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Science & Technology

Antimony: the Element That Reinvents itself

The history of humankind follows the history of the exploitation and use of natural resources and, in particular, of metals and metalloids. However, not many chemical elements have been used in such a variety of applications as antimony has and, probably, none has end up by being as ubiquitious as water in our everyday life.

Montserrat Filella | 04.06.2019

Science & Technology

A biochemical conundrum: Aliens, black sheep, and crown jewels

Beryllium is unique. Some regard it as highly toxic while others say that it tastes sweet in its inorganic salts. As a matter of fact, it is used in the tower of London and space faring aliens in the sci-fi movie “galaxy quest.” Good explanations of the toxicity of dusts containing Beryllium are still sought.

Raphael Berger | 02.05.2019

Science & Technology

Some element names are more Babelian than others, but which ones?

The year 2019 has been assigned by UNESCO as the Year of the Periodic Table of the Elements. This, and the 150th anniversary of the Periodic Table, can finally be celebrated in the company of no less than 118 elements, all earlier vacancies in the system having been filled. Some reflections on the naming of elements are certainly in order.

Alexander Senning | 06.03.2019

Science & Technology

How Set Theory Evolved From Hausdorff Until Today

In his work on set theory, Felix Hausdorff set the tone for modern mathematics at a time when no general foundation for the different mathematical disciplines existed.

Valeriy K. Zakharov and Timofey V. Rodionov | 14.03.2018

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