Download THIS WEEK IN CHEMISTRY 19 OCTOBER - 25 OCTOBER 2014

THIS WEEK IN CHEMISTRY
19TH OCTOBER - 25TH OCTOBER 2014
TARANTULA TOXIN HELPS VISUALISE NEURON ACTIVITY
A probe combining a tarantula toxin with a fluorescent compound
allows the electrical activity within neurons and other cells to be
directly observed. These observations could allow identification of
ion channels in the body as targets for drugs.
FIRST MOLECULE WITH AN ELEMENT IN +9 OXIDATION STATE
Researchers in China successfully formed the IrO4+ molecule,
containing Iridium in the +9 oxidation state. No element has
previously been found with an oxidation state higher than +8. The
team are now working on isolating solid salts of IrO4+.
COMET HAS FAINT AROMA OF CAT URINE & ROTTEN EGGS
Rosetta data on 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko identifies a range
of molecules, including ammonia and hydrogen sulfide. Their
concentrations are currently too low for humans to detect, but
more complex molecules should be found as the comet heats up.
NEW METHOD FOR MONITORING BACTERIAL INFECTION
A chemical tracer based on the sweetener sorbitol allows realtime imaging of dangerous bacterial infections. It allows quick and
reliable detection, monitoring of response to antibiotics, and allows
distinction between bacterial and sterile inflammation in the body.
IMPROVED VISUAL TEST FOR CYANIDE IN CASSAVA
Cassava is a major crop in the tropics, but contains compounds
that can break down to produce cyanide. A new test uses a cobaltcontaining compound that changes colour from orange to violet in
the presence of cyanide - quicker & easier than existing methods.
CREATED BY COMPOUND INTEREST
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References & links to papers: http://goo.gl/6UqnNz
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