As you can see this means that 43 elements have been discovered since then. That averages out at more than one a yr! Care to share what it looked like in the year YOU were born?
Tuesday, 9 August 2011
I wonder what the periodic table looked like in the year that I was born?
Or to put it another way I wonder how many elements have been discovered since I've been around? That is, since 1969. You may remember as, its only 2 years ago that back in 2009, a new element was discovered and named. This was element 112 which after due consideration IUPAC decided to give the name Copernicium with the symbol Cn. This year 2 new elements 114 and 116 were found to exist. IUPAC say that this is now official and that they are currently trying to name them. Interestingly only the name of dead scientists can be used. Anybody got any ideas who they would like the elements to be named after? ;) This is of course what got me wondering what the periodic table looked like in 1969. After abit of research it seems that element #105 Dubnium was discovered in 1967 in USSR. This is a transition metal whose origin was to be found at the Joint Institute for nuclear research at Dubna. So this is what the Periodic Table looked like in 1969
As you can see this means that 43 elements have been discovered since then. That averages out at more than one a yr! Care to share what it looked like in the year YOU were born?
As you can see this means that 43 elements have been discovered since then. That averages out at more than one a yr! Care to share what it looked like in the year YOU were born?
Tuesday, 26 April 2011
Vitamin D
Back in February I had my regular blood test as usual. The lovely nurse, whom I usually see, told me that due to low light levels in Manchester, many people here often have vitamin D deficiency. I thought this was an interesting fact and strange I hadn't known about or heard about it before. Then, by sheer coincidence the results of my blood test revealed that I am indeed currently deficient in vitamin D. I thought this was an interesting fact and strange I hadn't known about or heard about it before. (Do I think my nurse is clairevoyant, lol,hell no!). I find this so hard to believe, now in April given the heatwave we are going through and the fact I have been out running in it everyday. I thought it would be nice to research and write a post on this vitamin just touching on its chemistry. I, myself, only knew what most people generally know I think, without looking anything up. That is, it is made in the skin when it is exposed to UV light. Deficiency among other things can produce brittle bones. Not good news for me since I recently ran the Brighton marathon. This is about as much as I knew about it anyway. It is a fat soluble vitamin, and in the skin, 7-dehydrocholesterol, a derivative of cholesterol is photolysed by UV light producing previtamin D3. The biologically active form being known as calcitrol. When synthesised in the kidney's it regulates among other things, the conc of calcium and phosphate in the bloodstream thus promoting the healthy mineralisation, growth and remodelling of bone. There are several types collectively, known as calciferol. I seem to be taking vitamin D3 or cholecalciferol. Chemically, the various forms of vitamin D are secosteroids i.e. steroids in which one of the bonds in the steriod rings is broken.The structural difference between vitamin D2 and vitamin D3 is in their side chains. The side chain of D2 contains a double bond between vitamin D2 and vitamin D3 is in their side. The side chain of D2 contains a double bond between carbons 22 and 23, a methyl group on carbon 24. It is a derivative of ergosterol, a membrane sterol and is produced by some organisms of phytoplankton, invertebrates and fungi in response to uv irradiation, D2 is not produced by land plants or vertebrates.
I found the following history interesting. The photosynthesis , of vitamin D evolved over 750 million years ago and played a critical role in the maintenance of a calcified skeleton in vertebrates as they left their calcium-rich ocean enviroment for land over 350 million years ago.
Vitamin D can only be synthesised via a photochemical process so early vertebrates that ventured onto land either had to go ingest foods that contained vitamin D because melanin in the skin hinders vitamin D synthesis.
One of the most important roles of vitamin D is to maintain skeletal calcium balance by promoting calcium absorption in the intestines, promoting bone resorption by increasing the osteoclast numbers, maintaining calcium and phosphate levels for bone formation, and allowing proper functioning of parathyroid hormone to maintain serum calcium levels. Historically, vitamin D3 was used to treat tb patients but has not been adequately investigated in controlled clinical trials.
Interestingly, vitamin D3 has also shown some anti-hiv -1 effects in vitro , including the induction of autophagy. In an epidemiological study of hiv positive women in tanzania, there appeared to be a correlation between reduced levels of vitamin D and speed of hiv disease progression. It is important to note that this still needs confirmation. To get deep into the chemistry, please look at this link
http://www.chem.qmul.ac.uk/iupac/misc/D.html
I found the following history interesting. The photosynthesis , of vitamin D evolved over 750 million years ago and played a critical role in the maintenance of a calcified skeleton in vertebrates as they left their calcium-rich ocean enviroment for land over 350 million years ago.
Vitamin D can only be synthesised via a photochemical process so early vertebrates that ventured onto land either had to go ingest foods that contained vitamin D because melanin in the skin hinders vitamin D synthesis.
One of the most important roles of vitamin D is to maintain skeletal calcium balance by promoting calcium absorption in the intestines, promoting bone resorption by increasing the osteoclast numbers, maintaining calcium and phosphate levels for bone formation, and allowing proper functioning of parathyroid hormone to maintain serum calcium levels. Historically, vitamin D3 was used to treat tb patients but has not been adequately investigated in controlled clinical trials.
