Most everyone knows to protect their skin from direct sunlight in the summer. But do you know how sunscreen works and whats actually in the stuff youre lathering all over your skin? Tim Barker, an assistant professor of organic chemistry at the College of Charleston, answers some questions concerning ingredients in sunscreen and tries to separate the science from the hype. Heres what he had to say: Q: What chemicals are used in most sunscreens, and how do they work to protect us from damaging rays and from getting sunburns? A: Both inorganic and organic chemicals serve as active ingredients in sunscreens. The inorganic compounds, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, work by reflecting the radiation. The organic chemicals, two examples include avobenzone and oxybenzone, absorb the UV radiation with their chemical bonds before it interacts with the skin. Q: What are some of the other applications for these same chemicals? A: Zinc oxide is used in many things, but the most common use is in the vulcanization natural rubber into the rubber found in tires and other materials. Zinc oxide also has antibacterial properties so it has many medicinal uses. Most of the organic compounds used as active ingredients in … Continue reading →

Deertrees new repertory company is getting the theaters season rolling with Arlene Huttons Last Train to Nibroc, a touching story that follows two strangers and their intertwined journey through life after a chance meeting on a train in 1940. Nestled in the foothills of western Maine, the rustic 1930s playhouse offers a picturesque location for the intimate two-actor production, directed by artistic and executive director Andrew Harris. The exposed wooden beams and on-site refreshment shop, the Salt Lick Caf, recall a bygone era that sets the mood for the plays rural Kentucky locale. The production is stripped down, with two benches serving as the primary props for the two-act, three-scene performance. The minimalistic set shifts the audiences focus to the actors and the plays endearing storyline. Emily Grotz and Luis Del Valle star as May and Raleigh. When the pair meet, May is a young woman returning home to Kentucky from California, her hopes of marriage dashed after being jilted by her soldier fianc. Raleigh dreams of going to New York City to be a writer, desperate to rebuild his life after being prematurely discharged from the service for fits that make it impossible for the young pilot to fly … Continue reading →

Avid cyclists Kayla and Mike Kaiserhave been married for 10 years and share a passion for health and public service, which inspired their nonprofit organization, BikeCar101. As professors at California State University, Northridge in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, the pair promote travel by train and bicycle to increase environmental sustainability and public health.The couple has been commuting to campus via Metrolink and bikes since 2013. Over the past few years, the Kaisers have seen a growing interest in public transit and healthier commutes among CSUNstudents, professors and others in the workforce, they said. According tometro.nets active mode of transportation page, they state that, Active transportation improves public health by providing more opportunities for physical activity and safe places to walk, bike or travel by other human-powered means improves access to transit and provides more travel choices. We were on the same [Metrolink] line with other professionals, and wed start bringing our bikes on there, Mike said.They saw us bringing our bikes [to campus to ride together], and they started to bring theirs. He also pointed out that students are the biggest advocates for sustainability and alternative modes of transportation. Ultimately, students have the greatest voice in change with … Continue reading →

HAMBURG In a meeting that ran longer than either side had planned, U.S. President Donald Trump and Russia's Vladimir Putin discussed alleged Russian meddling in the U.S. election on Friday but agreed to focus on better ties rather than litigating the past. Trump, a Republican who called it an "honor" to meet with the Russian president, drew swift criticism from Democrats at home, who accused him of dismissing U.S. intelligence and giving Putin's denial, reiterated on Friday, of Russian interference too much weight. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson told reporters at a summit of leaders of the Group of 20 major economies in Hamburg that Trump had "positive chemistry" with Putin during the meeting, which lasted some two hours and 15 minutes. He opened their discussion by pressing Putin about "the concerns of the American people regarding Russian interference in the 2016 election" and had a robust exchange, Tillerson said. The Russian president has denied any meddling in the U.S. democratic process last year and Moscow has asked for proof that it took place. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Trump accepted Putin's assertions that the allegations, backed by U.S. intelligence agencies, were false. Tillerson said they both sought to move … Continue reading →

WATCH LIVE One person was injured Thursday afternoon during an adverse chemical reaction in a chemistry lab at the University of Maryland College Park. The victim sustained injuries to the facial area, and was decontaminated and taken to a hospital for treatment, Prince George's Fire spokesman Mark Brady posted on Twitter. Prince George's Fire is investigating the reaction, which Brady described as small, at the university's chemistry building. A Prince George's Fire hazmat team is on the scene at 8501 Regents Drive, assisting UMd. Physical Plant and Chemistry officials with evaluation and cleanup, Brady said. The chemistry building was evacuated shortly after the incident, and Regents Drive between Field House Drive and Stadium Drive was closed to traffic, according to the UMd. Police Department. The building and street have since reopened. Published at 3:11 PM EDT on Jul 6, 2017 | Updated at 4:29 PM EDT on Jul 6, 2017 Continue reading here: 1 Injured in Chemical Reaction at University of Maryland Chemistry ... - NBC4 Washington … Continue reading →

Geoffrey Boocock spent his Time4Chem last year creatively designing arithmetical magic squares in celebration of our 175th anniversary after attending a Science in Art event held at Burlington House. My idea for some scientific art took the form of a birthday card for the Royal Society of Chemistrys 175th anniversary, especially when I found that there are magic squares for a total of 175, with component numbers that could represent chemical elements via their atomic numbers. In the 5x5 square shown all the rows and columns, as well as the two major diagonals, add up to 175. However, as the 175th anniversary year was already substantially spent, I investigated the possibility of a 176 magic square. I found that there is a usable, simple magic square, possible a unique one, for a summation to 176. In Geoffrey's magic square each row, column, diagonal, and colour-defined set add up to 176. Picture: Geoffrey Boocock See the original post here: Where chemistry meets maths meets art - Royal Society of Chemistry … Continue reading →