Ambergris (ambergrease or grey amber) is a waxy, inflammable solid with a dull grey colour formed as a biliary secretion in the gut of sperm whales. It is thought to act as a protective lubricant so that squid beaks and …
Author Archives: David Bradley
Lead paint still on sale in Africa
Posted by David Bradley
on March 26, 2013
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Paint containing dangerous amounts of lead is on sale in Cameroon, a study has found. Moreover, the subsidiaries of large multinational companies were among those found to be selling this paint. via Lead paint still on sale in Africa | …
Antioxidant backlash redux
Posted by David Bradley
on January 10, 2013
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According to Henry Scowcroft of Cancer Research UK writing in The Guardian: “Large studies have repeatedly shown that, with the possible exception of vitamin D, antioxidant supplements have negligible positive effect on healthy people, at least in terms of important …
Strong test for FUR
Posted by David Bradley
on January 10, 2013
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A new spectroscopic method has been developed for the determination of the drug furosemide used to treat congestive heart failure and other conditions. The drug is alsosed illegally by some athletes as a stimulant and rapid weight-loss agent.Yali Liu, Huijuan …
Deceived Wisdom
Posted by David Bradley
on December 19, 2012
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British science journalist and owner of the Reactive Reports chemistry site, David Bradley, has published his first popular science book – Deceived Wisdom with UK publisher Elliott & Thompson. The book is available in hardback (UK) and electronic editions (RoW). …
Pumping bacterial toxins
Posted by David Bradley
on September 7, 2012
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In a previous issue, we discussed early work on Escherichia coli as a proof of principle for understanding how bacterial resistance to antibiotics can emerge. Now, Edward Yu’s team at Iowa State University have taken another step forward in our …
