by Captain Skellett | Oct 6, 2010 | How Things Work, Science Communication
The winners of this years Nobel Prize in Chemistry goes to Richard F. Heck, Ei-ichi Negishi and Akira Suzuki, for their work in palladium catalysed reactions. Ah, a subject close to my own heart! As a student of Molecular and Drug Design, we studied this shizz in...
by Captain Skellett | Sep 22, 2010 | How Things Work, Science Communication, Science in the Movies
I’ve been doing some science tricks lately that show the difference between both eyes. Simple one, close your left eye and line your two pointer fingers up with one 10cm behind the other. Get them so they are exactly in line and you can only see one finger. Now...
by Captain Skellett | Jul 21, 2010 | How Things Work, Recent Research
Research published in June shows that nanoparticles from the English Ivy might make superior sunscreen to current brands, offering high broad spectrum protection and lasting for longer than current creams. The trend towards organics has influenced industries like...
by Captain Skellett | Jul 18, 2010 | How Things Work
It’s a beautiful example of biomimicry, nature informing technology. The shinkansen bullet trains of Japan are airplanes on rails, traveling at over 300 km per hour in comfort and style. Traveling at this speed, tunnels present a problem. When the train enters...
by Captain Skellett | Jul 16, 2010 | How Things Work
I wear my sunglasses at night. It’s for the light pollution. New Scientist today sent out a plea to bring back the night for wildlife’s sake, particularly birds, bats and turtles. Moths are also at risk to death by light. In Australia, the Bogong moths...
by Captain Skellett | Jul 13, 2010 | Drugs, How Things Work, Recent Research, Science at Home
You’re at the doctors with a suspected infection, but instead of offering penicillin or erythromycin, they prescribe honey. Would you switch toast toppings? Take a honey pill? How about letting the doctor smear medical grade honey over the infected area? People...