Everyday Science
Everyday Science articles explain the science behind natural phenomena, giving us an appreciation of all the beauty on this pale blue dot that we call home.
Flash Point, Autoignition and Fahrenheit 451
“That ethanol you spilled has a flash point of 57 °F; your clumsiness will set the room on fire!” An improbable scenario, actually. We often mistake flash points of substances for their autoignition temperature, the [...]
The Immune System: Our Personal Security Detail
Have you ever wondered why we get fevers when we’re down with the flu? The immune system is a highly complex and efficient system of cells that carry out specific processes at a molecular level. [...]
Why Are Organic Compounds White?
Someone commented on one of our Instagram posts that the only reason they had studied chemistry was because of the ‘amazing colors’. While this is solid motivation for many of us, an organic chemist might find [...]
How To Date A Dinosaur (Fossil) with Radiometric Dating
No, not that kind of dating… Rather, ‘dating’ a dinosaur bone dug out of the ground involves a series of processes that allow us to estimate its age on this Earth. This helps us to [...]
The Rise and Fall of Tributyltin as an Anti-Fouling Agent
A long-standing area of research is that of stannanes, also known as organotin compounds. First discovered almost 200 years ago, they continue to be relevant in industry and academia today. Although the mono- and tetra- [...]
How A Dose Of Iodine Could Kill You (Or Save Your Life)
Ever since the advent of nuclear warfare during World War II, the threat posed by weapons of mass destruction continuously makes its way into headlines. The devastation that nuclear reactions can achieve is undeniable. However, [...]
