Researchers at the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC) have found evidence that the presence of "carbon onions" and other large molecules derived from fullerenes (a form of carbon) could be widespread in space. These are the most complex molecules observed so far, and their finding has important implications for understanding circumstellar and interstellar physico-chemistry, as well as molecular processes in the later stages of the evolution of stars.
Coffee grounds are used as fertilizer for plants, as insect repellants, to neutralize odors, to repair scratches in wooden furniture ... Scientists from the University of Navarra have just shown that, in addition to these homemade applications, the remains that are left in the coffee maker after preparing the popular drink could be used to extract antioxidants. Their findings are published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.
Who has not ever reached for a chocolate bar in a "downturn" moment? Science supports this custom. Daniele Pionelli, from the San Diego Institute of Neurosciences (USA), discovered a few years ago that chocolate contains anandamide, a substance related to the sensation of well-being that bears a great resemblance to one of the ingredients in marijuana.
Why is meat red? What makes rancid butter smell so bad? Can nutmeg cause hallucinations? Ten chemical facts that can be useful in your daily life. Is fructose or sucrose sweeter?
A study from the Dutch University of Utrecht published in the journal Psychological Science reveals that humans are capable of communicating their emotional states (fear, indignation, disgust ...) through chemical signals that are perceived through smell.
Experts from the University of Warwick (United Kingdom) have developed a system that allows substituting half of the fat in chocolate with fruit juice. In this way, the fats in the cocoa butter and milk are reduced without modifying the "feeling that chocolate produces in the mouth".
It is pure chemistry. Specifically, to black gunpowder and potassium perchlorate that make the firework "explode", strontium salts are added to obtain a deep crimson red glow. The bright, silvery whites are achieved by incorporating magnesium, a light element that is often combined with aluminum and titanium.
Nerve gases (or G gases) are organophosphate compounds, usually colorless, odorless, tasteless, and lethal even in low doses. They affect the nervous system and are the most feared chemical weapons, although their use is still scarce.
Danni Büchner is invited to Sam Dylan's Halloween party. But the "Goodbye Germany" emigrant has no desire for many other party guests. And find clear words.
