Search Results

The 1903 Flyer was the first aircraft to make a successful, controllable, heavier-than-air flight. View the Flyer at different angles, the customized lightweight motor, and other related images for a complete picture of this breakthrough in aircraft…

Mitosis is the series of visible changes that occur in the nucleus and chromosomes of non-gamete-producing plant and animal cells as they divide. This Image Gallery exhibit depicts these events using state-of-the art microscopy and digital image…

From the inspiration of a toy helicoptor to glider tests at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, view photographic documentation of the Wright Brothers' attempts at human flight and the stages toward a final successful aircraft. View launches and landings,…

The Mesozoic Era (about 250 to 65 million years ago) is a geologic time period that is known as the "Age of the Dinosaurs." However, paleontologists are finding more evidence of varied abundance of life during this age, tracing the common ancestor…

On December 26, 2004, a giant earthquake of magnitude 9.3 on the Richter scale was triggered in the deep ocean off western Indonesia. Simultaneously, a devastating tsunami was generated, causing destruction and loss of life around Indian Ocean…

NASA's twin rovers Spirit and Opportunity set down on the surface of Mars in January 2004. After meeting the 90-day goal, both rovers continued to dig, measure, observe, photograph, and explore the rough terrain. This Image Gallery showcases images…

The European Space Agency's (ESA) first mission to Mars, called Mars Express, was launched June 2, 2003 and entered an orbit around the planet by December 25. This Image Gallery exhibits a number of images of Mars captured by the High Resolution…

Spanish histologist, Santiago Ramón y Cajal (1852-1934), is credited with establishing modern neuroscience in the early 20th century. Some of Cajal's earliest illustrations of the structures of the nervous system are reproduced in this gallery along…

Glaciers in cold mountain regions are key indicators of global climate change. This Image Gallery exhibits glaciers, their behavior, and influence on the surrounding environment. View mountain glaciers dramatically shaping our landscapes around the…

Otto Lilienthal and Octave Chanute were the pioneers of flight who most influenced and inspired Orville and Wilbur Wright. Photographs of Lilienthal, a German engineer, depict his flying attempts in various gliders before his career was cut short in…

A supernova is the explosive death of a star. This Image Gallery exhibit shows optical, x-ray, and radio images of five famous supernova remnants of varying ages, from the extremely young (SN 1987A, at just over 15 years old) to the very old (Vela…

In 2006, evolutionary biologists at the American Museum of Natural History conducted a phylogenetic analysis of spiny-rayed teleost fishes. They discovered that at least a thousand more venomous fish species inhabit worldwide aqautic ecosystems—a…

Wilbur Wright asks for help from the respected engineer, Octave Chanute, in May of 1900. View all five pages of this original handwritten letter, which provides remarkable insight into the approach the Wright Brothers were planning to take in…

This animation describes how the technique of two-dimensional gel electrophoresis is used to separate mixtures of proteins inside a gel.

This animation explains how a material's chemical composition affects the wavelengths of light it absorbs and the color it displays.

Throughout the history of science, many major discoveries came accidentally. Sometimes they came from recognizing potential in an unexpected product or waste. Other times, discovery came out of pure desperation from a seemingly dead-end…

Chemistry research usually involves precise measurements and careful testing in order to get significant results. Sometimes, however, notable discoveries happen by accident. In this video on accidental discoveries, you will get to know the…

Unlike its name, Bicycle Day is not a holiday honoring your favorite two-wheeled, environmentally friendly vehicle. This holiday celebrates the day chemist Albert Hofmann first discovered the psychedelic effects of lysergic acid diethylamide,…

Have you ever seen a foam cup appear to melt away in acetone? Foam cups, bowls, and containers are made of a lightweight but strong material called expanded polystyrene. How does acetone reduce this substance to a blob of goo? In this video,…

When you hear the name "Hubble," you might think of the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope. But, decades before this telescope was built, Dr. Edwin Powell Hubble revolutionized the field of astronomy. This video looks at the life and work of…

This animation shows how the hormone epinephrine causes liver cells to secrete glucose without crossing their cell membrane.

