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Chemistry in the News Learning Journal by Erin Fletcher
Tuesday, December 15, 2020
Monday, December 14, 2020
A Summary of the Climate Emergency Advocacy and Awareness Project by Erin Fletcher
A Summary of the Climate Emergency
Advocacy and Awareness project
Why/How did I become involved? Why is it so important to me?
What effect have these strikes had on the public opinion and what policies have been put in place?
Why is climate change an ‘emergency’?
What can people do?
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Friday, December 11, 2020
Perventing Food Related Illnesses Presentation
Things we can do to prevent food related illnesses (presentation):
25 Free Support Services in Ottawa
25 Free services support in Ottawa:
Youth Services Bureau (YSB) of Ottawa is a non profit organization that provides services for the youth. Their services are made to look after youths basic needs and their mental and physical health. YSB is located 2675 Queensview Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K2B 8K2. The hours of operation vary as the programs they offer are run at different times according to the program. YBS provides a wide variety of services to the youth population in Ottawa. These services support positive mental and physical health as well as support positive well-being. For an individual trying to access mental health services, there is a phone number online which you can call to find out more information or make an appointment. YSB also offers a walk-in clinic for youth ages 12 to 20, Tuesday’s and Thursday’s between 12pm and 8pm.
The Salvation Army provides emergency groceries and vouchers for cloth and household supplies. They have three locations in the Ottawa area, Ottawa Booth Centre at 171 George Street, Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 5W5, Bethany Hope Centre at 820 Woodroffe Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario K2A 3V7, and Ottawa Citadel at 1350 Walkley Road Ottawa, Ontario K1V 6P6. At their Ottawa Booth Center they give out meals at 8:00am and 3:00pm for Breakfast and a mid-afternoon meal for anyone who is hungry. They also provide after hours support through their Ottawa Booth Center front desk by calling (613) 241-1573.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ottawa is a non profit organization that partners a youth with an adult to help add health mentoring relationships for the youth to support them and encourage them to be the best they can be. They are located at 1645 Woodroffe Avenue, Suite 12 Ottawa, ON, K2G 1W2. You can apply online to become either a mentor or a ‘Little’.
Kids Help Phone is an organization that offers support through text, call, facebook, and live chats for kids. On their website it also shows how to find resources and programs to help kids in various situations including; violence and abuse, homelessness, addiction and more. They are available 24/7 all year around.
The Ottawa Food Bank is a non-profit organization that provides fresh and non-perishable food, diapers, cleaning supplies, and toiletries to food programs across Ottawa. They are open Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 4:00pm at 1317 Michael Street, Ottawa, Ontario, K1B 3M9. If someone is interested in going to get food at a food bank they can use a tool on their website that searches the area around you to find the closest food bank to you.
First Words Ottawa is a preschool speech and language program designed to help kids with difficulties in these areas. They also work with families and help the kids get the social communication skills they need at an early age. They are partnered with CHEO and Ottawa Public Health. Their Ottawa location is at 1365 Richmond Road, 2nd Floor Ottawa, ON K2B 6R7. First Words don’t do drop-in’s, if people want to get an appointment they have to contact them by calling 613-737-7600 for their Ottawa location.
I love To Skate Program is run by the Canadian Tire Jumpstart and the City of Ottawa to bring kids the experience of skating that might not have been available to them before. The program offers skates and helmets and skating lessons for children between the ages of six and twelve. To get into the program you have to contact iloveto@ottawa.ca.
Rideauwood is a place that offers help to any one with an addiction. They have various programs for youth and adults. They are located at 312 Parkdale Ave, Ottawa, ON K1Y 4X5 and their operational hours are from Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Their website shows how to get help and start the best program for you.
Queerios LGBTQ+, Youth Drop-In is a social group for youth between the ages 12 and 18, it provides a safe environment for these young people and access to resources and support from their staff. It’s located 170 Castlefrank Rd. (Lion Dick Brule Community Centre) Kanata, Ontario and its open Thursdays from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization (OCISO) provides service for immigrants. Their programs and services are provided in over 50 languages for clients from 120 countries. Their mission is to help immigrants during their journey of making Canada their home through programs that are culturally and linguistically helpful. They have three locations in Ottawa, their main office is located at 959 Wellington Street West, Ottawa, ON, K1Y 2X5, their administration is located at 945 Wellington Street West, Ottawa ON, K1Y2X5, and OCISO LINC English School is located at 1800 Bank Street 3rd Floor Ottawa ON K1V 0W3 Canada.
Chrysalis House is a safe 25 bed shelter in Western Ottawa, that helps women and their children get away from violence and abuse and help the woman focus on themselves and their needs as well as their kids needs. I believe because this is a women's shelter they do not give out the location, for women in need they can contact them through calling the business administration line at 613-591-5991.
YMCA-YWCA is a charity organization that works with individuals, families and communities to help support health and fitness as well as career opportunities and housing. Most of their services are walk-ins and they do charge a small fee when using their gyms and some other services but if you don't have the money to pay they will usually work with you to give you what you need. They have multiple facilities for different things around Ottawa the main ones are the YMCA-YWCA National Capital Region located at 2121 Carling Ave Ottawa, ON K2A 1H2, they are open 5:30am to 11:00pm from Monday to Friday, 7:00am to 8:00pm on Saturday and 8:00am to 6:00pm on Sunday. Their Taggart Family YMCA-YWCA location is at 180 Argyle Ave, Ottawa, ON K2P 1B7 they are open from 7:00am to 1:55pm then 2:55 to 7:00pm Monday to Friday and 8:00 to 3:00 on Saturday. Downtown YMCA-YWCA location is temporarily closed but is at 99 Bank St Level B1, Ottawa, ON K1P 6B9.
The boys and girls club of Ottawa helps at-risk kids and youth when they need it most. They have four main programs that are designed to drive personal development, which are Education (Physical Activity and Healthy Lifestyle), Leadership and Social Skills, and Creative Arts. All their programs are free and they do free camps over the summer. They have three main locations in West, East and South Ottawa which are ) Ron Kolbus Clubhouse) 2825 Dumaurier Ave, (Don McGahan Clubhouse) 430 McArthur Ave and (Tomlinson Family Foundation Clubhouse (TFFC) 1463 Prince of Wales Dr. They also have four secondary locations at; 250 Cambridge St. North (Rochester), 1495 Heatherington Rd. (Heatherington), 2060 Ogilvie Rd (Gloucester High School), and 2597 Alta Vista Dr. (Ridgemont High School). Each location has different hours of operation based on the programs they are running, but you can just walk in at any time they are open doesn't matter what program is running.
Dave Smith youth treatment center is a non-profit that provides alcohol and drug addiction treatment for people between the ages of 13 and 21. They do a three month residential treatment plus a three month post residential treatment which continues care and family services. They are located at 112 Wilowlea Road, Carp Ontario,.
Ottawa Public Health offers a variety of programs including finding health care, dental screenings clinic, healthy babies, healthy children, parenting + prenatal services and more. They are located at 100 Constellation drive, Ottawa Ontario, K26 6J8, their services are offered at various times depending on the service you are wanting.
Crossroads offers programs to help with children's mental health. They offer in-home treatments, child and family therapy, day treatment, infant and early childhood mental health help, plus other programs. They are a free service all you have to do is book an appointment by calling them (613-723-1623 ext 232), emailing them (info@crossroadschildern.ca) or going to their website counsellingconnect.org. They are located at 1755 Courtwood Cresent, Ottawa, ON K2C 3J2.
Kanata United Church youth programs offer a variety of free programs for teens dealing with stress, wellness and faith. Every Friday they also get together to play games, watch movies, cook and do art projects. They are located 33 Leacock Drive Kanata Ontario, K2K 2B9.
Community Employment Resource Center is an organization that helps people make decisions about careers amongst other things. They can help you make resumes, cover letters and help you connect with employers and give you resources to learn about the labor market. They are located at 415 Hazeldean Road Kanata Ontario, K2L 4C6 and are open from 8:30am to 4:30pm on Mondays and Wednesdays, 8:30am to 7:00pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and 8:00am to 4:00pm on Fridays.
The Door Youth Center is a non-profit organization that offers help to teens in various ways. They offer homework help where they give out snacks and meals and encourage youth to do their homework by giving them incentives suck as if they complete a certain amount of hours of homework within a time frame they receive a 10$ gift card. They also have a resource room that informs youths about safe sex, lifestyle and mental health. They also have a dinner program to promote healthy eating and provide youths with living essentials. They are located on the second floor of 755 Somerset St. W, Ottawa Ontario, and is open Monday to Thursday from 2:00pm to 10:00pm. Everything they do is free and they will also provide bus tickets to get there if needed.
Kanata Food Cupboards is a non-profit organization that provides food assistance to families and individuals in the Kanata area. When receiving food they will hand you your food hamper outside their warehouse and they ask for you to call in advance. They will also ask for proof of residency and you must provide two forms of identification and can only be eligible to pick up food every 30 days. They are located at 340 Legget Drive, Door #46, Kanata, ON K2K 1Y6 and their regular office hours are Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 12:00pm(noon).
Odawa Native Friendship Center is a non-profit organization designed around helping bring together our Indigenous communities. They have events and activities around building healthy relationships and programs to help people with a variety of issues they may come across in life. Some programs they have to offer are; alternative high school, bail workers, community justice and criminal court worker, cultural awareness, family support, healing and wellness and many others. They are located at 815 St. Laurent Boulevard Ottawa, Ontario, K1K 3A7. To become part of their community you can sign up to be a member and by doing so they can send emails updating you about upcoming events and changes they might make to their community. To get more information you can visit their website or call their office number (613-722-3811).
The Zone is a youth drop-in center descended for youths between the ages of 12 and 18 to meet new people and try new activities. Their Ottawa Zone is currently running online on Mondays from 4:00pm to 6:00pm and their West Carleton is running online on Wednesdays from 2:30pm to 3:30pm. They also run a Zone Next Step for young adults between the ages 18 and 26, which helps with employment and career goals. They offer workshops in various skills that will help young adults when they go out into the world. For more information you can email them at youth@wocrc.ca.
Ottawa Public Libraries you can borrow books, movies, and music, and get access to computers. All you have to do is sign up for a library card that will give you access to all these things. Right now because of COVID you have to book books, movies, or music you’d like to borrow and make an appointment to pick them up also you have to make appointments to use their computers. They are all over the city including Hazelden, Beaverbrook and Stittsville.
AMA Center is a not-for-profit organization that provides social services and community development support in south Ottawa. They offer many services including; short-term counseling for individuals and families, helping parents learn more skills about parenting, seniors socializing, profiles resources for refugees and immigrants, offering a safe space for youth, afterschool programs and more. They are located at 1216 Hunt Club Rd, Ottawa, Ontario. Their phone number is +1 (866) 466-7783 and the hours are from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
Carlington Community Health Center helps people take control of their personal health and improve the wellbeing of people in their community. They offer many programs for all ages that revolve around making a better life for themselves. They have drop-ins, workshops, support groups, counseling and educational programs. They are located 900 Merivale Rd. Ottawa, ON K1Z 5Z8 and are open from Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:30 pm. Also their Medical Clinic hours are Monday to Friday 9:00am to 4:00pm and are closed daily for lunch from 11:45am to 1:00pm. In addition to their main location they also provide services at reach-out locations in Bellevue, Carleton Heights, and Scott Hill/Van Lang.
Tuesday, December 8, 2020
How to post to the blog
How to Post to Banting Science and the Environment Plus Blog
Above are the instructions for posting to the blog. Once I have read your Research, Article Reviews, Scientist Reviews, and Career Reports you have the go ahead this is how to post to the blog. Please ask if you have any questions. Let me know if you have not been invited to the blog as an author yet. Sometimes the invite goes to your spam or junk mail so check there if I have invited you and you can't find the invite.
Happy posting and sharing your research! Please take the time to read what others are discovering and reporting.
Cheers, Janet
Sunday, December 6, 2020
Contribution of a scientist: Henry-Louis Le Chatelier
Henry-Louis Le Chatelier is a famous French chemist who was born in Paris, France in 1850. Le Chatlier is most well known for the creation of the « Le Chatelier » principle. Le Chatelier's Principle suggests that in a chemical system, equilibria tend to minimize changes imposed on their conditions. In simpler terms, the Le chatlier principle suggested that when a change of conditions occurs in a chemical reaction, such as a change in temperature, pressure or concentration, the reaction will find a way to oppose the change in an attempt to reach equilibrium. This principle is now commonly used today and is an effective way of predicting outcomes of reactions. Le Chatlier is also known for the numerous experiments he conducted on explosive materials. Through his experiments he was able to find ways of measuring high temperatures and led him to perfect his experiment where he coupled pure platinum with platinum-rhodium, this led to the thermoelectric pyrometer which is known as the “Le Chatlier”. He also perfected the oxyacetylene torch which is often used today for welding. Le Chatlier's numerous contributions to the field of science led him to become the president of the society from 1903 to 1904.
Contribution of a scientist: James Prescott Joule
James Prescott Joule is a well-known English physicist who is known for his creation of the law of conservation of energy, which is the first law of thermodynamics. James Prescott Joule discovered the law of conservation of energy through his experiment where he discovered “Joule's law”. Joule's law describes “the value for the amount of work required to produce a unit of heat”, which is known today as the mechanical equivalent of heat. He discovered this law after conducting experiments in which he passed an electrical current through a metal wire, he observed that the heat produced by the wire was proportional to the product of the resistance of the wire on the current. This resulted in the discovery that no matter what form of energy whether it be, mechanical, electrical or heat are ultimately the same and can be changed into another. His discovery played a huge role in the modern understanding of thermodynamics. Due to his contributions, the well known SI unit that describes a unit of “work” was named in honor of him, ”Joule”. James Prescott Joule also became a fellow of the royal society, received various medals including the royal medal and Copley medal and was bestowed the Albert medal.
Science-related career report: Forensic Analyst
Science-related career report: Forensic Analyst
How is it related to organic chemistry?
A forensic analyst typically has an educational background in the science field and is trained in organic chemistry. This allows forensic analysts to conduct and analyze evidence such as blood and body samples to identify DNA and run screenings in which organic chemistry is used.
Job duties:
A forensic analyst has several duties depending on the related criminal investigation being conducted, as well as whether or not they generalize in the field or are specialized in specific areas and techniques. A forensic analyst is a scientist who typically works alongside criminal investigations and helps in uncovering criminal acts through the use of science. Forensic analysts typically work in crime labs where they conduct tests and examine evidence to help identify key elements, suspects and data to help solve criminal investigations. The most typical job duties of a forensic analyst include;
Examining and analyzing crime scene evidence.
Visiting crime scenes and collecting field tests and data.
Testifying during trials and court cases.
Preparing detailed reports on findings and graphing data.
Typically forensic analysts spend most of their time working in a laboratory where they conduct more common job duties such as:
Performing and analyzing chemical and biological analyses
Making links between criminal suspects and biological data collected and its results
Consulting with other specialized fields such as toxicology and working together to analyze data and come to conclusions
Skillsets:
All forensic analysts must be successful in displaying the needed qualifying skill sets to obtain the job. It is important to have such skill sets because this will allow for criminal investigations to proceed smoothly and properly without any mistakes that can lead to cases and trials being dismissed or suspects being wrongly prosecuted. The skill sets required to become a forensic analyst include;
Demonstrates knowledge on proper laboratory procedures which include handling of evidence, cleaning of equipment, proper use of equipment to examine evidence etc.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Efficiency and time management
Analytical skills
Confidentially
Carefulness
Strong research skills
Personality/Aptitude requirements:
To be a successful forensic analyst it’s important to have a personality and aptitude that is capable of fulfilling the duties of the job. Some key personality traits that contribute to being successful as a forensic analyst include:
Strong-willed, oftentimes a forensic analyst is conducting experiments and collecting data from crime scenes in which can be gruesome and difficult to research on. Therefore it is important that a forensic analyst stays mentally strong and is not overly bothered by the crime scene and the events that occurred leading up to the event. This personality trait is important as it will allow for experiments and data to be conducted without any emotions getting in the way which can hinder the efficiency of data collection in a laboratory.
Hardworking, a forensic analyst must be hard working to ensure that all experiments and data is collected promptly to proceed faster with criminal investigations.
Observant, a forensic analyst must be observant when at a crime scene or in the laboratory or when displaying data. It is crucial because this will allow for all data and results to be accurate for the investigation to proceed smoothly without any errors and in the event of a court hearing or trial, the data displayed on the reports are accurate and can be easily understood by members of the juror.
Critical thinker, one very important qualification for becoming a forensic analyst is that they can conclude with the data in front of them. One must have the personality and attitude of a critical thinker to connect data to potential suspects.
Potential Employers:
A forensic analyst can work for a variety of people or organizations. These include but are not limited to local municipalities, provincial governments, law-enforcement agencies, crime labs, coroners offices, hospitals etc.
Education Requirements:
Depending on where one lives, there are different requirements needed for becoming a forensic analyst. Typically, the minimum requirement to be considered during the hiring process is a bachelor's degree in which it is advised that one has majored in a science field such as chemistry, physics or biology. It’s also important that forensic analysts have an educational background relating to verbal and written communication that enhances one's skills, as it is vital for a forensic analyst to convey and easily explain findings to members of the police force, jurors and others who do not have a background relating to the sciences fields.
The program required to be qualified:
It is often required that a forensic analyst must at least have a four-year bachelor of science degree or a master's degree in a science field.
Salary Range:
The salary is different for many forensic analysts depending on where they work and whether or not they are specialized in specific fields. Although a typical salary for a forensic analyst starts from $50,000-$90,000 a year and can even go up to $100,000 a year depending on what position you’re in within the department.
Environment Research Questions
How has the use of hazardous organic compounds in daily life and the discovery of the negative long term side effects and impacts on human health and the environment, led to new rules and regulations in our society?
Throughout the past century, numerous chemicals and compounds we're discovered and created and we're used by the public for a diversification of purposes. With the creation of new compounds and their distinct properties emerging led to the huge advancement in terms of consumer product goods. Many of the compounds that were discovered were put into consumer products without any extensive research into the possible harmful effects of the product. They were then purchased by the public and then often disposed of improperly due to a lack of proper labelling and disposal instructions. Over time, the negative impacts of such products began to show. For example, Micheal Faraday was one of the first people to isolate and identify benzene from a mixture of oils. One of the first uses of benzene was as an aftershave. It was also used to decaffeinate coffee and was used as an anti-knock additive in gasoline. Since its creation, testing has identified benzene as a carcinogen and many of its commercial uses have been discontinued. The discovery of these negative adverse effects from certain chemicals has fortunately led to various laws and regulations being imposed regarding chemicals and their uses. Now, through the use of technology, scientists are now capable of determining the possible side effects of chemicals on human health and the environment with more accuracy and have allowed for the implementation of regulations to prevent specific chemicals from being used in consumer goods. Currently, most products that contain chemicals that have negative effects are clearly labelled and marked and have directions on proper usage and disposal. When reflecting back on the past, it's evident that there was little to no knowledge of the negative impacts of the chemicals being put into consumer products and very little labelling and direction on how to use and dispose of products. Now, new rules and regulations are implemented everywhere in regards to chemicals and have led to a safer society and environment.
Research Issue: Many Ontario communities have banned the use of pesticides. As a consequence of these bylaws, many homeowners are seeking alternative ways of controlling weeds in their laws. Research and report on this issue.
The purpose of pesticides is to control various pests and disease carriers as specific pests can contribute to asthma and allergies and can carry diseases such as West Nile virus and Lyme disease. Pests can also do harm to vegetation, housing and much more. Since Ontario has lots of mosquitos, ticks and other pests, it's important that homeowners protect themselves against such. However, many communities in Ontario have banned the use of pesticides due to the negative adverse effects it has on human health. Pesticides have been shown to cause rashes, blisters, blindness, cancer, birth defects, neurological and developmental toxicity and many other serious negative health effects. Since the use of pesticides has been banned in certain communities, homeowners have found new ways to limit the number of pests around the home without using such a toxic product. Such ways include:
Implementation of barriers & repellents. Homeowners are now using barriers and spraying repellents that are organic such as spearmint to help deter insects.
Biological pest control. Some homeowners are using specific soils that naturally grow bacteria that specific pests don't like.
Implementation of new insects. Homeowners are adding in new insects around their home such as lady beetles and praying mantis which prey on other garden pests.
As shown above, Ontario homeowners have discovered new ways of controlling pests without the use of dangerous chemicals that can lead to dangerous health and environmental effects that are irreversible.
Contribution of a scientist: Emil Fischer
Emil Fischer is a German chemist who has contributed numerous ideas and methods to the field of organic chemistry. Fischer is known for his creation of the Fischer indole synthesis, the Fischer oxazole synthesis and the Fisher esterification. Fischer also discovered the structure of glucose and involved himself in the thorough investigations of the sugar and purine groups of substances. One of Fischer’s most known contributions to science was his study done on the establishment of the chemical structure and configuration of glucose, galactose, fructose and sorbose. Through his research, Fischer discovered that the sugars were spatial isomers and with that information and using osanone derivatives, Fischer was able to differentiate and synthesize nine of the predicted isomers. Through the conducted research of sugars, Fischer then moved onto the study of enzymes and proteins where he discovered the structure of enzymes and protein and the different types of bonds that hold the molecules together. All of Fischer’s contributions to science have allowed other sciences the capability to better understand sugars and how they are composed. Fischer’s contributions led him to be the recipient of numerous awards including the Nobel prize for chemistry.
Contribution of a Canadian scientist: Henry Taube
Henry Taube is a Canadian scientist who contributed his ideas from organic chemistry into inorganic chemistry. Taube investigated how electron transfer occurs in chemical reactions. His findings have helped explain and understand why certain reactions produce colors, this discovery also led to him uncovering the basis of how oxygen fuels chemical reactions. Furthermore, Taube also discovered a technique in developing a way of determining the properties of a molecule through the electron configuration of it. He also discovered that in an immediate stage of any reaction an ion must bond to a ligand which can then break and affect the electron transfer. All the discoveries and experiments he created led him to be the recipient of numerous honors throughout his lifetime. His contributions to science awarded him with two Guggenheim fellowships, a national medal of science and the winner of the Nobel prize and much more.
Tuesday, December 1, 2020
Nuclear Engineer
Nuclear engineers work with nuclear energy to figure out the safest way to produce nuclear reactions to find its potential. Most nuclear engineers work in the power industry. They design power plants and the nuclear reaction to convert to electricity. They also upkeep and repair the plant as needed. Some engineers monitor and process uranium and dispose of these materials safely. Some also work in food production to irradiated impure elements, while others work in health care where they design designostic equipment and study other medical uses for radiation.Nuclear Engineers usually work at power companies, medical equipment companies, engineer firms, government agencies, universities and the military. They earn between 45,000 and 200,000 dollars a year with a typical salary of 75,000 dollars. Factors depend on expertise, location, employer, and if they are in a senior position. There are public and private sectors in this industry. To become a nuclear engineer, there is a need of at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering. You could have any bachelors of engineering, but must take related course to nuclear engineering. You could also have a masters to a PhD. But a necessity is to be registered as a professional engineer.
Career Cruising. (n.d.). Career Cruising. Retrieved December 1, 2020, from
https://www2.careercruising.com/default?e=1&r=/careers/profile-at-a-glance/638
Glenn Seaborg, a man of science
Glenn Seaborg started his career by getting a PhD from Berkeley at the University of California. In 1961, Seaborg was appointed as the first advisory committee for the atomic energy commission by President Truman, until 1968. From 1941-46 Seaborg headed the plutonium work on the Manhattan Project at the University of Chicago. He was a co-discoverer of plutonium and transuranium elements until element 102. Also, Seaborg and his colleagues are responsible for the identification of hundreds of isotopes throughout the periodic table. He also discovered the relationship between the transition metals and lanthanides. For all of his work including being the author of hundreds of papers and books on chemistry and elements, he has accumulated many awards and honours over his lifetime. In 1947 he received the American Chemical Award in Pure Chemistry, Perkin Medal of the American Section of the Society of Chemical Industry (1957), Atomic Energy Commission's Enrico Fermi Award for his work in nuclear chemistry and leadership (1959), and many more. He was also an honorary fellow to many institutes in America. He also has many honorary degrees from a list of universities and colleges. His favourite hobby is Golf.
The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 1951. (n.d.). Retrieved November 17, 2020, from https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/chemistry/1951/seaborg/biographical/
Artificial intelligence, particle sensors, nitrogen catalyst, scallops, Methanol fueled beetles
Artificial Intelligence has learned to estimate oil viscosity
Skoltech scientists from the University of Calgary (Canada) and Caltin University (Australia), developed machine learning algorithms to teach an AI to determine oil viscosity based on nuclear magnetic resonance. This could be potentially very useful in the petroleum industry or sectors of industry that need to characterize substances. These industries include the food industry to test the quality of the fruit or in agriculture to test the quality of soil in large amounts. Standard assessments to find oil viscosity is very expensive and time consuming. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) determines properties based on the electromagnetic energy absorbed and emitted. The AI is trained on NMR data from different sets of data from Canada to the United States to provide accurate predictions of viscosity. Dmitry Koroteev, a professor at the Skoltech Center for Hydrocarbon Recovery, said that this method is more efficient than the old way of doing it. He says that it’s interesting the high accuracy of the models on extra-heavy oil and bitumen samples because of the complex chemical composition.
Artificial Intelligence has learned to estimate oil viscosity. (2020, November 9). Retrieved November 17, 2020, from https://www.chemeurope.com/en/news/1168562/artificial-intelligence-has-learned-to-estimate-oil-viscosity.html
The smallest particle sensor in the world
This small 12 by 9 by 3 millimeter device is an innovative piece of technology that detects air quality of ambient air in real time and puts out an alarm when dust values significantly increase. This tiny piece of technology can be put inside a phone or a watch. The particle sensor was developed by Paul Maierhofer as part of his dissertation at the Institute of Electrical Measurement and Sensor Systems at Graz University of Technology. He had help from experts in semiconductors and researchers from Silicon Austria Labs. The method they used to build this sensor is common but what makes it amazing is the size of this tech. This new piece of technology is a great innovation to secure the health of many. Over 400,00 people die a year prematurely in Europe because of particulate matter pollution. This could help people with specific conditions that relate to sense of smell, compromised immune systems to adapt and go to and avoid certain places. This particle sensor could make people more cognizant of their actions that result in such particulate matter pollution.
Technological innovation: The smallest particle sensor in the world. (2020, September 25). Retrieved November 17, 2020, from https://www.chemeurope.com/en/news/1168073/technological-innovation-the-smallest-particle-sensor-in-the-world.htmlHow nitrogen is transferred by a catalyst
One of the main goals of catalysis is the selective control of the chemical transformation, which is true for reactive complex molecules. Inserting a nitrogen molecule inside a carbon-hydrogen bond has been theoretical and made true through quantum-chemical computer simulation with individual nitrogen atoms bonded to metal. Through experimental and theoretical studies the exploitation of catalytic nitrogen atom transfer reaction has begun. Chemists from Amsterdam, have been able to observe and measure the spectroscopy of metallonitrene and provide quantum-chemical characterizations. A platinum azide was transformed and examined by electrometric and photo-crystallography. This provided a report on the reactivity of a metallonitrene with a metal-nitrogen bond. Furthermore they observed the structure and oddities of the platinum metallonitrene to see that it allows a nitrogen atom to be inserted into C-H bonds of other molecules. This research contributes to the understanding of chemical bonding and reactivity of complex metals, with synthesis planning. This reaction of insertion by catalyst contributes to the development of green syntheses of nitrogen compounds.
Goethe University Frankfurt. (2020, November 13). Chemistry: How nitrogen is transferred by a catalyst: Chemists characterize key compound for catalytic nitrogen atom transfer. ScienceDaily. Retrieved November 17, 2020 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/11/201113105825.htm
Metal pollution in British waters may be threatening scallops
Due to contamination of seabed sediments with zinc, lead and copper, from mining, its causality is the shells of king scallops becoming significantly more brittle. This causes imbalance in the ecosystem by killing species that is responsible for water filtration and other jobs. The authors consider that the accepted metal pollution should be revised. Over a period of 13 years, researchers compared scallops from six areas in the Irish sea around the Isle of Man. Analysis revealed that one area had a significantly more brittle with a mineralization disrupted shell for the molluscs, then the other areas. This causes a high mortality rate for the species. They are not quite sure how the sediments are affecting shell formation but they hypothesize that the metals could be in the shells replacing calcium during a process called biomineralization. They also hypothesize that the metals could be modifying the activity of proteins during the crystallization process.
University of York. (2020, November 5). Metal pollution in British waters may be threatening scallops, study reveals. ScienceDaily. Retrieved December 1, 2020 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/11/201105112938.htm
Methanol fuel gives this tiny beetle bot the freedom to roam
The creation of this beetle bot could be the future. Scientists envision insect bots could be used to assist search and rescue missions. This sounds very much like a comic book villain. But who would have thought this could actually be a reality. This beetle is powered by methanol and packs more than 10 times more energy than batteries. To make the robot move, researchers coated a nickel-titanium wire with platinum. Then this wire heats up it contracts and when cooled it extends. The platinum coating allows the methanol vapor to combust. The varying temperatures in the accordion like ‘muscles’ allows motion to occur, by moving forward only. In the future they are hoping they will be able to control the movements of these insect bots so that they could potentially fly and run.
Drahl, C. (2020, August 28). Methanol fuel gives this tiny beetle bot the freedom to roam. Retrieved November 17, 2020, from https://www.sciencenews.org/article/methanol-fuel-beetle-robot