As a student, you may have hated Chemistry classes because you found them irrelevant and useless. The truth is the complete opposite. Chemistry studies a wide range of chemical reactions that are of vital importance to living beings. Without chemical reactions, our bodies would not be able to perform basic functions and the Earth would … Read more
Hydrolysis is a double decomposition reaction in which water breaks one or more chemical bonds to form new substances. Hydrolysis is an example of a nucleophilic substitution reaction, in which electron-rich water molecules act as nucleophiles and replace functional groups in electron-deficient (AKA electrophile) molecules. While hydrolysis is a widespread chemical reaction, it is also … Read more
Fermentation can be defined as an enzyme-catalyzed anaerobic pathway that breaks down energy-rich carbohydrates to produce energy. The chemical breakdown of substances by microorganisms is an ancient technique used for making products last much longer than in their raw state. Besides, fermentation is a vital process occurring in living beings. But what makes fermentation so … Read more
You’re going about your day and then feel that familiar rumbling in your stomach. Hunger. All living things need to eat, though what they eat varies significantly. Humans eat a huge variety of food that depends on income, culture, access, and personal preferences. When you eat a meal or a snack, how much do you … Read more
Most of us know about the big figures and stories in science: an apple falling on Isaac Newton’s head. Einstein coming up with E = mc2. Marie Curie isolating the radium that would one day kill her. Most science isn’t glamorous or public. Most scientists never become household names, but they’re engaging in work that … Read more
Currently, most of the world gets its energy from non-renewable fuels like oil and fossil fuels. When these fuels are used up, they’re gone for good. The other downside? Using them releases greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide. Greenhouse gases aren’t inherently bad. Without them, Earth would be too cold for human life. Too many gases, … Read more
Humans have known about electricity since ancient times, but learning how to harness it didn’t come until 1831. Building on experiments by Benjamin Franklin and others, Michael Faraday coaxed an electric current using magnets and copper wire coils. Today, both fossil fuels and renewable resources fuel electricity. Why is it so important? Here are ten … Read more
No one likes paying for car insurance. Maybe you’ve been driving for decades and never needed it, so why bother? Like many things in life, it’s better to have it and not need it, then need it and not have it. People have always known this about car insurance. In the UK, a company whose … Read more
Put simply, chemistry is the study of matter. This branch of science involves identifying different substances contained in matter and how they interact and change. Even people who don’t work as chemists engage with chemistry: it’s everywhere. Here are 10 reasons why chemistry is important in our world: #1. Chemistry helps explain everything According to … Read more
Is there anything more important – but often less acknowledged – than the air we breathe? We don’t live long without oxygen. You no doubt know how vital it is, but the exact reasons why and how may be unknown to you. Here are ten reasons why oxygen matters so much: #1. You need oxygen … Read more
No matter what career field you’re in or how high up you are, there’s always more to learn. The same applies to your personal life. No matter how many experiences you have or how diverse your social circle, there are things you don’t know. Research unlocks the unknowns, lets you explore the world from different … Read more
In many places, people take school for granted. Going to school may be a source of annoyance or frustration. At some point in their lives, many kids wish they didn’t have to go at all. Dropping out and starting their “real lives” might be sound appealing. Why does school matter so much? There are ten … Read more
Everyone is aware that water is important. You don’t need to be a biologist to know that a big percentage of the human body is made of water and without it, you die. However, there are so many reasons why water is one of the world’s most precious resources. Some have to do with how … Read more
Education is one of the keys to achieving success in this world. It paves the way for all kinds of opportunities, allows people to expand their perspectives, and strengthens nations. While some argue about the value of education, evidence shows that it is very important. Here are ten reasons why: #1. It reduces poverty Global … Read more
Even though it’s something that’s all around us and most of us take it for granted, time is one of the most mysterious forces in the universe. Why does it matter so much? What are some things everyone should remember when thinking about time? Here are ten reasons why time is important: #1. Everything is … Read more
