Category Archives: Science in the News

Hyaluronic Acid – The New Skincare Regime

Hyaluronic Acid, a viscoelastic and highly hydrated macromolecule, is being praised by researchers of the University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia) for its wide range of applications towards tissue healing and regeneration.

Not just by doctors and dermatologists, HA products become recognized and favoured by users all over the world nowadays.

In the science community, Hyaluronic acid(HA) has been around for quite a while. However, it only recently gain general public’s attention through extraordinary performance in the beauty industry.

Trended since 2021, the period when skincare users had lots of time to do our own research. Because of quarantine, a lot of us discovered our skin type, hence what was right for our skin. And us beauty gurus comes to love HA for its affordability, great benefits, importantly, its suitability toward dry, oily, and even sensitive skin.

What is Hyaluronic acid?

HA is commonly present in our household in the form of beauty products, eyedrops, topical medications, and more.

HA is a glycosaminoglycan that is nonsulfated and non-protein, which can be found in our skin, eyes, joints… Specifically, one HA molecule contains 2 unit of sugars, glucuronic acid and N-acetyl-glucosamine, connecting to another HA molecule creating a polymer.

HA serum from The Ordinary (Toronto-based) receives more than 32,000 reviews on Google, winning media attention for its low price, basic ingredients, and outstanding hydrating effect. Credit: DECIEM.

Why HA?

The nice thing about HA is its viscosity and elasticity, these two properties make HA a great lubricant, also, give it the ability to retain moisture and water.

In our daily life, HA’s moisture retention proves to be beneficial. One can build his or her skincare regime based on Hyaluronic Acid, from facial cleanser, exfoliator, to acne treatment such as toner (AHA/BHA), moisturizer and serum. The benefits of HA are unlimited, from skincare to hair products like shampoo and hair serum, supplements, and more.

In the medical field, HA is widely recommended by doctors and dermatologists for its great ability to heal tissues and regenerate new skin. According to scientists, HA is a highly promising material to explore the process of tissue engineering such as cardiac and cartilage repair.

Gone In a Bang: The Reality Behind Super Creatine

Bang Energy has become a well-known and publically recognized brand in the fitness industry. However, they have come under scrutiny after mismarketing some of their products.

Bang Energy Logo

Introduced in 2012, the branded Super-Creatine supplement found in many of their beverages has been shown to be ineffective and resulted in legal action from competing brand Monster Energy.

Many Fitness enthusiasts supplement their diet with creatine, most commonly in the form of creatine monohydrate, an amino acid that promotes energy production in muscle cells during high-intensity exercise.

Lasha Talakhadze breaks world record Clean and Jerk at Rio Olympics 473kg

Supplementation of creatine increases the body’s natural concentration of the amino acid, leading to higher levels of available ATP (stored energy molecule) in muscle cells during exercise. Creatine monohydrate remains one of the most well-researched fitness supplements in the world to this day.

In 2012, Bang released their popular Bang energy drink, aimed at gym goers with a new supplement in the mix; Super-Creatine. Super-Creatine, or creatyl-l-leucine, was a new revolution in creatine supplementation due to its binding with l-leucine, increasing its ability to pass through protein channels. However, a new study shows this is not the case.

A study performed at the University of Manitoba on differences in the effects of creatine monohydrate and creatyl-l-leucine supplementation suggests that the l-leucine bonded creatine is rendered useless, not more effective, than regular creatine.

Creatine Monohydrate Chemical Structure

The researchers found that creatine levels in muscle and brain cells increased slightly with creatine monohydrate supplementation from the control. However, creatyl-l-luecine showed no effect on creatine levels in the body, suggesting that super-creatine is anything but super.

This study performed under funding from Monster Energy was released in early 2022, which has led to lawsuits from the competing company regarding the misinformation in Bang’s products. In September 2022, Monster energy won 293 million dollars in their case against bang for the false advertising of Super Creatine. While Bang Energy stated they would remove the super creatine labeling from their packaging, it is still found in bold letters at the top of their cans.

