Monthly Archives: March 2011

Sunny Days (and the chemistry they cause)

Posted on March 28, 2011 by Sharon Neufeldt

Winter is finally commencing its retreat in my part of the country, which means we’re actually getting a little sunshine! Clear blue skies usually inspire thoughts of barbecues or pool parties, but they could just as relevantly inspire thoughts about … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 5 Comments

Seriously Dude… Where’s My Car?

Posted on March 23, 2011 by Sharon Neufeldt

Sometimes it seems like all the junk accumulated in our memories makes it harder to remember new things. For example, if you drive in to work every morning and have to hunt for parking, it may be difficult at the … Continue reading →

Posted in Brain Stuff, Psychology Stuff | 1 Comment

Animals and Aminals (and two kinds of metathesis)

Posted on March 21, 2011 by Sharon Neufeldt

Unless Even if you’ve been living under a rock, you know what an animal is. But do you know what an aminal is? Well, it’s two things: (1) A metathesis of the word “animal” (2) A chemistry term for a … Continue reading →

Posted in Chemistry, Chemistry Basics, Fun Stuff | 2 Comments

Those Devilish CO2 Bubbles

Posted on March 17, 2011 by Sharon Neufeldt

If you’ve ever stared pensively into a , then you probably have a good mental picture of what CO2 bubbles look like. Tiny little things that wiggle their way up or cling to the sides of the glass… nothing terribly … Continue reading →

Posted in Chemistry | 4 Comments

Reliable Information is Written Respectfully

Posted on March 14, 2011 by Sharon Neufeldt

This is part 3 of a 3ish part series on navigating the language of chemicals. Read an introduction, part 1, part 2, and part 2.5 if you wish. When researching the chemicals in a product, the curious consumer will most … Continue reading →

Posted in Chemistry, Chemistry Basics, Communication | 3 Comments

In Defense of Aldehydes

Posted on March 11, 2011 by Sharon Neufeldt

Consider this an unscheduled footnote to part 2 of the ongoing 3 part series on navigating the language of chemicals. Read an introduction, Part 1, and Part 2 if you wish; Part 3 should appear on Monday. While reading about … Continue reading →

Posted in Chemistry, Chemistry Basics, Communication | 6 Comments

Myths, Hyperboles, and Buzzwords about Chemicals

Posted on March 9, 2011 by Sharon Neufeldt

This is part 2 of a 3 ± 1 part series on navigating the language of chemicals. Read an introduction and part 1 if you wish. Efforts to make sense of the health and safety information for any given product … Continue reading →

Posted in Chemistry, Chemistry Basics, Communication | 20 Comments

What Is – And What Isn’t – A Chemical

Posted on March 7, 2011 by Sharon Neufeldt

This is Part 1 of a 3 ± 2 part series on navigating the language of chemicals. Please see this earlier post for an introduction. If you try to look up the ingredients in Suave shampoo – Google search Suave … Continue reading →

Posted in Chemistry, Chemistry Basics | 17 Comments

The Chemistry of Our Pets

Posted on March 4, 2011 by Sharon Neufeldt

My proposed mini series on navigating the language of chemicals shall begin on Monday. For now, please enjoy some cute furry and/or reptilian animals (and their chemistry!) on the C&EN Newscripts blog HERE. They very kindly offered to let me … Continue reading →

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Navigating the Language of Chemicals (Introduction)

Posted on March 2, 2011 by Sharon Neufeldt

A simple Google search for a product or service usually unleashes a flood of sources both denouncing and celebrating it. The chatter accompanying food, health, or beauty products/procedures is often intimately tied to the science of chemistry. Unfortunately, most consumers … Continue reading →

Posted in Brazilian Blowout, Chemistry Basics | 13 Comments