How Simple Chemical Compounds Created Life on Earth

Chemical evolution

There are a lot of debates about how life evolved on Earth. Evolution is a process of consistent changes in different levels of life organization – from molecules to biosphere. A lot of experiments and analytical data that confirm this process. At the beginning of life on the Earth, evolution wasn’t a biological process. It was a complex chemical process with several inorganic, and, later, organic compounds. Scientists could reproduce the first chemical reactions that initiated the life on the Earth. How did life appear on Earth? Is evolution real? It sounds ridiculous but chemistry was the reason. How can this be confirmed? Let’s find out! Continue reading

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How to Use Chemistry for Christmas Decorations?

How to Use Chemistry for Christmas Decorations?

Christmas is a time of bright colorful gifts, fun and positive emotions. It is a time when you don’t want to think about studying and boring lessons. However, let’s recollect some chemistry bases this Christmas. Why? Artificial snow, crystal snowflakes, snow globe, non-fading Christmas tree, interesting handmade gifts and bright colorful decorations. All these you can make using chemistry, its secrets and magic. If you want to amaze your friend and relatives read the article and let’s do winter science. Continue reading

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Useful Resources For Studying Chemistry Easy

Useful Resources For Studying Chemistry Easy

Chemistry is a complex science describing the structure of our world – from tiny electrons to huge stars. Everyone is studying chemistry while being in a high school, college or university. Studying chemistry may give you a lot of pleasure while learning a lot of interesting things that surround you: what elements or compounds make up everything, how they interact and how this knowledge is used in modern technologies or medicine. But the process of studying chemistry requires a lot of time, effort and good educational resources. There are a lot of websites that can help you ease your learning: books, tutorials and even virtual chemistry labs. Here is a brief review of several helpful resources. Continue reading

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How Can DNA Be Used in Data Storage and Computing?

How Can DNA Be Used in Data Storage and Computing?

Our life depends on the digital information in all its forms: text, video, audio, photo. Its amount increases with every passing day, so data storage devices with bigger capacity, density and long term of use are of great demand. However, it is challenging to store digital information more than 50 years. Yet, scientists have found relatively stable and compact information storage device – it is… (drum roll) DNA! Its properties are ideal for long-term data storing. So, can DNA molecule store your favorite films is HD quality? How long can the information be stored there? Let’s find out. Continue reading

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What is Dangerous About Food Colors?

What is Dangerous About Food Colors?

Summer is the time for cold tasty sodas and ice cream. Color and flavor are important components of food and drinks. They give food an aesthetic value and increase your appetite or desire to buy this or that colorful tasty product. A lot of food (i.e., sweets, cookies, ice cream, drinks) require addition of extra color dyes. Some of these food additives have natural origin while others are artificial compounds that are considered as dangerous. What is dangerous about the artificial colors? Are natural dyes safer for your health? Let’s learn some useful tips while choosing food in a supermarket or while cooking it in you kitchen. Continue reading

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What is Fluorescence and How to Use It?

What is Fluorescence and How to Use It?

Bright light of fluorescence charms with all its magic and mystery. Some marine animals (i.e. jellyfishes) synthesize fluorescent proteins making them shine in a moonlight. Scientists don’t know the natural purpose of such adaptation but they have learned how to use this exciting chemical feature in scientific work. Researchers have been widely using fluorescence in different fields of life sciences. Two Nobel prizes in Chemistry were awarded for the study and practical use of fluorescence in 2008 and 2014. What are the great benefits of fluorescence? How did a single jellyfish protein change scientific approaches in biology and medicine? Let’s learn it from this article. Continue reading

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Is it Possible to Make a Love Potion?

Is it Possible to Make a Love Potion ?

According to the latest studies by scientists at Syracuse University, love at first sight is absolutely possible. In addition, 1.5 second is enough for molecular entity to get to the brain and fuel euphoria in it. At the same time, 12 different parts of your brain get activated, what causes high blood pressure and chemical rush. Besides, same happens when one takes drugs. So, do these feelings appear to be nothing else but only a chemical reaction? Then can we evoke love in somebody else artificially? Let’s take it closer. Continue reading

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