Science and Technology News
Chemistry deals with the composition of matter, its properties and how it behaves. Some of the major aspects of chemistry include the study of atoms and subatomic particles along with how these bond to each other chemically (chemical bonds). Its origins came from the medieval world where the quest for alchemy was sought by kings to enhance the riches of their kingdoms. Modern chemists are become more and more fascinated with biochemistry and bioengineering to modify living organisms in what is commonly refered to as biotechnology. Genetic studies are moving to the forefront of medical applications to discover causes and treatment for disease which once eluded physicians and doctors.
Chemists have discovered a new method of using ceramic coating on glass to allow water molecules to attract together, instead of repelling, to form a transparent layer of water instead of beading on glass. Other discoveries of nanoparticle coating can allow surface materials to regenerate themselves, fixing damage similar to biological self healing properties.
Chemical weapons are among the most feared methods of warfare as their ability to inflict large scale death and destruction has classified them as weapons of mass destruction. Chemists now may have a more environmentally friendly solution to approaching cleanup efforts of chemical weapons and nerve agents by both military and civilian personnel.
Plant communication is being researched by biologists and chemists alike to determine the various methods and purposes of communication between plants and insects. It has been discovered that this can be done through chemical signals in pheromones, audio detection and even electromagnetic fields give off by flowers for bees to pick up on.
Bacterial communication has been discovered to occur using the transmission of chemical signals which are synthesized in the pyrone synthase (PpyS) and received in the LuxR solo receptor (PluR). Recently Professor Helge Bode and Dr. Ralf Heermann from Goethe-University in Frankfurt, Germany have discovered that it is possible for both transmission and reception to occur within the LuxR solo receptors of bacterial cells.
Chemists and biologists believe they have discovered the process of protein creation that triggers diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinsons and dementia. This discovery could lead to earlier diagnosis in patients and potentially into ways to suppress or treat these disease before they damage neurons and inflict permanent damage in the brain.
The study of chemistry is a physical science and natural science and is considered to be a central node for other sciences such as physics, biology and geology. There are five main branches of this scientific discipline including organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, analytic chemistry, physical chemistry and biochemistry. Believed to have developed from middle east originally, Ancient Egyptians were one of the first civilizations where this science can be traced back to in the making of pottery, metallurgy, cosmetics, painting and alcohol manufacturing.