Chemical reactions are responsible for life as well as all the products that we use during our lives. But there are some common misconceptions about reactions, especially that the product of a chemical reaction retains the properties of the reactant(s). This misconception is the basis for many phony chemical scares. Here's why it is wrong.
Chemicals & Chemistry
Stephen Harrod Buhner, an herbalist healer, claims that beer will give men "moobs" because of hormone-disrupting chemicals. But there's a much simpler explanation: obesity. That's something every boob should know.
A recent study, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, reveals a supposed association between high pesticide exposure and fewer pregnancies, as well as fewer live births in women receiving fertility treatments.
Furans, a broad category of chemicals found in nature and also used in manufacturing, may or may not be in your food. But they gave some rats cancer when injected into them. Does that make it a health concern for humans? Science says no, but the European Food Safety Authority says yes.
The glyphosate scandal involving the International Agency for Research on Cancer has severely – and perhaps irreparably – damaged the reputation of the World Health Organization. Sixteen scientists contacted by Reuters refused to answer any questions about the glyphosate document. That's not how science operates; that's how Fight Club operates.
The Missouri Court of Appeals reversed a jury's decision that awarded $72 million to a plaintiff who claimed Johnson & Johnson's talcum powder products caused her ovarian cancer. But the court's ruling was based on a jurisdictional issue, not the lack of scientific evidence underpinning her claim.
One religious group forecast an apocalypse a few weeks ago. They used the Bible as its source. More recently, a newer religion warned of their apocalypse. But those followers cited Science magazine.
Should the U.S. learn from China about air pollution? A history professor says yes, and he bases his argument on an epidemiological paper that utilizes deceptive maps and dubious methods.
If you think ozone is just up there in the sky somewhere, think again. It's also being used more and more to combat bacteria and infections, like MRSA. So the next time the conversation turns to ozone, it's good to know the context before you weigh in. And so that you can look knowledgeable here's your quick overview.
As great as is it, who would have expected the TV series Game of Thrones to be fodder for a chemistry lesson about electrons, oxidation, reduction and tin. But it is, thanks to (former) King Stannis Baratheon. Whoever said that chemistry wasn't magic?
Air pollution in China has a substantially negative impact on public health. But with the exception of central and southern California and the upper Midwest, the United States has extremely clean air. And in fact, most regions in this country would not benefit from tighter air pollution standards.
The origin of life is a profound mystery. Once life arose, natural selection and evolution took over. But the question of how a mixture of various gases created life-giving molecules that arranged into structures capable of reproducing themselves remains unanswered.