In MAKE Volume 14, Michael Zbyszynski showed us how to really geek out in the kitchen by introducing us to molecular gastronomy, a movement happening in the culinary world. As he describes it, “Essentially, it involves applying scientific techniques and methodologies to the cooking process. One of the more interesting techniques is the use of […]
During my six-odd years as a graduate organic chemist, probably the cheapest, most powerful, and most commonly used analytical laboratory technique in my bag of tricks was thin-layer chromatography. Explaining chromatography theory is a big job, but the idea boils down pretty well to this: chromatography is the art of taking a complex mixture with […]
From National Geographic: Ancient people in what is now South Africa whipped up a glue of powdered red ochre and acacia-tree gum to keep their tools (above, a replicated tool with adhesive made by scientists) intact, a May 2009 study says. Stone Age Superglue Found — Hints at Unknown Smarts?
I thought this chemistry video by Jen K was really interesting. You may not be able to perform this particular experiment at home since you need access to an Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. However, the video does give an interesting look at how they perform this experiment in the lab. Mercury is detected in light bulbs […]
As a little kid, maybe five or six, one of my first remembered moments of heightened mechanical curiosity was over a Dippy Bird that somebody gave us. I have this very vivid memory of being utterly fascinated by it and wondering how it worked. The answer has been decades in coming. Here, MAKE Contributing Editor […]
Over at Boing Boing TV, Xeni has posted an awesome video of Theo Gray using prosciutto ham to cut through steel. For the vegans in the audience, he also works wonders with a cuke and some breadsticks. BB Video: The Flaming Bacon Lance of Death, from Theo Gray’s book “Mad Science” More: Make: Talk #005 […]
Image from NOVA on PBS Looking for some great resources for your classroom? You may want to check out some of the fantastic tools provided by NOVA on PBS. You can check out their offerings by subject also. They have a weekly feature, which right now is showing Car of the Future. Activity Summary Student […]
