Ci Newsletter #11: Plant milks comparisons and animal antifreezes
Welcome to this fortnight's issue of the Ci newsletter! This time around we've got a look at the environmental impacts of plant milks compared to cow's milk, how some creatures survive freezing in winter, what makes popcorn crack, and more! There's also the usual round-up of some interesting chemistry news stories from the past couple of weeks.
Plant milks vs. cow milk
The popularity of plant milk is booming. Some people drink plant milk as an alternative to cow's milk due to allergies or intolerances, others as a conscious choice not to consume dairy products, and others still due to the potential impact that dairy farming can have on climate. However, not all plant milks are equal, as this graphic exploring the environmental impacts and nutritional differences shows. You can view and download the graphic here.
How some creatures survive freezing
Ever wondered how some creatures survive freezing in sub-zero temperatures? With a spell of colder weather hitting here, this graphic from last year looking at some of the biochemical mechanisms behind animal freeze avoidance and freeze tolerance generated renewed interest over on Twitter.
National popcorn day
You might think the popping of popcorn is the sound of the kernel cracking – but it's actually caused by the release of pressurised water vapour. It's National Popcorn Day tomorrow (18th Jan), so here's a graphic from the archives looking at popcorn popping in more detail, along with a selection of its flavour and aroma compounds.
More chemistry art
I've posted Phil Knutson's chemistry art in this newsletter before, but I'm doing so again because his latest bee-themed chemistry work is another great addition. Envious of those neat structure-drawing skills!
Chemistry news & features
Revealed: many common omega-3 fish oil supplements are ‘rancid’
Independent tests find that a number of products on the market use oxidised oils, with the rancidity often masked by flavourings.
Is it time for chemistry teachers to abandon textbooks? — edu.rsc.org
Kit Chapman argues that teachers should look past outdated, stereotyping and gatekeeping textbooks when teaching chemistry.
‘Nocebo effect’: two-thirds of Covid jab reactions not caused by vaccine, study suggests
US researchers show negative version of placebo effect could be behind many symptoms such as headaches and fatigue.
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Thanks for reading,
Andy