Rivalling the heat wave of 1976, the UK has been experiencing one of the hottest summers in history. While you may be getting tired of this heat, there is one thing us Brits never get tired of: a good old barbecue! So how does chemistry possibly play a role in this national treasure? Holy Smokes… Continue reading »
On this day in 1774, Joseph Priestley first isolated one of the most crucial elements of our time: oxygen. A chemist, philosopher, famous dissenter and eventual expatriate, Priestley provided the scientific work that modern-day chemistry hinges on – but he didn’t necessarily agree with the theories his work facilitated. About Joseph Priestley Born in 1733,… Continue reading »
What do disposable nappies and fake snow have in common? A superabsorbent and anionic polyelectrolyte polymer! Or, more simply, sodium polyacrylate. This compound is capable of absorbing 800 times its own weight in water and can be found in disposable nappies, fake snow and even astronaut suits. What is Sodium Polyacrylate? Also known as waterlock,… Continue reading »
Last week, we told you all about the chemistry of coffee and how science has its say in the world’s most popular morning beverage. This week, we thought we’d condense all of that information into an infographic to show you that there is a lot more chemistry going on inside your coffee cup than you may… Continue reading »
Coffee is a cornucopia of chemical compounds. Together, they create a unique composition that gives coffee its unique smell, flavourful taste and kick of energy. So what does chemistry have to do with all of this? Chemical Composition of Coffee Coffee contains a variety of different chemicals, including over a thousand aromatic compounds. Of course,… Continue reading »
As ironic as it sounds, lying in the sun all day can be exhausting for your body. The Spanish cracked this problem with their afternoon siestas, but why does a sunny day make us so sleepy? That must-nap-now feeling that takes over you on a hot day is caused by a number of factors. In… Continue reading »
