• How do pregnancy tests work_

How do pregnancy tests work?

November 9th, 2018|

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Pregnancy has been in the news over the past month, with a royal baby back in October and the usual smattering of celebrity pregnancies. The inspiration for this post, however, originated a little closer to home; let’s just say that, in around 6 months’ time, my wife and I are going to be entering a fun new world of sleep deprivation! Pregnancy brings up a whole host of science and chemistry questions, the first of which is: how do pregnancy tests work?

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  • 011 ChemMonthly October 2018

#ChemMonthly October 2018: Chemistry-based film ratings, nanoparticles vs snake venom, and the first double aromatic molecule

November 2nd, 2018|

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Here’s the monthly summary of chemistry stories that have hit the news. This month features news on a new technique to determine the structures of small molecules, how the chemicals we give off in the cinema give clues to film’s age ratings, and more! Larger summary images for each item are provided below, along with links to articles and studies for all the featured stories.

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  • Why can leaves cause rail delays_

Why can leaves cause train delays? The chemistry of leaves on the line

October 22nd, 2018|

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Autumn is here, and for most of us, it’s a time of beauty as the leaves cascade through an array of hues before pirouetting down from the trees. If you have to travel by train, however, you might tire of ‘leaves on the line’ being the supposed cause of train delays. It turns out to be more than just a flimsy excuse – and particular chemical reactions are partly to blame.

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  • C&EN – Carnivorous plant chemistry preview

The chemistry of Venus flytraps – in C&EN

October 16th, 2018|

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Most plants get nutrients from the soil. But Venus flytraps prey on insects to get what they need. This month’s edition of Periodic Graphics in Chemical & Engineering News looks at how these carnivorous plants molecularly lure and trap their prey. View the full graphic on the C&EN site.

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  • Male and Female Nobel Prize in Chemistry Winners

How many women have won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry?

October 9th, 2018|

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Nobel Prize week is now done and dusted for another year. The Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to scientists who used directed evolution to produce new enzymes and antibodies, including Frances H Arnold. How many other women have won the prize since it started in 1901? This graphic takes a look at all of the winners!

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  • 010 ChemMonthly September 2018

#ChemMonthly September 2018: Hydrogen from plastic waste, the cleaning potential of saliva, and glyphosate’s effect on honeybees

October 7th, 2018|

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Here’s the monthly summary of chemistry stories that have hit the news. This month features news on a process to convert plastic waste into hydrogen, the cleaning potential of saliva, a polymer coating that can cool down building surfaces, and more! Larger summary images for each item are provided below, along with links to articles and studies for all the featured stories.

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Copyright 2018 Andy Brunning/Compound Interest.