Reaction Rates Matter

I always find articles like this recent concentrate in C&E News interesting because so often we think of pollution as the primary component that is “emitted” into the atmosphere.  So much chemistry takes place to these pollutants after they are in the opened environment.  This article discusses how light plays a role in the formation of new pollutants (or secondary pollutants).  All of this chemistry is truly important to help improve air quality.  I would assume that there are already emission standards that allow companies to emit more pollutants at night when their is no sunlight.  This can help decrease the production of secondary pollutants that may be more dangerous.  Every person should have an interest in clean air – because we don’t have a choice but to breath it…

Genetic Testing

If you could have a test telling you that some form of cancer MAY be in your future, would you have the test?  Researchers find some genetic similarities in people that have certain forms of disease or cancer; this allows them to test people without the disease for similar “markers”.  These markers don’t guarantee the person will get the disease or cancer, but they may have an increased risk (which may be very low). 

On Science Friday last week (yeah, I am a little behind), they had a program on breast cancer markers.  What interests me about these markers is the test may be able to indicate an increased risk, but not offer any suggestion on how to change those risks.  SO, would you want to know if you couldn’t do anything about it?  Might you live your life differently?  More healthful?