Articles by Sean
The Chemistry of Cats and Catnip
If you didn’t already know, cats love catnip (also known as catmint)! The mere smell of the plant drives many felines into a state of euphoria, strangely eliciting the same sequence of playful behavior. The catnip response highlights a unique relationship between plant and animal, likely driven by mere coincidence rather than evolution. What chemical compounds are responsible for driving cats into this controlled frenzy? We explore the chemistry of cats and catnip. […]
The Trouble with Believing that Aliens Exist
How nice would it be if we weren’t alone in the Universe? Many believe that somewhere in the vast cosmos, there exist intelligent life forms (‘aliens’) simply waiting for human contact. While there’s nothing wrong with being hopeful of such a scenario, it is important to also remain objective in the search for truth. Belief and blind faith are among the most dangerous alien ideologies. […]
Turning to Frog Skin for New Biologic Peptide Drugs
Looking for medicinal properties in natural compounds is the cornerstone of drug discovery, with many drugs on the market originating from or inspired by plant or animal metabolites. Frog skin secretions contain hundreds of biologically active peptides, piquing the interest of scientists who recognize their therapeutic potential as novel antibiotic and anticancer agents. […]
What Dallas Buyers Club Doesn’t Tell You About AZT and Peptide T
The AIDS/HIV pandemic of 1981 took everyone by surprise. In the U.S., the FDA and pharmaceutical companies raced to test the effectiveness of drug candidates like AZT in clinical trials. Many patients turned to unproven, unregulated and illegal treatments like Peptide T, as portrayed in Dallas Buyers Club. But the film doesn’t do justice to the effectiveness of AZT, and the speed at which it was delivered to patients. […]
Why Do Hot Springs Smell Bad? Hydrogen Sulfide is to Blame
Hot springs are popular throughout the world, especially in colder climates. There’s nothing like soaking your body in steaming hot water surrounded by picturesque views of snow-capped mountains. But hang on. Why is there an odor of rotten eggs coming from the water? Hydrogen sulfide is the culprit, thanks to sulfur-containing rocks deep underground. We look at how this molecule is formed and whether it poses any health risks. […]
Sean is a consultant for clients in the pharmaceutical industry and is a lecturer at a local university, where unfortunate undergrads are subject to his ramblings on chemistry and pharmacology.
