Plastic pollution is the accumulation of synthetic plastics — think plastic bottles, plastic pack rings, plastic packaging, bottle caps, straws, and hundreds of other plastic items. It’s a widespread problem, and we need to do something about it. But why is it a problem? Plastic pollution causes harm to wildlife — animals ingest and choke on plastic.…
Read MoreHome furnishings could be replaced with a new wood-based degradable plastic that can be broken down without any harmful effects on the environment. Researchers in Sweden say this new material would replace traditional home furnishings such as cabinets, countertops, doors, and even wallboards. Unlike current home products — this new degradable wood-based plastic can be created…
Read MoreForever chemicals, also known as “PFAS,” may have serious health risks, with complications and side effects including cancer and birth defects. But what actually are they, and where are they found? Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are used to make endless household objects, from non-stick cookware, water repellents, pizza boxes, rubbers and plastics, food packaging, electronics, and…
Read MoreWind turbines are here to stay – a sustainable and renewable power source. In fact, over the last ten years, wind power capacity has grown 15% per year – it’s now the largest source of power in the United States, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Not only are wind turbines sustainable, but they’re beautiful…
Read MoreWe’ve all heard the term “BPA” but what does it actually mean? BPA, properly known as “bisphenol A” is a chemical compound used in the manufacturing process of certain plastics. It’s colorless and often included in water bottles, canned foods, toiletries, household electrics, and other products. But if it’s so useful and widely used, then…
Read MoreThere’s never been a better time to be alive – there are thousands of prescription drugs and medications to improve life-span, life quality, and, more recently, provide protection against deadly diseases. According to Drug Bank online, there’s a total of 14665 drugs TOTAL in the world. This includes prescription drugs, illicit drugs, and everything in-between. That’s…
Read MoreOrganic chemistry is one of five main types of chemistry, with others including analytical, physical, inorganic, and biochemistry. But what is the study of organic chemistry? In organic chemistry, chemists create, explore, and develop new compounds. It’s a highly creative science, allowing us to find new compounds and better ways to synthesize current compounds. Finding…
Read MoreChances are you’ve heard of the phrase “constant variable” in science before. But what does it actually mean? A constant variable, sometimes known as a control variable, is something you keep the same during an experiment. Control variables help researchers better understand the effect independent variables have in research, producing more accurate results and allowing…
Read MoreChances are, you’ve heard of catalysts before. But do you actually know what they are and what they are used for? These substances are used to speed up chemical reactions. For example, Nickel is used in the hydrogenation of palm oil into margarine, a catalyst breaks down the pulp of paper to make it smooth,…
Read MoreOften, the words “chemistry and cooking” do not go well together. We’re told that living a life with chemicals is dangerous. However, people often forget that chemicals and chemistry are essential to our daily life. In particular, chemistry and cooking go hand in hand. For example, the art of cooking itself is chemistry; we use…
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