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 …
Tag Archives: alcohol
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 …
A chemical decathlon
Posted by Robert Slinn
on March 1, 2011
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Fish oil fights weight loss due to chemotherapy – A new analysis has found that supplementing the diet with fish oil may prevent muscle and weight loss that commonly occurs in cancer patients who undergo chemotherapy. Published early online in …
10 chemical hits: Slinn Pickings
Posted by Robert Slinn
on February 15, 2011
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The lock shapes the key – Proteins normally recognize each other by their specific 3-D structure. If the key fits in the lock, a reaction can take place. However there are reactions at the onset of which the key does …
Too much Festivus cheer?
Posted by David Bradley
on December 23, 2010
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Too much Festivus cheer? Evergreen hangover advice – Acetaldehyde is the toxic byproduct made by the liver when you drink alcohol, too much in your bloodstream the "morning after, the night before" and you will have a hangover. According to …
Arty with a Capital F and the Myth of Absinthe
Posted by spinneret
on April 30, 2008
12 comments
I’ve got a bottle of absinthe, at the back of a shelf in our store-cupboard. Unopened this bottle of green uber-liquor languishes untested awaiting an appropriate occasion when a drink containing 70 percent alcohol (140 proof) is required. It’ll probably …