-Tristan Ruigrok

The Gore-Tex enigma

Gore-Tex is a highly versatile material that has garnered a lot of publicity in recent years.

Gore-Tex Logo. Credit: https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:GoreTex&action=edit&redlink=1

First invented in 1968 by Wilbert and Robert Gore, it is made of polytetrafluoroethylene, more commonly known as Teflon. Not the hard stuff though. It’s basically Teflon that has been stretched… a lot.

It is a magical material in many respects. Water simply glides off it, leaving it bone dry. Being also very breathable and light, it is no surprise that it is the ideal material for water resistant clothing.

With the likes of Adidas and Nike incorporating it into their outdoor wear products, its widespread use and popularity has called into question the manufacturing process and its environmental impacts.

Teflon is a very durable material that does not degrade and lasts for a long, long time. This is a good thing right? Well, yes… But what happens when that fifteen year old jacket you own is discarded or lost, and finds itself buried in the dirt outside an abandoned parking lot?

It persists. And doesn’t degrade. For centuries.

PFC’s or perfluorinated compounds are those that contain only carbon and fluorine atoms. Teflon is derived primarily from such compounds.

Chemical structure of Teflon: repeating units of carbon and fluorine atoms. Credit: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Alhadis

The problem with PFC’s is that they tend to accumulate within our bodies and the environment. They are difficult to break down as they are quite unreactive.

A class action lawsuit at a DuPont Teflon plant found a very strong association between working with PFC’s and two types of cancer. Since then, numerous other studies have found a strong correlation between exposure to certain PFC’s and negative health outcomes.

To be clear, it isn’t the wearing of Gore-Tex products that is concerning. Also, not all PFC’s are harmful. However, the manufacturing process dispels many harmful PFC’s into the environment.

Gore-Tex jackets are also near impossible to recycle. They are made in complex ways, and the design process involves multiple layers, glues, and components.

Gore-Tex must not be completely written off though. Gore and company have assured investors and the public that they are phasing out the use of many harmful PFC’s in their manufacturing process. However, the effects of this are yet to be seen.

There are also other, more intriguing applications of this remarkable material.

What is not talked about nearly enough is the role of Gore-Tex in medicine. It has shown to be ideal for usage within our bodies.

Being both porous and unreactive, it enables the body’s cells and tissues to grow through it without any side effects. This makes it a viable material to be used in sutures, grafts and other applications.

Like most technologies, Gore-Tex is exceedingly complicated in many ways. Its strengths in one regard, prove to be its downfall in another. It seems the jury is still out on this one

– Salik Rushdy

Nanodiamonds: A Breakthrough in Medicine and Cosmetics

Consider a diamond so small that it is measured in nanometers, but so powerful that it has the potential to change the way scientists approach cancer treatment and skincare.

Meet nanodiamonds, the tiny stones that are making waves in the fields of medicine and cosmetics worldwide.

Illustration of nanodiamonds source

Basic structure of nanodiamonds with surface functional groups source

Nanodiamonds are overturning traditional cancer treatment methods.

Chemotherapy treatments, while effective, can have serious side effects. According to scientists, nanodiamonds provide new hope because they can selectively induce apoptosis, or cell death, in target cancer cells while causing no harm to healthy cells.

This makes them a game changer in the fight against cancer.

But that isn’t all.

Oxidative stress results from an imbalance between the activity of oxygen-containing free radicals and antioxidants in the cells and tissues of your body, leading to increased oxidation reactions. If there are more free radicals than antioxidants, the former can cause damage to fatty tissue, DNA, and proteins due to the lack of sufficient neutralizing agents.

Because of their ability to reduce this phenomenon, nanodiamonds can efficiently treat cardiovascular disease and inflammation. This makes them a potential force in the development of new therapies for chronic diseases.

Teradia TD Repair Serum Emulsion (serum composed of nanodiamonds) source

Nanodiamonds are used in a variety of cosmetic products, ranging from skincare creams to hair products and makeup.

