Transparent, Biodegradable Plastic Could Be Made from Rice

Starch is a brittle polymer that is rich in grains such as maize, wheat, and rice. Through gelatisation, starch can be treated with heat and water making it suitable for traditional plastic processing techniques. However, films prepared by this method tend to brittle easily due to the rapid recrystalization and degradation. According to this article and the original published paper, researchers in Finland have worked out a creative solution to this problem. “They used a star-shaped molecule called AEEP (aminoethoxy ethanol substituted phosphazene), the arms of which act as dynamic and mobile hydrogen bonding plasticizer molecules while being connected to a central core, effectively preventing migration and leeching of the starch molecules from the resulting plastic.” The result is a clear, biodegradable plastic made from simple and sustainable resources which has the potential applications in food packaging and biomedical materials. 

The Chemistry of Fake Tan

There are two chemicals that are incorporated in tanning lotion: dihydroxyacetone (DHA) and erythrulose.  The dihydroxyacetone is the most commonly used chemical in tanning lotion.  The FDA  allowed the use of DHA in tanning lotions in the year 1977, but it is not allowed to be used in tanning booths. There are 3 simple steps in how one can obtain a fake tan.  Step 1 is apply the tanning lotion with the DHA that will react with the amino acids in the dead layer on the skin's surface.  Step 2 is that a certain reaction will take place (Maillard reaction - the reaction that is often seen in baking and roasting foods when cooking).  And finally, step 3, is the reaction that melanoidins start to be produced which are the chemicals needed that cause the actual tan.

FUN FACTS:

• The impact of dihydroxyacetone isn't immediately effective since it takes about 2-4 hours for the browning effect to activate and it can continuously darken your skin for up to 72 hours.  
• Tanning lotions can actually contain up to 15% DHA, but the lotions you typically buy in store would be topped at 5% and can go as low at 3%.
• The reason it is not prohibited in spray tanning booths is because of the dangerous effects it can cause to your body when you ingest or inhale DHA (damaged DNA in bacteria cells)

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Scientists Discover the Genetic Secrets of Coffee

If you thought that coffee could not get any better, you thought wrong. According to this article, an international team of researchers interpreted the genome of the coffee plant and discovered genetic secrets that could improve the characteristics of coffee. They identified the genetic attributes that could help in the development of new varieties that are better able to endure drought, disease and pests, while also enhancing flavor and caffeine levels. In fact, the coffee plant has an extensive collection of enzymes involved in the production of caffeine. Also, compared to other plants, coffee carries larger families of genes related to creating alkaloid and flavonoid compounds that contribute to the aroma and bitterness of the beans. About an average of 2.25 billion cups of coffee are consumed worldwide everyday, and with the genome deciphered, scientists can now modify and improve your morning cup of coffee.

New "Aquaman" Material Discovered

Danish scientists have invented a new material that could eliminate the need for oxygen tanks by medical patients and divers alike. The crystalline material can absorb oxygen, store it and then later release it. In fact, the material is so strong that just a few small grains can store enough oxygen for one breath. This video further explains how the revolutionary material works: http://news.yahoo.com/video/material-developed-danish-scientists-absorb-124556083.html

 If used correctly, the crystals could give divers the ability to stay underwater for extended periods of time without a tank as if they had the powers of Aquaman. This could also benefit patients needing supplemental oxygen who need to carry large tanks with them. 

Scientists are still in the process of figuring out how to manipulate the cobalt-based material to release oxygen without the use of heat or atmospheric pressure. However, if this problem is resolved, the material could be a monumental discovery in both medicine and recreation.  

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Misconceptions abut GMOs

GMOs have been a very controversial issue recently, and many misconceptions about GMOs are fueling this debate. This article discusses some of the major myths associated with GMOs. Many in the public fear GMOs due to this public perception in this country that natural foods are optimal for health and are tailored for our consumption. In a way this notion is correct, for thousands of years we have been genetically modifying plants through selection and hybridization to better fit our needs. This misconception could be in part due to a large proportion of our population (40-50%) believing in young earth creationism. A religious group at one point tried to use the banana as proof that nature was tailored made for us by a deity, luckily all you have to do is google "Wild Banana" to disprove this theory. As Neil deGrasse Tyson explains in this video we have been modifying foods for millennia. The difference between what humankind did before and what we do now is that we know about genetics (and recently Epigenetics) and can use this knowledge to cause specific changes in plant genomes rather then breading two plants together hoping for the best. I chose this article specifically because it also discusses overly optimistic myths of GMOs and not solely focusing on disproving the negative misconceptions of GMOs. With the rise of the theory of Epigenetics recently to supplement the theory of Genetics, we are getting a sharper understanding of how life operates. I for one hope that these fears born out of ignorance that hinder functional application of these advances will subside when scientific literacy increasess.

Race to Turn Dandelions Into Rubber

One of the leading automotive industries is breaking bounds in the scientific market. Rubber tire makers are pushing forward in developing rubber from dandelions. To most, the yellow flower is a nuisance that ruins their lawns and gardens but to others it offers the possibility to expand an already dominating industry. Scientists all over the world are working to breed a specific type of dandelion that produces similar milky fluid that contains tire-grade rubber particles. They are manipulating their DNA to see which types of plants will grow best and work most efficiently with crop machines. There is currently a seven year plan drawn up that is designed for future dandelion crop farmers. Overall, the point of this is to eliminate the over usage of rubber trees in Southeast Asia.

                        

http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/08/20/us-dandelion-rubber-idUSKBN0GK0LN20140820

Natural & Man-Made Chemicals

There are many myths about the chemicals which you breathe in air and the food you consume. One of the myths is that you can lead a chemical-free life, this is simply false. Despite the many products that claim to be chemical-free, using the term "chemical-free" is inappropriate. Another myth that is disproven is that man-made chemicals are dangerous. Whether a chemical is man-made or natural tells you nothing about how dangerous it is. As you can see from this image, there are naturally occurring chemicals that can be toxic and there are man-made chemicals that have no toxic effect within the same concentration levels. The dose of these chemicals is what makes the poison. For example, apple seeds contain amygdalin which can be toxic to humans in large amounts. It important to understand that whether you eat only organic foods or solely processed foods, your surroundings and diet consist of nothing but chemicals.