Visual explanations of scientific topics in image format.
How Does a Breath Analyzer Test for Alcohol Work?
We look at the chemistry behind breathalizers and their development since 1931
History of Synthetic Dyes
How chemistry has created a new industry from a waste product of the coal industry
How Does a Thermos Flask Work?
Why do drinks stay hot in winter and cool in summer?
Thermochemical Energy Storage (TCES)
Storing surplus heat in large quantities, long-term, reversible, and without insulation
Why Is Natural Gas so Important for the Chemical Industry?
Hardly any other industry needs as much gas as the chemical industry; this Clever Picture explains why
Exploring Mars
2021 has already added three new Mars expeditions and hopes are high that the first humans will land on Mars in the 2030s
Overview of Coronavirus Variants
Most mutations of SARS-CoV-2 do not have a noticeable impact on us, but some do – we look at which ones and why
Comparing COVID-19 Vaccines
Comparing vector vaccines based on adenoviruses and mRNA vaccines
Recipe for Lebkuchen
German gingerbread is soft and moist and is made with nuts and a special spice mixture, the Lebkuchen spice
Sourdough Chemistry
A stable symbiotic culture of lactic acid bacteria and yeasts used as a leavening agent
Recipe for Vanilla Anise Cookies (Anisplätzchen)
Another kitchen experiment: The cookies must develop "feet"
Nutmeg Chemistry
A look at the chemistry of the slightly volatile aroma of nutmeg
Hartshorn Salt Chemistry
Hartshorn salt is a mixture of two parts ammonium hydrogen carbonate and one part ammonium carbonate and some ammonium carbamate
Potash Chemistry
Potassium carbonate is used as a leavening agent for baked goods
Cardamom Chemistry
Cardamom seeds contain an essential oil that gives them a spicy, sweetish hot aroma
Anise Chemistry
A look at the chemistry of anise seed, which is used as a spice, either ground or whole
Recipe for Zimtsterne (Cinnamon Star Cookies)
Cinnamon stars are among the most popular traditional German Christmas cookies
Ginger Chemistry
Ginger is one of the earliest spices to be cultivated and exported
Yeast Chemistry
Yeast has been of vital importance in winemaking, baking, and brewing since ancient times