Ethanol, also known as ethyl alcohol , is a clear, flammable liquid with a wine-like odor. It's produced by microbial fermentation of...

Biofuels, made from organic materials, promise a renewable alternative to fossil fuels. While the sunny side of biofuel touts its...

The heliosphere protects the solar system from cosmic radiation. The vast, bubble-like region is dominated by the activity of the Sun,...

The solar wind is a continuous stream of charged particles emitted by the sun. This supersonic outflow of protons and electrons permeates...

Phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) transform inorganic phosphorus from insoluble compounds into forms plants can easily absorb. PSB...

Morning glories are easy to grow and fairly low-maintenance. In balcony gardens they need a lot of water and at least a bucket-sized...

Plutonium-239 is an artificial isotope in nuclear energy and technology. It's not usually found in nature, produced primarily in nuclear...

Nuclear energy uses the power of the atom, the fundamental constituent of matter. Atomic energy is released through nuclear fission or...

Lithium-ion batteries power many aspects of life including smartphones and electric vehicles. With rapid market growth comes the question...

The world's first carbon-14 diamond battery comes from the UK. Purported to last for thousands of years, it presents a hope for...

Magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) navigate their environment using magnetic fields. They're found in a variety of saline and freshwater...

Magnetite is a magnetic mineral found in diverse geological settings. Its strong magnetism is an predominant quality. Magnetite makes up...

Rocks hold within them hidden forces. While not all rocks are obviously magnetic, most carry a subtle magnetic field. It comes from their...

Gravity influences ocean tides and shapes the weather patterns. It attracts objects toward one another, causing swollen seas, cloud...

Gravity is the invisible force defining the paths of celestial bodies and spacecraft. It affects the way planets orbit and space...

A laser weapon is a type of directed-energy weapon (DEW) using lasers to inflict damage. Unlike traditional projectile weapons, which...

Space aerosols are natural particles active in the atmosphere of Earth. They affect weather patterns, health and ecological balance. Some...

Spacecraft re-entry in the atmosphere has consequences. Many survive intense heat and friction through ablation, drawing heat away from...

Spacecraft re-entering Earth's atmosphere must navigate intense heat and friction. Primary defenses against burning up include heat...

The Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP) is in the central North Pacific Ocean. A massive moving marine dump, it accumulates vast amounts...