They can improve skin texture and appearance, as well as reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and increase skin hydration and elasticity.

This makes them an essential component of any anti-aging skincare routine.

For those who suffer from acne, nanodiamonds have antimicrobial properties that make them a popular ingredient in acne-fighting skincare products. They can effectively kill the bacteria that cause acne, reducing inflammation and aiding in skin clearing.

Nanodiamonds are small, but they pack a powerful punch. While more research is needed to fully understand the therapeutic and cosmetic benefits of these tiny diamonds, it is clear that they have the potential to change medicine and beauty forever.

Prepare to shine with nanodiamonds!

~ Vivian Hou

Will mRNA-Based Therapeutics be the Future of Medicine?

Current mRNA researchers have their sights set on treating cancer, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, HIV, and many other diseases. Will mRNA therapeutics amount to more than their viral protection against Covid-19?

Messenger RNA or mRNA strand 3D rendering illustration with copy space. Genetics, science, medical research, genome replication concepts.

Digital representation of mRNA structure. Source

The covid-19 pandemic led to the first mass production of mRNA vaccines. Under the urgency of the global pandemic scientists worked collaboratively and tirelessly to quickly produce this vaccine.

The global success of the vaccine has brought great attention to developing mRNA therapeutics. These therapeutics are being studied to treat cancer, sickle cell anemia, cystic fibrosis, heart failure, and even food allergies.

So, when will this all be available?

Unfortunately, there are still some kinks to work out.

Currently small molecules make up 90% of pharmaceutical drugs. These organic compounds have dominated the medical world as they can enter cells and, in many variations, act precisely on cellular targets responsible for disease.

People with cystic fibrosis (CF) currently rely on small molecule drugs. The drug Trikafta was approved for use by health Canada in 2022 and has significantly improved lives of CF patients who

CF is caused by the loss of function in the CFTR protein. Trikafta works to help return the CFTR to normal function.

mRNA therapy for CF would work differently. mRNA could give the patient the genetic information to produce the fully functional protein in their cells.

Chemical laboratory research. Vaccine discovery concept. Scientists with flasks, microscope and computer working on antiviral treatment development. Vector illustration in flat cartoon style

Scientists! source

Despite carrying DNA which codes for the dysfunctional CFTR protein a cell could produce the functional protein and reverse the disease.

As great as that sounds, it will be sometime for mRNA therapeutics to overtake the use of organic drugs for cystic fibrosis. As of now most clinical trials are still struggling to see mRNA meet full potential.

For now, small molecule drugs hold their place as the number one drug type.

Researchers are working tirelessly to prove promise of revolutionary therapeutics for the significant human diseases is not just a pipe dream.

It is safe to say these new therapeutics mRNA are worth keeping an eye on.

A green future for ammonia

Chemists from the University of California, Berkley (UCB) have designed a new material that could reduce the energy requirements of the Haber-Bosch process. The group hopes their research, published January 11th 2023, will conserve energy and lead to a “greener” future for ammonia and fertilizer production.

Current infrastructure needed to maintain the pressure and temperature required for the Haber-Bosch process source

The Haber-Bosch process has been the main method for producing ammonia since its invention over 100 years ago. It is widely considered one of the most important scientific discoveries of the 20^th century. Yet, despite its important role producing ammonia for agricultural fertilizer, its industrial synthesis continues to be energy inefficient.

High temperatures and pressures are needed to produce ammonia which must then be extracted to be used. Conventionally, the reaction mixture is cooled from 500℃ to -20℃. This condenses the synthesized ammonia and separates it from the remaining chemicals. However, cooling the mixture while maintaining the pressure of 300 atmospheres accounts for a large proportion of the processes’ energy loss.

Benjamin Snyder, who leads the UCB research group, said it was this extraction step that his team sought to improve by “finding a material where you can capture and then release very large quantities of ammonia, ideally with a minimal input of energy”.

These requirements led the research group to create a metal-organic framework (MOF) material. The MOF had a crystal structure made from copper atoms linked to cyclohexane dicarboxylate molecules. The crystalline structure gave the material unique properties suited for its use in ammonia extraction.