This animation explains how glucocorticoid hormones influence nutrient metabolism by altering gene expression in cells.

This animation explains how an electrical signal (action potential) stimulating skeletal muscle triggers changes that enable muscle contraction.

This animation explains how a specific group of proteins in blood and body fluids works with the immune system to kill bacteria and other foreign invaders in the body.

This animation shows how the presentation of antigens and the activation of helper T cells mobilize the immune system's production of antibodies.

This animation explains the difference between addition mutations, in which nucleotides are added to DNA sequences, and deletion mutations, in which nucleotides are lost.

This animation explains how the control surfaces on an airplane's wing direct its flight and shows how movements of the ailerons, elevator, and rudder change the plane's flight path.

Is gluten good for you, or is gluten bad for you? This video breaks down the chemistry and science behind this controversial food ingredient. Credit: Reactions/American Chemical Society

For decades, the U.S. government issued a chemical shark repellent to pilots, sailors, and even astronauts to fend off potential shark attacks. The problem was, that substance did not actually work. This video explains why developing an…

This animation explains the difference between the alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays emitted by various radioactive materials.

This animation shows how the contraction and relaxation of the diaphragm leads to pressure changes in the alveoli of the lungs during inhalation (inspiration) and exhalation (expiration).

This animation summarizes the molecular structure of amino acids, peptides, and proteins.

This animation shows how long polymer chains can be built from small molecules by the process of anionic polymerization.

This animation shows the different ways in which proteins are broken down and presented as antigens to the immune system.

This animation reviews ways in which certain medications function as treatments for specific viral infections.

People have turned to “vaping” with electronic cigarettes as an alternative to puffing on the real thing. But is the vapor they’re inhaling any safer than smoking a cigarette? This video examines what we know, and what we don’t know, about…

In nature, living things die, decompose, and eventually become nutrients for other life. Yet humans use embalming, coffin-based burial, or cremation in typical after-death practices, which may interfere with this “circle of life.” This video…

Have you ever wished you could hide under an invisibility cloak, like Harry Potter did? This video explores the science behind light, sight, and invisibility. Though we can’t make ourselves invisible yet, some promising research may light the…

Are you breathing air molecules that were once exhaled by Caesar, Joan of Arc, or Madame Curie? Why did Albert Einstein try to break into the refrigerator business? In this video, writer Sam Kean, author of science books "Caesar’s Last…

Helium has helped create revolutionary scientific innovations, and has industrial uses that simply cannot be replicated. Yet helium—a gas that defies gravity—is constantly being lost as it escapes Earth’s atmosphere into space. This video…

Vanilla is a flavor so common that some people use it as an adjective to describe something plain or ordinary. But watch out! This beloved, flavorful bean may soon become a rarity. Credit: Reactions/American Chemical Society

This video explores a vocation that involves the blending of art and chemistry. Blacksmiths forge (heat and shape) metals or alloys to make objects—such as sculptures and cutlery—and then temper (cool) the heated metals to optimize their…

This animation explains the phenomenon of attenuation, which turns off unneeded gene expression, using the example of the trp operon and tryptophan biosynthesis.

This animation demonstrates how B vitamin coenzymes must be present to enable some enzymes to function.

This animation describes conjugation, the process by which bacteria naturally exchange genetic information.

This animation explains how bacteria become dormant by forming spores when nutrients are depleted or under other adverse environmental conditions.

This animation shows how bacteria integrate new genetic information through the transfer of "naked" DNA into their genome.

There’s probably a box of it in your refrigerator or cupboard, and it has hundreds of uses: baking soda. This video contains tips on how to use this handy compound to de-skunk your dog, clean your kitchen, and supercharge your washing…

This animation shows how a barometer measures atmospheric pressure.