Interestingly, vitamin D3 has also shown some anti-hiv -1 effects in vitro , including the induction of autophagy. In an epidemiological study of hiv positive women in tanzania, there appeared to be a correlation between reduced levels of vitamin D and speed of hiv disease progression. It is important to note that this still needs confirmation. To get deep into the chemistry, please look at this link
http://www.chem.qmul.ac.uk/iupac/misc/D.html
Monday, 25 April 2011
Marathon update
I know that this isn't the right blog for this lol but I feel its worth mentioning since I mentioned it in my previous post ;)
Back home in Manchester now after my adventure in Brighton,and I did think of it as an adventure. Alot hillier than I expected but so much to do.Brighton Rocks!Gorgeous view of the sea and the pier from our hotel and I got to see a fair bit of the place on my run. Fantastic to meet Joe at last and her lovely other half and sweet daughter. We all spent a wonderful evening together. Thank you very much to Joe and Starfish for the most beautiful t-shirt ever I wore it with pride and it is rather salty now but I shall wash it gently and put it in my treasure trove. Well I did it, I completed a marathon and although it didn't go exactly according to plan I am very happy to have done this. I thoroughly enjoyed the run,the atmos was terrific as it always is at these events I was doing brilliantly, I was running well and was making good time for the first half, 13 miles. Then at mile 15 developed pain in the back of my left leg,this got progressively worse throughout both of my legs with the odd twinge of cramp. I knew what it was straight away, salt depletion and I knew I would be walking most of the rest of the way by mile 21 I couldn't run at all and my fingers had all swollen up so I went to the nearby paramedics who gave me a couple of salty drinks then I was on my way again,keeping my hands in the air as advised. I managed to run the last 50 metres over the finish line to lots of cheers. Got unexpectedly emotional because after all my training, efforts etc I had hoped to do this in 4.5 hours not the full 6.Britain has been in a heatwave this past week and I just cannot run in the sun, just as I struggle to swim in warm water.All has to be cool-ish for me. However I did it and got my medal damn it! There were some poor souls worse off than me. My fingers were normal size again by 8.30 ish after a meal. Thanks to our lovely hotel staff for putting on an early breakfast for us. Thanks to Joe and her family for coming along to meet and support me. I hope your journey home was fine and didn't take too long. Thank you to everyone who has sponsored and supported me, it really does mean alot to me and does make a difference. At mile 16 a lady with a tannoy stopped me and gave a shout out for Starfish So thats phase 1 complete, now for the more important phase 2,collecting sponsorship. So now I'm at the recovery and rebuilding of the body stage. Lots of rest, fluids and sleep.
You can visit our Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Sarah-and-Joes-Brighton-Marathon-April-2011/120777117978635
To see an example of the inititaives our fundraising helps, please visit Starfish here:
http://www.rutgerhauer.org/rutgerhauer.org/adoption/ldaproject.php
Thank you so much for sponsoring me, I look forward to hearing from you in the future. We do make a difference together. To do so please go to the page entitled ‘Sponsoring me’ http://sarahstracks.webplus.net/page25.html
Back home in Manchester now after my adventure in Brighton,and I did think of it as an adventure. Alot hillier than I expected but so much to do.Brighton Rocks!Gorgeous view of the sea and the pier from our hotel and I got to see a fair bit of the place on my run. Fantastic to meet Joe at last and her lovely other half and sweet daughter. We all spent a wonderful evening together. Thank you very much to Joe and Starfish for the most beautiful t-shirt ever I wore it with pride and it is rather salty now but I shall wash it gently and put it in my treasure trove. Well I did it, I completed a marathon and although it didn't go exactly according to plan I am very happy to have done this. I thoroughly enjoyed the run,the atmos was terrific as it always is at these events I was doing brilliantly, I was running well and was making good time for the first half, 13 miles. Then at mile 15 developed pain in the back of my left leg,this got progressively worse throughout both of my legs with the odd twinge of cramp. I knew what it was straight away, salt depletion and I knew I would be walking most of the rest of the way by mile 21 I couldn't run at all and my fingers had all swollen up so I went to the nearby paramedics who gave me a couple of salty drinks then I was on my way again,keeping my hands in the air as advised. I managed to run the last 50 metres over the finish line to lots of cheers. Got unexpectedly emotional because after all my training, efforts etc I had hoped to do this in 4.5 hours not the full 6.Britain has been in a heatwave this past week and I just cannot run in the sun, just as I struggle to swim in warm water.All has to be cool-ish for me. However I did it and got my medal damn it! There were some poor souls worse off than me. My fingers were normal size again by 8.30 ish after a meal. Thanks to our lovely hotel staff for putting on an early breakfast for us. Thanks to Joe and her family for coming along to meet and support me. I hope your journey home was fine and didn't take too long. Thank you to everyone who has sponsored and supported me, it really does mean alot to me and does make a difference. At mile 16 a lady with a tannoy stopped me and gave a shout out for Starfish So thats phase 1 complete, now for the more important phase 2,collecting sponsorship. So now I'm at the recovery and rebuilding of the body stage. Lots of rest, fluids and sleep.
