearth," dating back to the 1820s, was unearthed by workers doing renovations on the Rotunda at the University of Virginia. It is thought to be one of very few such labs still surviving.