Structure of the cyclohexane dicarboxylate molecule used to make the MOF source

When exposed to ammonia the material changes its structure from a rigid crystal to a loosely packed and porous polymer. The polymer form can readily store a large amount of ammonia within it which can then be released with cooling. The result is that ammonia can be extracted 195℃ above the temperature required by current methods and at half the pressure.

Not only would the MOF save energy in the extraction process but, interestingly, after releasing the ammonia “the polymer somehow weaves itself back into a three-dimensional framework” says Snyder. This mechanism, which is still being studied, allows the MOF to be used repeatably.

With the Haber-Bosch process using 1% of the world’s energy, the research done by Snyder and his group is an important step in producing a greener future for ammonia.

Blue Light – A Propagated Myth

Unsplash Photo by Ales Nesetril (Editorial, Technology)

Blue light from electronic devices does not damage the eyes, but it may damage your sleep.

The lie propagated is unfounded in science and was debunked. Those spreading it are misinformed and scientifically uneducated.

Light sources such as incandescence (light bulbs) and LEDs emit a broad spectrum of light, namely 380 to 700 nanometers (nm). Blue light is in the 400 – 450 nm range, carrying more energy compared to red light, which raises concern.

Our retinas regularly absorb blue light emitted by the sun, and for over 300,000 years has been the case and proven not to be damaging – otherwise, we would be blind.

In addition, device intensities are much less than the sun and are regulated by manufacturers using light filters.

According to Dr. Ramsey, a Havard Health Publishing Contributor, and Director of Ophthalmic Research at Lahey Massachusets Hospital, “many retail stores have ambient illumination twice as great…as your iPhone. [Yet] the sun yields illumination ten times greater!”

He also adds that using devices late at night mimics sunlight, restraining the production of melatonin, a sleep-inducing hormone. This stimulates your circadian clock (your body’s 24 hr sleep clock), tending to delay your sleep cycles, disrupting your sleep, and increasing drowsiness the following morning.

By stopping using electronic devices 30 minutes before bed, you can increase REM (deep-stage sleep), reduce morning drowsiness, and maintain a consistent circadian rhythm, which in itself has its own benefits.

In short, do your own research before propagating a supposed “scientific claim,” and reduce your screen time before bed.

~ Octavian Turner

A Breakthrough in Nuclear Fusion

On December 5th 2022, scientists at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) in the United States successfully created the reaction that powers the sun – nuclear fusion ignition – for the first time in human history.

Announced by the US Department of Energy on December 13th, this “historic, first-of-its-kind” achievement has excited the scientific community because of its potential as a clean energy source.

Inside the LLNL’s National Ignition Facility, where the experiment took place. Credit: LLNL

To achieve fusion ignition, the scientists had constructed “the world’s most energetic laser”, consisting of 192 laser beams, and aimed it at a small canister containing the compounds deuterium and tritium. They were able to generate 3.15 megajoules of energy from an input of 2.05 megajoules, a markup of 54%.

This result – more than 60 years after researchers first began to study fusion – proved that controlled nuclear fusion that produces more energy than it consumes is possible.

Depiction of fusion: deuterium(D) and tritium(T) fuse to form the larger Helium(He) and release energy. Credit: US Department of Energy

Nuclear fusion – the process that allows the Sun to emit vast amounts of energy in the form of light and heat – involves the joining of two atoms of a lighter element to form a heavier one, and in the process releases a lot of energy. Compared to nuclear fission, which is how nuclear power plants generate energy, fusion is much more powerful and also much cleaner as it does not produce radioactive materials as a byproduct.

For these reasons many believe that nuclear fusion is a promising avenue for sustainable and eco-friendly energy in the future.

However, there is still a long way to go until fusion could be viable for commercial use. When asked to comment on the time needed, Kim Budil, the director of the LLNL, stated that “It’s probably two or three decades. Scaling from where we are today to what you would require for a power-generating plant is a pretty significant challenge.”

