Chemistry vs. bacteria, # 9. In the crossfire
We haven’t yet told the whole story about the sulfas in Germany during WW II. For further reading we recommend the book by John E. Lesch, already referred to: The First Miracle Drugs, How the sulfa drugs transformed medicine. In much detail, the author tells how endangered from many sides and careful, main characters of
Chemistry vs. bacteria, # 8. The success of the sulfas; with a black rim
After Prontosil, the sulfas make a breakthrough. The success really takes off in WW II, in particular in the forces of Germany and its allies. But the success has a major black rim. IG Farben is not just a major German chemical cartel and the leading organization in the rational and multidisciplinary approach to medicines
A transition that makes use of existing energy infrastructure
We need to move through the energy transition fast. Because continuous carbon dioxide emissions will result in unacceptable climate changes. That’s why we need transition paths that meet with little resistance. The Scientific American recently proposed a pathway in which we continue to make use of existing energy infrastructure. In order to prevent protracted rear-guard
Chemistry vs. bacteria, episode 7. Aspirin
According to one version of the history of Aspirin, German chemist Felix Hoffmann who works with Bayer, has it all sorted out in 1897. Felix is 29 years old. As the story goes, his father suffers from arthritis and after having been administered the new substance, he lives through his first pain-free night in many
CO2 utilization, a growth sector
In a report released last month, Lux Research looked into CO2 utilization. The company forecasts a growth in this sector to $ 70 billion by 2030 and to $ 550 billion by 2040. CO2 will be put to good use in the buildings, chemicals, materials, fuels, and food sectors. A growth sector In its report
Who are we? The microbiome revisted
In the column ‘There is no such thing as an individual’ we mentioned the influence of the microorganisms in our bodies on our development. But biologists have already gone much further along this path. Our microbiome, the living guests in our bodies, number in the millions; among them bacteria, moulds and phages (although phages cannot
on: 5 March 2021