Posts tagged chemistry
Why do light sticks glow? CHEMILUMINESCENCE
Light sticks glow because of chemiluminescence (the light produced by a chemical reaction), where light is made by the reaction of some chemicals: hydrogen peroxide, phenyl oxalate ester, and flourescent dye.
Hydrogen peroxide is placed inside a thin glass that is inside the light stick’s container. It is surrounded by the solution of phenyl oxalate ester and flourescent dye. To operate a light stick, you bend it. This breaks the glass with hydrogen peroxide, making it blend with the solution outside. The chemical reaction of the three chemicals makes the light stick glow. This is the reason why hydrogen peroxide is called the “activator” it’s the one that makes the chemical reaction happen.
(Source: holymoleculesbatman, via shychemist)
Metamaterial Flows Like Liquid, Returns to Shape
A bit reminiscent of the Terminator T-1000, a new material created by Cornell researchers is so soft that it can flow like a liquid and then, strangely, return to its original shape.
Rather than liquid metal, it is a hydrogel, a mesh of organic molecules with many small empty spaces that can absorb water like a sponge. It qualifies as a “metamaterial” with properties not found in nature and may be the first organic metamaterial with mechanical meta-properties.
Read more: http://www.laboratoryequipment.com/news/2012/12/metamaterial-flows-liquid-returns-shape
(via shychemist)
Bacteria can have a 'sense of smell'
Bacteria are well-known to be the cause of some of the most repugnant smells on earth, but now scientists have revealed this lowest of life forms actually has a sense of smell of its own.
A team of marine microbiologists at Newcastle University have discovered for the first time that bacteria have a molecular “nose” that is able to detect airborne, smell-producing chemicals such as ammonia.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100816095719.htm#.T_suRjLl0cc.tumblr
This molecule is called Cortisone.
It is one of the main hormones released by the adrenal gland in response to stress. It is used to treat a variety of ailments and can be administered intravenously, orally, intraarticularly, or transcutaneously. Cortisone suppresses the immune system, thus reducing inflammation and attendant pain and swelling at the site of the injury. Risks exist, in particular in the long-term use of Cortisone.
(via shychemist)
Previously ignited sulfur burns rapidly with a bright blue flame when lowered into oxygen in this long exposure image, forming acidic sulfur dioxide and little sulfur trioxide.
(via scinerds)
Three Plant Proteins Could Aid Bioeconomy
Knowing the function of three plant proteins could help scientists raise seed oil yield in crops, a potential windfall for the bioeconomy. The analysis of gene activity by researchers at Iowa State Univ. and determination of protein structures by scientists at the Salk Institute for Biological Sciences independently identified three related proteins that appear to be involved in fatty-acid metabolism. The researchers used thale cress (Arabidopsis thaliana) as the model plant.
Read more: http://www.laboratoryequipment.com/news-Three-Plant-Proteins-Could-Aid-Bioeconomy-051512.aspx
(via scinerds)
This molecule is called Dopamine.
Dopamine has the enormous job of regulating mood, behavior, sleep and cognition. It also is associated with motivation and reward. Dopamine helps with decision-making and creativity.
(via shychemist)
The only elements that are liquid at room temperature are Bromine and Mercury. Only 4 others (Francium, Cesium, Gallium, and Rubidium) can exist in their liquid form between 25 and 40 degrees C.
(via shychemist)