You can visit our Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Sarah-and-Joes-Brighton-Marathon-April-2011/120777117978635
To see an example of the inititaives our fundraising helps, please visit Starfish here:
http://www.rutgerhauer.org/rutgerhauer.org/adoption/ldaproject.php
Thank you so much for sponsoring me, I look forward to hearing from you in the future. We do make a difference together. To do so please go to the page entitled ‘Sponsoring me’ http://sarahstracks.webplus.net/page25.html
Thursday, 10 March 2011
Wednesday, 23 February 2011
So you want to be a STEM Ambassador?
I have been a STEM Ambassador since September 2009 and it is a decision I am very pleased to have made. I love it! It is such fun and you get to meet fellow enthusiastic like minded people. I think it is also a great networking tool and a nice way to make new friends. A STEM Ambassador is essentially a science communicator and to find out more about this initiative and to sign up to become an ambassador yourself, please visit their website www.stemnet.org.uk Do you have what it takes to inspire people about STEM subjects and to dispel myths and stereotypes which people still believe? I became a STEM Ambassador because it sounded fun and exciting which it is. I thought it would present me with opportunities which it has. Let me give you an example. In January 2010 I was interviewed for a US radio station about the STEM Ambassador program and how it could be implemented across the pond. I have also met and worked with some wonderful people and I hope to work with them again. Another reason was to hone my skills at communicating science to non-scientists as I feel I need to improve in this area. What a nice way to acquire a new skill. When I first started we were told that there were 11k ambassadors in the UK and that the goal was to have 27k by 2012. The fabulous news I recieved this month is that that goal has now been surpassed already. Of course the more the merrier and this can only enhance the diversity of experience available to faciliate STEM initiatives and inspire future scientists. On a personal note last monday I attended the Didsbury Scibar as I do every month. This time the speaker was from the University of Manchester Dr Paul Walmsley talking about low temperature physics. In the not too distant future I may well be the chairperson for this event.
Thursday, 27 January 2011
International Year of Chemistry
I can't believe that it is the end of January already. I guess things have kicked off regarding chemistry at some places in the world and it can only continue, and get better! Today marks the opening ceremony for the international year of chemistry, in Paris. Here are some interesting and useful links
Tomorrow, January 27th, the opening ceremony for the International Year of Chemistry will be held in Paris, at the UNESCO HQ
http://bit.ly/dZ4MCH
To watch the Program, please click on:
http://bit.ly/dZ4MCH
To watch the Launch Ceremony live, please click on one of the following links:
Floor – mms://stream.unesco.org/live/room_1_floor.wmv
English – mms://stream.unesco.org/live/room_1_en.wmv
French – mms://stream.unesco.org/live/room_1_fr.wmv
and this is just the beginning of a very exciting year !!!
Yesterday saw the opening of a new gallery at MOSI (Museum of science and Industry) and the ribbon was cut by Manchester's very own Prof. Brian Cox. It's a pity that I only got 20 minutes notice about this on my Twitter feed lol otherwise I would've headed over there before work to meet him and ask him to sign my copy of his book. Ah well, such is life, c'est La vie. I hope there will be future chances for this to happen when the Prof is at home long enough ;) Take care all, and enjoy 2011
Tomorrow, January 27th, the opening ceremony for the International Year of Chemistry will be held in Paris, at the UNESCO HQ
http://bit.ly/dZ4MCH
To watch the Program, please click on:
http://bit.ly/dZ4MCH
To watch the Launch Ceremony live, please click on one of the following links:
Floor – mms://stream.unesco.org/live/room_1_floor.wmv
English – mms://stream.unesco.org/live/room_1_en.wmv
French – mms://stream.unesco.org/live/room_1_fr.wmv
and this is just the beginning of a very exciting year !!!
Yesterday saw the opening of a new gallery at MOSI (Museum of science and Industry) and the ribbon was cut by Manchester's very own Prof. Brian Cox. It's a pity that I only got 20 minutes notice about this on my Twitter feed lol otherwise I would've headed over there before work to meet him and ask him to sign my copy of his book. Ah well, such is life, c'est La vie. I hope there will be future chances for this to happen when the Prof is at home long enough ;) Take care all, and enjoy 2011
Monday, 27 December 2010
Merry Christmas everyone!
Merry Christmas everyone! I hope you all had a good one. It was a quiet affair for us this year remembering 2 people we've lost. As its my favourite season I made the best of it. As there was still a substantial amount of snow and the ground and it was everywhere I consider this a successful white xmas. Back home now and looking forward to the new year and New Year's Eve when we will be seeing Queen WWRY musical. I can hardly wait for that. I just want to wish you all a happy healthy and prosperous 2011. Thank you for reading. I hope you have some great plans for the day/evening and some great resolutions too. As 2011 is the International year of Chemistry I'm hoping it is going to be a good one for me professionally. Keeping me busy and hopefully presenting me with lots of great opportunities. Lots of love from Sarah xxx
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