Director Kim Budil announcing the achievement of fusion ignition in December 2022. Credit: Mary Calvert/REUTERS

Moving forward, the over 8,000 engineers, physicists, and chemists at the LLNL and researchers worldwide will have to find ways to conduct fusion ignition more quickly and cheaply, while also generating much more power. According to Budil, “What we need now is a scientific and investment strategy that allows us to make progress on all of these fronts simultaneously… [because] we need gain of a few hundred to make an energy system.”

Despite the many challenges ahead, Tim Luce, one of the leaders of the international fusion research project ITER, remains hopeful. “A result like this will bring increased interest in the progress of all types of fusion, so it should have a positive impact on fusion research in general,” he states.

~ Rebecca Yang

Hyaluronic Acid – The new skincare regime

Hyaluronic acid(HA) has been around in the science community for quite a while, however, only recently gain recognition from the general public through its extraordinary performance in the beauty industry. Hyaluronic acid became trending in 2021, in the period where, because of Covid, skincare users have lots of time do our own research, thus learn about our skin type and what is right for our skin. Us beauty gurus comes to love HA for its affordability, great benefits, importantly, its suitability toward dry, oily, and even sensitive skin.

What is Hyaluronic acid (HA)? Commonly present in our household in the form of beauty products, eyedrops, topical medications, and more. HA is a glycosaminoglycan that is nonsulfated and non-protein, which can be found in our skin, eyes, joints… (1) Specifically, one HA molecule contains 2 unit of sugars, glucuronic acid and N-acetyl-glucosamine, connecting to another HA molecule creating a polymer. (3)

The nice thing about HA is its viscosity and elasticity, these two properties make HA a great lubricant, also, give it the ability to retain moisture and water. (2) In our daily life, HA’s moisture retention proves to be beneficial. Products such as moisturizers, skin/hair serum, toner (AHA/BHA), exfoliator, shampoo,… are various forms of hydrating treatments. In the medical field, HA is widely recommended by doctors and dermatologist for its great ability to heal tissues and regenerate new skin.

Carcinogen Detected in Dry Shampoo Products

Consumers and retail workers hurried to remove dry shampoo brands, such as Dove, Bed Head, and TRESemmé, from their shelves due to the detection of carcinogenic benzene.

The recall, announced by Unilever on October 18, 2022, applies to more than 1.5 million products sold from January 2020 to October 2022.

Aerosol products could be contaminating your air (Source: Robert Howie on flickr)

Benzene is a known human carcinogen, increasing the risk of leukemia and blood cancer in bone marrow.

Volcanoes and forest fires naturally introduce the compound into the environment, and we inhale low doses daily from human-related activities. The American Cancer Society recommends steering clear of second-hand smoke and car exhaust to decrease exposure.

Within weeks of the recall announcement, Valisure, an independent laboratory, submitted a Citizen Petition on Benzene in Dry Shampoo Products to the Food and Drug Administration.

Benzene structure (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

The study sampled air contaminated with dry shampoo products, and 11 samples exhibited benzene levels ten times the FDA limit of 2 parts per million. The persistent high concentration of benzene after product use indicates possible short- and long-term effects.

Unilever’s independent study assured customers that the amount of benzene in the products was “not expected to cause adverse health consequences”. In contrast, Health Canada received calls describing incidents or injuries related to dry shampoo products. Typically, customer injuries were irritations or allergic reactions.

In December of 2021, Proctor & Gamble removed Pantene, Aussie and Herbal Essence dry shampoo and conditioner sprays from stores. On July 14, 2021, Johnson & Johnson recalled five Aveeno and Neutrogena spray sunscreens.

Valisure submitted multiple other Citizen Petitions regarding benzene contamination in consumer products, including body sprays, hand sanitizers, anti-fungal sprays and antiperspirants.

Obviously, benzene in aerosol products is no longer an uncommon occurrence.

Consumers should opt for powders and lotions as often as possible…or risk another recall.

Julia Sawitsky