All The crucible articles – Page 6
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OpinionHow Frankenstein left chemistry with a monstrous reputation
Shelley’s masterpiece was inspired by the cutting-edge science of her time
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OpinionGeneral dietary advice should be taken with a pinch of salt
We must move away from labeling foods as universally good or bad and start talking about dose
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OpinionWhat's the point of synthesising the human genome?
A plan to build our genome from scratch should be challenged on its scientific merit, not whether it is creating life, argues Philip Ball
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OpinionHow game theory could explain complex life
Philip Ball asks if the building blocks of life benefit from cooperation
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OpinionHoming pigeons should thank quantum chemistry
Philip Ball asks whether quantum biology holds the secret to how birds navigate
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OpinionWhy salty water foams
Philip Ball seeks the answer to a question more complex than it appears
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OpinionWhat is a molecule?
Despite being a standard scientific concept, it’s virtually impossible to agree a satisfactory definition, says Philip Ball
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OpinionThe periodic table name game
Proposed new rules on how elements are named save confusion but sacrifice romance, argues Philip Ball
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OpinionWhy we need more research risks
Scientists are playing it too safe when choosing topics for investigation, warns Philip Ball
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OpinionWeapons of mass discussion
A chemistry opera gives reason to face up to the role of scientists in war, says Philip Ball
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OpinionSpeaking of chemistry
Richard Feynman’s mischievous genius shone discussing chemistry, says Philip Ball
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OpinionA shared secret?
Do chemistry and alchemy have a common ancestor, or are they separated by science, asks Philip Ball
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OpinionA coat of many colours
Just how did lab couture settle on that little white number, asks Philip Ball
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OpinionHow do we solve a problem like Marie?
Women in science’s history deserve better treatment than myths and martyrdom, says Philip Ball
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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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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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OpinionA brave new word
Why did scientists endure, while sciencers perished? Philip Ball examines the quirks of science’s lexical legacy