An LLNL team solved a mystery of metallurgy by simulating the metal hardening process.

A multi-institutional research team synthesized methane hydrate with sediments to determine the electrical conductivity of the mixtures.

In this experiment, “elephant toothpaste” is made by the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide using a catalyst to facilitate an otherwise invisible chemical reaction. H202 is decomposed in a graduated cylinder by adding a scoop of potassium iodide. Soap is added to make the mixture foam and food coloring is used to add color and the effect of foaming toothpaste.

Experiments with ultra-cold liquid nitrogen demonstrate states of matter, such as solids, liquids and gases, and phase transitions between these states using everyday items. A large CO2 balloon is compressed inside a tiny beaker by freezing the gas into dry ice. Then, a fluffy marshmallow is submerged in liquid nitrogen and shattered into tiny pieces.

To make more accurate predictions of the performance of a pelletized system, researchers used isothermal–isobaric and dynamic pressure experiments to test hydrogen uptake using constant pressure and at a higher temperature range than previous tests.

Livermore researchers have created carbon nanotube pores that are so efficient at removing salt from water they are comparable to commercial desalination membranes.

Researchers find that pre-treating joints with antibiotics reduces inflammation from post-traumatic osteoarthritis following a traumatic joint injury.

The surprising strength of air pressure is revealed through a series of simple experiments. Fifty pounds of lead bricks can be levitated using nothing more than a single breath of air. Meanwhile, the air we breathe has so much force that it can crush a metal can that is too strong to be crushed by hand.

Staff Scientist Félicie Albert has been elected a Kavli Fellow of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences.