Monthly Archives: February 2011

Blinged-Out Fat Blob Nanotrucks for Targeted Drug Delivery

Posted on February 28, 2011 by Sharon Neufeldt

Targeted drug delivery is a popular area of research that melds together the disciplines of chemistry, medicine, and materials. The basic idea is to develop ways to give a person a and somehow get that medicine to go to exactly … Continue reading →

Posted in Bacteria, Chemistry, Materials, Medicine | Comments Off on Blinged-Out Fat Blob Nanotrucks for Targeted Drug Delivery

That’s what kids used to do for fun?

Posted on February 24, 2011 by Sharon Neufeldt

In stark contrast to the Bieber-obsessed Wii-playing youth of today (and I mean that in the nicest way possible), here is a direct quote from an article written in the 1920’s: “More and more the students are learning science out … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Fun Stuff | 17 Comments

Blood Vessel Growth Inhibitors Mediate Negative Side Effects of Chemotherapy

Posted on February 22, 2011 by Sharon Neufeldt

Doctors and researchers have observed an improvement in the survival rate of cancer patients when they are given a combination of a chemotherapeutic drug (cancer-killing drug) and an antiangiogenic drug (a drug that inhibits the growth of new blood vessels). … Continue reading →

Posted in Biology, Medicine | 5 Comments

Through the Looking Glass

Posted on February 18, 2011 by Sharon Neufeldt

Someday in the distant future, I hope to be able to explain my own research project to my parents without making up lies about how I’m curing cancer. Perhaps if they understand my chemistry a bit, they won’t feel the … Continue reading →

Posted in Chemistry, Chemistry Basics | 18 Comments

A Scientific Limit to (Male) Sexiness

Posted on February 16, 2011 by Sharon Neufeldt

For most animal species, males must compete with one another to win the attention of a female. This competition can involve active sparring – for example, bighorn sheep will sometimes clash heads over a lady sheep. For other animals, such … Continue reading →

Posted in Biology, Genetics | 8 Comments

Brazilian Blowout’s New Formula, sans Methylene Glycol

Posted on February 14, 2011 by Sharon Neufeldt

It’s been a while since we heard news about Brazilian Blowout, the controversial hair straightening treatment that brings up the philosophical question “What does it mean to be formaldehyde?”

Posted in Brazilian Blowout, Chemistry | 99 Comments

Can’t Read Minds? Blame The Testosterone.

Posted on February 10, 2011 by Sharon Neufeldt

Wearing your heart on your sleeve is merely an adage, but most people do display their emotions – even if unintentionally – on their faces. Women tend to be better than men at reading other people’s subtle facial cues, especially … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 5 Comments

Now THAT’s Hot: A salsa-inspired post

Posted on February 8, 2011 by Sharon Neufeldt

For the Super Bowl this year, I made one my favorite recipes – fresh salsa. Someone with on their hands could write an entire textbook chapter about the chemistry of salsa, but here’s a little Cliff Notes version. Warning: it’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 6 Comments

Organic Chemistry Lessons, Courtesy of Hippo et al.

Posted on February 4, 2011 by Sharon Neufeldt

Animal secretions (gross) often contain molecules that perform clever functions.  Here are a few examples, accompanied by morsels of chemistry facts.

Posted in Biology, Chemistry, Chemistry Basics | Comments Off on Organic Chemistry Lessons, Courtesy of Hippo et al.

Grow That Big Brain You’ve Always Dreamed Of, With Just 3x Per Week

Posted on February 2, 2011 by Sharon Neufeldt

Whether you’re young or post-young, there’s no time like the present to get into an exercise routine. Besides helping with weight loss and improving cardiovascular fitness, more and more evidence suggests that aerobic exercise can delay – and even reverse … Continue reading →

Posted in Brain Stuff, Running Etc. | 2 Comments