All articles by Philip Ball – Page 10
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FeatureAll set for chemistry
Chemistry sets through the years have both weathered and reflected many changes in science and society, as Philip Ball discovers
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OpinionOh, the humanities!
Science and the arts are equally essential to society, says Philip Ball. Don’t divide them by their differences
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ResearchSimple chemistry mimics animals' predator spotting method
Filter paper soaked in chemicals can perform complex edge detection computation
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OpinionDial chem for murder
Poisons may seem to be a murderer’s perfect accomplice, but chemists can always persuade them to betray their secrets, says Philip Ball
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FeatureAlchemy on the page
Books used by alchemists offer insights into the relationship between these early chemists and their texts. Philip Ball investigates
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ResearchProgram ready to weed out tough drug leads
Model could help drug firms avoid synthetically complex dead ends and speed drug discovery
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OpinionA brave new word
Why did scientists endure, while sciencers perished? Philip Ball examines the quirks of science’s lexical legacy
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Research
Pattern reactions driven by DNA strands
Waves of self-catalysing chemical reactions can be controlled using short strands of DNA
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FeatureFlowing rivers of mercury
Philip Ball investigates claims that the burial chamber of China’s first emperor contains rivers of shimmering mercury
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OpinionA complete chemist
Philip Ball celebrates Paul Schleyer’s contributions to scientific discourse, spanning decades and disciplines
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OpinionAn end to bubble puzzle trouble?
Has a 20-year-old problem finally been solved, asks Philip Ball
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FeatureHarvesting heat
Philip Ball looks at the thermoelectric materials that harness waste heat and turn it into useful energy
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ResearchProbing molecules atom by atom
New NMR technique allows ultra-high-resolution of individual molecules
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OpinionAppreciating art criticism
Philip Ball considers Chinese works of art that comment on environmental and chemical issues
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OpinionDoes life play dice?
Philip Ball wonders whether life evolved to exploit quantum phenomena, or if it’s just in our nature
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ResearchFaulty enzyme link offers new ways to fight Parkinson’s
Research links Parkinson’s disease to an enzyme that affects the functioning of mitochondria
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OpinionThe fascinating in the familiar
A simple droplet shows that there are still plenty of puzzles to ponder in everyday observations, says Philip Ball