What are the chemistry stories from 2019? What are 2020's biggest conservation issues going to be? Find out in ScienceSeeker's picks of the best posts for the week of Dec 16 - Dec 28 #SciSeekPicks #SciComm.

In this week's best from the world of science news, back from a brief Christmas break, find out how you can create your own real-life Death Star, and read about the scientific events that defined the decade. ScienceSeeker editors' favourite posts within their respective areas of interest and expertise also cover many other important and exciting topics. Why not have a read, inform yourself, and indulge your scientific curiosity?

• The year in chemistry: 2019’s biggest chemistry stories by Andy Brunning at Compound Interest.

2019 was a great year, for discoveries in chemistry, at least. Let's hope for a better 2020!
Credit: Andy Brunning/Compound Interest  (CC-BY-ND-NC)

• Keep an eye on these 2020 conservation issues by Mary Hoff and Ensia for Scientific American.
• Electrolysis made easy(ish) by Kat Day at The Chronicle Flask.
• This is how you can create your own real-life Death Star by Ethan Siegel at Starts with a Bang.
• Using LED lights to reduce bycatch in gillnet fisheries by Harry Baker for Marine Madness.
• The scientific events that shaped the decade by Nature magazine.
• Consuming CO2 by by Sam Illingworth at The Poetry of Science.
• Is Betelgeuse about to blow? Maybe… Maybe Not by Ian O'Neill at Astroengine.

Check back next week for more great picks!