Whom Should We Trust?

As I think about the banning of phthalates in toys for children that just took place in California, it makes me wonder about where we should put our trust on scientific issues.  Do we trust that politicians have proper consultation prior to creating a new law?  Are there financial consequences influencing scientists to make their decisions?  Scientists know that chemical effects are certainly a factor of exposure concentration and exposure time in addition to body mass.  Many good studies have and can be done to determine the effects of certain chemicals on people.  Regardless of the issue, it would be nice to think that our ultimate plan takes into consideration the health of all life – not just the health of a company’s bottom line.

This does also make me think of the wonderful opportunities for science majors to use their scientific understanding to better inform the public in issues just like this.

Google or Google scholar: phthalates

Helium Balloons – Who needs them?

I have fond memories of receiving helium balloons as a child.  As I left from some event with my prize in tow, some distracting noise would cause my grip to loosen and up would go my low gas density orb.  The car ride home would be filled with disappointment, but also with the curiosity of where that deflated piece of advertising would land.  Science Friday covered the helium shortage that has changed the availability of this gas around the world.  This may not seem like a huge deal to many people, BUT helium has many more uses other than “happy birthday” messages.  One application is how helium is used to cool the magnets for medical analysis (MRI) and scientific research (NMR).  Should we waste such a precious commodity on consumer usage?  Hopefully before the supply runs out, the scientific community will develop new technologies that no longer need helium cooled components. 

Carbon Dioxide Solvent?

On “The Naked Scientist” this week they discussed using carbon dioxide as a solvent for extracting compounds from plant material.  The episode happened to be about beer, but this particular interview discussed the extraction of compounds from hops.  Carbon Dioxide, under the correct temperature and pressure can be a liquid OR super-critical fluid.  As a fluid, carbon dioxide can be used to dissolve and extract compounds from these plants.  One benefit of using carbon dioxide as a solvent is that once the temperature and pressure is brought back to normal room conditions, it becomes a gas.  You are then left with your extracted compounds with no solvent contamination.