Anhydrous (water-free) ammonia is the most concentrated nitrogen fertilizer and—as a result—is a critical agricultural chemical for feeding the global human population. This and many other important uses for anhydrous ammonia require it to be…

Neuroengineer Nima Mesgarani is using a form of artificial intelligence called neural network modeling to develop improved hearing aids. If successful, hearing-impaired individuals will be better able to identify and focus on a speaker of…

This video is all about pancake chemistry. Get a closer look at the compounds and science behind that perfect pancake for your morning breakfast. Credit: Reactions/American Chemical Society

This video is a home demonstration showing that the key to making better pizza is through a basic understanding of dough chemistry. Specifically, it helps to know the chemical reactions involved in fermentation and baking. You’ll find pro…

This animation shows how DNA replication in a bacterial cell begins at the origin and then proceeds in two different directions to produce two identical DNA strands.

Do you know someone with red hair? Perhaps you have those fiery locks yourself. This video takes a close biochemical look into what makes redheads stand out from the crowd. It's not just the color of their hair. Credit: Reactions/American…

This animation shows how thin communities of microorganisms (biofilms) can organize themselves and grow on surfaces.

This animation covers the three different types of RNA and how they relate to protein synthesis.

This animation explains the concept of biomes (major communities of organisms distributed over wide areas) and describes some of the biomes found around the world.

A figure skating performance often begins with a moment of quiet focus to mentally "upload" a routine, consisting of a linked series of complex movements—such as jumps and spins—that must be executed expertly and automatically. This video…

When it’s time to vote on Election Day, how do you decide on a candidate? In this video, neuroscientist Michael Shadlen explains how our brains secretly do math in order to make decisions. Credit: Columbia University’s Zuckerman Institute

Thanksgiving is a holiday when many people look forward to a tasty home-cooked meal. According to neuroscientist Charles Zuker, not only is that sense of taste in the brain, but it is a matter of life and death. This video takes you on a…

This animation shows the steps involved in the breakdown of ATP molecules that provides energy for the contraction of muscle fibers.

Some ice burns because it’s actually methane trapped in water. This video discusses the chemistry of methane hydrates as a source of energy and a climate change threat. Credit: Reactions/American Chemical Society

This animation explains the function of cam mechanisms and shows how cams produce desired physical movements in engines and other machines.

Toxin-producing strains of C. difficile bacteria can be a source of aggravated diarrhea, and—if unchecked—may ultimately lead to kidney failure and death. What’s worse is that antibiotics can make the situation even more life-threatening.…

An estimated 133 billion pounds of food gets thrown away every year in the United States. Understanding when your food goes bad is important to help reduce waste. Unfortunately, consumers can’t just check the expiration date on the packaging,…

Is there such a thing as love at first scent? Hundreds of spray-on pheromone products claim to put you on the fast track to romance, but can they really help humans land a mate? This video has the answers. [Credit: Reactions/American Chemical…

Thanks to the demands of eco-conscious consumers, biodegradable and compostable plastics are cropping up everywhere. Are these green plastics the solution to our throwaway lifestyle? Well, it’s complicated, as this video explains. Credit:…

Some clothing makers try to harness the antibacterial power of silver to combat the smell of sweat from people's workouts. Now, some manufacturers are adding nanotechnology to the mix. This video asks: does it work? Credit:…

Opioids are powerful, yet highly addictive, painkillers. This video explores whether we will ever have as strong painkillers as opioids without the risks of addiction and overdose. Credit: Reactions/American Chemical Society

Every medicine we buy has an expiration date printed on it, but does that pill or tablet actually go bad? This video explains the chemistry of drug expiration dates. Credit: Reactions/American Chemical Society

Chemistry can let you taste food in an entirely new way. This video shows how you can actually taste raw garlic with your feet. No, your feet don't have any secret taste buds. It's all about the ability of chemicals to penetrate your skin.…

Cryogenic freezing of a dead body is possible, but reanimating that body in the future is a different story. As you will see in this video, cells themselves can be reanimated after freezing, but bringing a human back to life is not so…

This animation shows how different parts of the heart are involved in a full cardiac cycle, which represents a single heartbeat.

This animation shows how a cathode ray tube works and describes some of the basic science behind the control of electron beams.

This animation describes binary fission in prokaryotes and mitosis in eukaryotes, two different forms of cell division.

This animation describes how living cells use growth factors to regulate their growth and division.

This animation shows how a nuclear chain reaction works and explains how it is used in nuclear fission devices.

