Compound Interest
Sunscreen protects our skin from the sun, but there’s also evidence that some of the lotion’s ingredients may damage coral reefs. The latest edition of Periodic Graphics looks at the responsible compounds and efforts to combat the problem. Click through to the Chemical and Engineering News site to view the full graphic.
The mango is a classic summer fruit, but for some it can bring out a rash when they handle or eat it. This irritation is not unique to mangos – in fact, there’s some surprising chemistry in common between mangos and poison ivy. In this post, we look at the chemical culprit, as well as […]
It’s reaching that point in the year where warm weekends mean it’s time for barbecues out in the sun. Here’s a topical graphic, featured last year in C&EN, looking at the chemistry behind barbecuing food, and the compounds behind the smoky taste and flavour. Click here to see the full graphic!
Summer’s fast approaching in the northern hemisphere, and after the surprising early arrival of summer-like weather in the UK this past weekend, it seems an appropriate time to be taking a look at the chemistry of sunglasses. What are they made of, how do they protect your eyes, and how do photochromic sunglasses work? Click through […]
Swimming pools are a brilliant way of cooling off during a hot summer. Of course, this isn’t a particularly original idea, and hundreds of people might use a particular pool every day. Chemistry is on hand to help prevent us from swimming in water that harbours potential water-borne infections. It can also help out with […]
Ice cream is a mainstay of summer – for many, a trip to the beach would be incomplete without one. Despite its seeming simplicity, ice cream is a prime example of some fairly complex chemistry. This graphic takes a look at some of the ingredients that go into ice cream, and the important role they […]