December 2020
Features

How to Raise a Jellyfish
By Katie Navarra
A high school student in upstate New York learns about marine chemistry by raising jellyfish in the classroom! Find out how her project connects to climate change.

The Chemistry of Convenience
By Max G. Levy
Many modern products are geared toward making life easier. But scientists have found that creating these conveniences with “forever chemicals” sometimes leads to harmful side effects.
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Mirror Reflections
By Brian Rohrig
Mirrors have been around for thousands of years in one form or another, reflecting not only our own image, but also how our knowledge and beliefs change over time.
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Can a Vaccine End the Pandemic?
By Wynne Parry
Vaccines have helped save countless lives since they were first developed more than 200 years ago. The search is on for a new vaccine to fight COVID-19.
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Featured Video
Departments

A Balancing Act: How do we weigh the benefits and potential risks of products we rely on?
By Michael Tinnesand
How many times have you thought about what it takes to make and deliver those products to you? It wouldn’t be surprising if this question is not on your radar—most people don’t think about the life cycle of the stuff they use.

Extreme Adventures and Saving the Planet
By Max G. Levy
Laura Hoch’s career began with a murder. Well, not a real murder—a murder-mystery game staged by her high school chemistry teachers in central Pennsylvania. Now, Hoch is a material innovation chemist for Patagonia, where she uses chemistry to make sustainable and durable outdoor apparel.