The Forensics of Blood February 2008 (pp 4-7)

Author: Brian Rohrig Chemistry Connections: Organic/Biochemistry, Solutions Description: Describes how chemists determine if a substance at a crime scene is blood (luminol and hydrogen peroxide or phenolphthalein and hydrogen peroxide), and if so, if it is human blood (rabbit antibody clotting test). Discusses blood as a colloid. Also tells how criminal investigators can determine blood type. Discusses useful information about blood stains shape of blood droplets, transfer stains, projected stains. Two sidebars discuss the composition of blood, and the role of antibodies and antigens in determining blood type. The equation describing the reaction of luminal with hemoglobin is shown.

Author: Beth Nolte Chemistry Connections: Equilibrium, Organic/Biochemistry, Reactions, Solids/Liquids/Gases Description: Describes the nitrogen cycle and the role of excessive use of nitrogen fertilizers in polluting the environment. The chemistry of nitrogen, ammonia, oxides of nitrogen and nitrates are emphasized. Suggests that changes in farming methods can ameliorate the environmental effects. Includes sidebars on organic farming and the Haber-Bosch method of producing ammonia.

Author: Cynthia Washam Chemistry Connections: Organic/Biochemistry, Sustainability Description: Discusses the recent trend toward producing plant-based plasticscalled bioplasticsfrom plants like sugar cane, potatoes and wheat as an alternative to using petroleum. Explains two types of bioplastics, polylactide acid and polyhydroxyalkanoatepolymers made from simple sugar moleculesand includes structural formulas for these. Gives background on plastics as polymers. Discusses pros and cons of bioplasticsfor consumers and for the environment. Includes activity for students to make a compostable bioplastic.

Author: Michael Schirber Chemistry Connections: Bonding, Organic/Biochemistry, Reactions, Thermochemistry Description: Describes how molecules, like cellulose, found in plants like switchgrass and plant leftovers like corn stalks, can be made into gasoline. Uses lots of graphics to explain the use of zeolite catalysts in the process of stripping oxygen atoms from carbohydrate molecules to make hydrocarbon molecules that, in turn, make gasoline. Distinguishes green gasoline from biofuels like ethanol. Describes benefits of green gasoline.

Author: Claudia M. Caruana Chemistry Connections: History/Biography, Organic/Biochemistry, Solids/Liquids/Gases Description: Describes and explains the way in which general and local inhaled anesthetics work in the human body. Provides the reader with some history of anesthesiafrom 4200 BC to the present dayincluding nitrous oxide, ether and modern inhalation anesthetics, halogenated ethers. Discusses some biochemical mechanisms suggested to explain the effect of an anesthetic on the nervous system, although it also states the lack of a precise medical/scientific understanding of how anesthetics work.

Author: Diana Lutz Chemistry Connections: Bonding, Organic/Biochemistry, Reactions, Solids/Liquids/Gases, Thermochemistry Description: Describes how various special effects are created for movies, including fake snow, fake skin, fire and explosions. Some chemistry is detailed to explain how the materials are produced.

Author: Nadia Halim Chemistry Connections: Bonding, Organic/Biochemistry Description: Nanotechnology utilizing the elements carbon and silicon create nanostructures (1-100 nanos large) for use in electronics, medicine (drug delivery systems), clean energy production (solar cells). Three basic structures are nanotubes, nanowires, and fullerenes (Bucky balls). Construction of a nanostructure by electron beam lithography and photolithography is illustrated.

Author: Patrice Pages Chemistry Connections: Organic/Biochemistry, Reactions, Solids/Liquids/Gases, Solutions Description: Experimental cooking based on some understanding of chemistry and physics but primarily experimental using new physical forms of ingredients in the mix. Influence of color on taste perception studied; good taste influences amount eaten (savoring means less eaten).

Author: Linda Zajac Chemistry Connections: History/Biography, Organic/Biochemistry, Reactions Description: Discusses research done to discover why crystal jellyfish glow in the dark, which led to discovery of green fluorescent protein (GFP, for short). Describes how GFP genes can be inserted into DNA of other cells that can then act as tracers as they travel throughout the body. Describes the uses of other colors of fluorescent proteins that have been discovered, including: tracking viruses in plant diseases, helping to cure brain diseases, and cancer therapy studies. Might be used in class in discussion of light emission and absorption and energy and wavelength of light.

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Organic Biochemistry - American Chemical Society