The Chemistry of Keeping Cozy

By Jillian Jastrzembski

Do you know what’s keeping you warm this winter? Chances are it’s either a furnace or a boiler. The chemistry of boiler maintenance is straight-forward, but absolutely crucial to keeping boilers running smoothly and efficiently. Arguably the most critical parameter for boiler maintenance is alkalinity, which is best manipulated by adding sodium hydroxide. Maintaining an alkaline pH is crucial for three reasons. First of all, the alkalinity slows down the process by which hot water corrodes the steel boiler. Second, it ensures that calcium phosphate is forming a non-adherent sludge that can easily be removed during a blow-out maintenance procedure. Finally, it keeps naturally-occurring silica particles harmlessly solubilized.

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire: how chemistry is helping to restore an American Christmas tradition

By Jillian Jastrzembski

How can chemistry help to restore a long-lost holiday tradition? The American chestnut was once synonymous with yuletide celebrations. But this beloved holiday tradition was almost completely wiped out by a fungus between 1904 and 1945. Researchers are working to bring it back by crossbreeding the American chestnut with Chinese varieties. This would give it resistance against the deadly fungus. Analytical chemistry is a valuable tool during this process since it can help to provide objective flavor assessment. Techniques like GCMS and LCMS also allow chemists to identify secondary metabolites that give varieties a defense system against invaders.

Halloween face paint that’s actually good for your skin?

By Jillian Jastrzembski

What if we could formulate a Halloween face paint that is not only safe and free of heavy metals, but could actually benefit your skin? An up-and-coming area of research is exploring the use of microalgae species for the pigmentation of cosmetics. Microalgae are photosynthetic microorganisms, full of brightly colored compounds that can be used as pigments in make-up. Not only are these pigments safer and less irritating to the skin, they also contain bioactive compounds responsible for anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Many of them have been studied for functions such as stimulating collagen, inhibiting hyperpigmentation, reducing wrinkles, and UV-protection.

Women In Chemistry – Part 3

Around the world, March is celebrated as Women’s History Month. Learn more about the most amazing women whose dedication and determination led to some of the most important discoveries in Chemistry and Physics.

Women In Chemistry – Part 2

Around the world, March is celebrated as Women’s History Month. Learn more about the most amazing women in Chemistry whose dedication and determination led to some of the most important discoveries.

Women In Chemistry

Around the world, March is celebrated as Women’s History Month. Learn about distinguished women scientists whose dedication and determination led to some of the most important discoveries in Chemistry.