Chemistry

Follow me on Twitter: @SteveSchuler20. Back in the day, some chemistry sets came with a mechanical centrifuge. They were operated similar to those old-timey pump style tin spinning toy tops. This is the style centrifuge that came with my chemistry set: Not ...

Article - Steve Schuler - Mar 12 2015 - 7:48am

Grog- Inspiring Fights In Nordic Countries Since 1500 BC

Scholars writing in the Danish Journal of Archaeology say that "grog" dates back a lot farther than previously believed; to perhaps 1500 B.C. and in an area stretching from northwest Denmark to the Swedish island of Gotland. Like most things, so ...

Article - News Staff - Jan 17 2014 - 2:34pm

LittleBits Sample Rotator

In a previous article I built a magnetic stirrer using littleBits and Erector set parts for the home laboratory. At the end of the article I added a design for a sample rotator (a device used to continuously mix lab samples). I have (somewhat) improved the ...

Article - Steve Schuler - Jan 24 2014 - 10:03am

Close Enough For NIEHS Work

The subject of endocrine disruption is not particularly new, with extensive scientific and regulatory attention to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) over the last 20 years or so. A common definition, from the World Health Organization/International Pr ...

Article - Steve Hentges - Feb 28 2014 - 12:36am

Oleic Acid Science Boost May Make Hemp An Olive Oil Alternative

Hemp plants with scientifically enhanced increase in oleic acid could lead to an attractive cooking oil that is similar to olive oil in terms of fatty acid content- but has a much longer shelf life as well as greater heat tolerance and hopefully a lot less ...

Article - News Staff - Feb 10 2014 - 10:46am

If You Are Scared Of BPA, JAMA Will Make You Happy

Human exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) has recently been linked to negative health claims, like a decline in reproductive function in adults and stunted neurodevelopment in children, and so people consumed with the 'natural' fallacy have been up in ...

Article - Hank Campbell - Feb 28 2014 - 12:35am

New Bioplastic Even Encourages Plant Growth In The Environment

A number of people are concerned about BPA in plastics but that is far less warranted than concern about plastics themselves. In 1967's "The Graduate", the following conversation took place between an older man and the young protagonist: M ...

Article - News Staff - Mar 4 2014 - 5:04pm

Hop Leaves Discarded In Beer Brewing Could Fight Dental Diseases

Beer drinkers know that hops are what gives the drink its bitterness and aroma. Recently, scientists reported that the part of hops that isn't used for making beer contains healthful antioxidants and could be used to battle cavities and gum disease. ...

Article - News Staff - Apr 3 2015 - 5:39pm

Synthetic Spider Silk Strong Enough For A Superhero

Synthetic spider silk of fantastical, superhero strength is finally speeding toward commercial reality. The material, which is five times stronger than steel, could be used in products from bulletproof vests to medical implants, according to an article in ...

Article - News Staff - Mar 6 2014 - 10:29am

Steric And Electronic: Good Vibrations For Catalyts

Vibrations in chemical bonds can be used to predict chemical reactions. That means chemists could design better catalysts to speed reactions that make medicines, industrial products and new materials. ...

Article - News Staff - Mar 13 2014 - 12:42am