For decades, Arieh Warshel, USC Distinguished Professor of Chemistry and a 2013 Nobel laureate, has used computer simulations ...

It may seem easy to distinguish whether something is alive or not. You are alive, as is your teacher, and the trees you see on your way to school. Your desk and chair are not alive, and neither are ...

The Cassiopeia A supernova remnant reveals that massive exploding stars can forge far more of life's essential ingredients ...

In some ways, the origin of life is looking much less mystifying than it was a few decades ago. Researchers have figured out how some of the fundamental molecules needed for life can form via ...

In our vast, interconnected world, the mere mention of the word “chemicals” can often prompt reactions ranging from unease to outright dread. Blaring headlines and eye-catching news segments tend to ...

The flowing of molten rocks through small cracks in the heart of volcanoes may have been a perfect environment to forge the building blocks of life on Earth. These chemicals—called biopolymers—are an ...

A molecule common to Earth and usually associated with life has been detected in the depths of space by scientists. Carbonic acid (HOCOOH), which you may know as the chemical that makes your soda ...

University of Alberta geochemists have discovered a missing piece to one of the great mysteries of science—the origin of life ...

Humanity has long been captivated by the mysteries beyond our planet, from ancient star charts to modern probes scanning the ...

“Forever chemicals,” also known as PFAS, are everywhere. They’re in our water, our soil and in everyday items like cookware, mascara or waterproof clothing. And there’s mounting evidence that this ...