What do chameleons have to do with nanotechnology? You'll find out when you watch this video. These color-changing lizards are some of nature’s most interesting animals, all because they are masters of pigment and light. Explore the chemistry…

This animation shows how chaotic systems are unpredictable because of their extreme sensitivity to their initial conditions.

This video explores the extraordinary efforts by some individuals to make gunpowder during the American Revolutionary War. It also reviews the chemistry involved in synthesizing and combusting this explosive mixture. Credit:…

This animation shows how an action potential in a neuron stimulates the release of neurotransmitters into synapses and allows the neural signal to propagate into other neurons.

Researchers at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, popularly known as Virginia Tech, helped prove that lead levels were dangerously high in Flint, Michigan tap water, even when government officials denied the problem. This…

Who doesn’t love potatoes? This video offers tips for roasting delicious potatoes and along the way describes the chemistry behind achieving their best texture and consistency. Credit: Reactions/American Chemical Society

This video explores the chemistry of hair and the hairstyle known as the permanent wave, which is commonly called a perm or permanent. Credit: Reactions/American Chemical Society

This video has easy, chemistry-fueled solutions for several everyday dilemmas, such as making bitter coffee taste better, plus other useful tips to improve your life. [Credit: Reactions/American Chemical Society…

This video contains chemistry-fueled solutions for everyday problems, such as spotting rotten eggs, reviving soggy green vegetables, and fixing busted buttons. [Credit: Reactions/American Chemical Society (www.youtube.com/acsreactions)]

When temperatures fall along with snow, you know you're in the middle of winter. This video has seasonal advice on keeping your windshield fog-free, getting unstuck from the snow, and even how to make your own hand warmer. [Credit:…

This video brings chemistry to the kitchen, featuring science-backed tips to cook rice with fewer calories, get extra-juicy chicken when you don't have time to marinate, and keep sliced fruit from browning too quickly. Watch and learn how…

It’s a sinister condition that affects millions of people: addiction. Whether it’s alcohol, drugs, food, or gambling, addiction can ruin lives. This video takes a look at the chemistry behind addiction. Credit: Reactions/American Chemical…

People who shave share one concern—the threat of razor-sharp metal. Luckily, aerosol-based shaving cream packs the right chemistry to protect sensitive skin, thanks in part to surfactants. Watch this video to learn more about this fantastic…

This video examines the science behind the most misunderstood spice in the world: allspice. [Credit: Reactions/American Chemical Society (www.youtube.com/acsreactions)]

This video explores well-known antics in three cartoons and asks the question: Does the chemistry check out? Find out whether slipping on a banana peel, gaining superhuman strength from eating spinach, and dissolving a Toon in solvent, are…

Cats: they are the subject of millions of videos and hundreds of memes. This video has answers to some of the biggest cat-related questions out there: Why does catnip make most cats go crazy? How does kitty litter clump? And what does it mean…

This video uncovers the chemistry behind the spine-tingling sense of fear. Watch as Abigail Marsh, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Psychology at Georgetown University, highlights key brain chemicals and hormones involved in fear and the…

From the sizzle of the fuse to the boom and burst of colors, this video brings you all of the exciting sights and sounds of fireworks. The video features John A. Conkling, Ph.D., author of "The Chemistry of Pyrotechnics, Basic Principles and…

If you have ever tapped a phone screen to send a tweet, opted for bottled soda because it tastes better than plastic, or drooled over art glass in a gallery, then your life has been changed for the better by the transparent yet durable…

If you enjoy barbecues, you'll enjoy this video. It contains chemistry knowledge that will impress your guests, such as why red meat is red. You’ll also learn about the chemical reaction that changes raw meat into grilled brown deliciousness.…

This video explains how certain neurotransmitters fuel lifelong pair bonds in prairie voles, which—along with humans—are the mammalian kingdom's leading monogamists. In the video, Abigail Marsh, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Psychology at…

To fire up the grill or a gas stove, we often reach for a match. It turns out there’s a lot of chemistry going on to make those little wooden wonders work. The best way to find out about the chemistry of a burning match is to watch this…