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From catnip to bug spray

Researchers from Iwate University in Japan have published a new paper that explains one aspect of the intriguing response cats have to catnip. The paper, published on June 14th 2022, shows that chewing catnip leaves maximize the release of organic compounds and repels insects. Tamako Miyazaki, who led the research, hopes that the work will pave the way for development of new insect repellants.

A photo of a domesticated cat eliciting a behavioral response to catnip. Source

Catnip is a non-toxic plant in the mint family and it has been long known to elicit several responses in cats. And, it’s not just domesticated cats that are affected, catnip induced behavior has been seen across the feline family including leopards, cougars, tigers, and lions.

Figure 1: Effect of leaf damage on the airborne emission of nepetalactone. Data adapted from Miyazaki et al.

The behavioral response which includes rolling, licking and chewing is seen in two thirds of all felines. The prevalence of these responses led Miyazaki and his team to believe there was a biological importance of the behavior.

Miyazaki and his group have previously identified nepetalactone as the compound responsible for triggering the behaviors.

Nepetalactone is a iridoid compound that is present in high concentration in several plant species including catnip. The group’s previous work, published in 2014, showed that nepetalactone had a strong insect repellant effect. The behavioral response of rolling resulted in the transfer of nepetalactone to the cats fur and provided protection from insect bites.

Following on from this study the team turned there attention to why cats are often seen chewing catnip. Considering that this behavior was also linked to insect repellence the team began by measuring the airborne emission of Nepetalactone from intact and manually damaged leaves. The manual damage was intended to simulate the effects that chewing had on the leaves.

The results, shown in figure 1, was a 20 fold increase in nepetalactone emission in the manually damaged group. When tested on mosquitos, the damaged leaves showed a much greater repellant effect than intact ones. The research group also found that leaf damage affected the cat’s response duration. On average, the studied cats responded to damaged leaves 6 minutes longer than were presented with intact leaves.

The researchers propose that chewing the catnip leaves is an important evolved response that maximizes the amount of airborne nepetalactone. When combined with rolling, the behavior maximizes the protective qualities of catnip and offers a significant benefit to cats.

The paper concludes that there maybe something to be learnt from catnip. Specifically, further studying into the structure and synthesis of nepetalactone may lead to new kinds of insect repellents. While more studies are needed to assess the effectiveness of such a use one thing for sure is that it would have the seal of approval from cats.

 

 

Why does everyone I know vape? Nicotine is why.

 Thousands of Canadians are becoming addicted to nicotine. There has recently been an increase in the popularity of nicotine products such as vapes, cigarettes, and nicotine pouches among young Canadians. 

Figure 1. Vape pen and Cigarette Source:Wikimedia

Many teens turn to vaping or nicotine pouches believing they are safer to consume than tobacco products but the truth is that they are all harmful. The nicotine in these tobacco-free products is extracted from tobacco giving it its addictive quality. Nicotine is an extremely addictive, fast-acting psychoactive chemical. It stimulates the release of adrenaline and dopamine. While nicotine is not generally the root cause of illness or death, its presence in all smoking products is what gets people addicted. The general public is becoming addicted to nicotine products at an alarming rate.

 

Figure 2. Chemical structure of Nicotine Source: Wikimedia

The rise in nicotine addiction in adolescents can be linked to the rise of vape usage. The Canadian Tobacco and Nicotine survey of 2021 concluded that almost half of all adults aged 20-24 reported using vape products at least once. Similarly, they found that 29% of youth aged 15 to 19 years of age had tried vape products. 

Figure 3. Vaping statistics among youth in Canada

 Nicotine has been proven to be especially harmful to developing adults. Since the brain has not fully developed until at least 25 years of age, any nicotine usage in adolescence can cause irreversible damage to it. In adolescents, nicotine particularly affects the prefrontal cortex which is the area of the brain that is responsible for executive functions and attention performance.  Nicotine has both short and long-term effects on the brain such as developing mood disorders and permanently lowering impulse control. 

This is a problem that must be addressed. Keeping Canadians away from nicotine is vital to their well-being.

-Oscar Caridad

Are mRNA Therapeutics the Future of Medicine?

Current mRNA researchers around the world are 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. Scientists worked collaboratively and tirelessly to quickly produce this vaccine under the urgency of a global pandemic.

The global success of this vaccine brought great attention to other 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 these therapies be ready?

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 diffuse into cells and bind precisely to 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 by 2030 is projected to decrease the number of CF-related deaths by 15%.

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

mRNA therapy for CF would work differently. mRNA could provide the genetic information to produce the fully functional protein.

Those with CF would still carry DNA which codes for the dysfunctional CFTR protein. But, in the cell cytoplasm delivered mRNA 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 CF. As of now most clinical trials are still struggling to see mRNA live up to it’s full potential.

The main issue with mRNA therapeutics is targeting the diseased cells. mRNA is delivered in lipid nanoparticles (LNPS).

mRNA at cell surface in a LNP. source

 

Altering these LNPs to be specifically taken up by diseased cells has proved to be a great challenge to be overcome by mRNA scientists.

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

Globally researchers are working tirelessly to prove that the promised revolutionary therapeutics are not just a pipe dream.

Medicine is a dynamic field and new therapeutics like mRNA are worth looking out for!

Enzymes – A Solution in the War Against Plastics

It should not be a surprise to people that it can take over 500 years for UV radiation – light from the sun to break down a piece of plastic. But what if there is a faster way to break down single-use plastics?

Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley invented a new way to decompose consumer plastics in a short amount of time, simply with heat, water, and nano-dispersed enzymes.

Plastic waste covering the shoreline. Source

UC Berkeley professor Dr. Ting Xu and her research group  developed a nanoscale enzyme that can eat away at the polymers in plastics. These nanoscale polymer-eating enzymes can be embedded into plastics during manufacturing. The enzymes were wrapped around plastic resin beads. These beads are melted and can be manufactured into single use consumer plastics. To prevent the enzymes from activating when not required, a random heteropolymer (RHP) coating is applied to hold enzymes without restricting the flexibility of tensicity of the plastics.

Xu likened this process to organic composting. By adding water and heat, the RHP polymers is removed and starts eating away the polymers into smaller subunits.

The research conducted by Xu and her group found that the enzymes took about a week to degrade most of the plastics. Polylactic acid (PLA) and polycaprolactone (PCL) based plastics embedded with nanoscale polymer eating enzymes are able to break down the polymer chains into smaller molecules, such as lactic acid.

Plastic cups made from biodegradable plastics. Source

It is clear there is still more research needed in this field. Currently, Xu is developing other modified RHP-wrapped enzymes that can stop the degradation process at specific points in it’s degradation so that the polymers can be recycled into new plastics.

“[Humans] are taking things from the Earth at a faster rate than we return them,” said Xu. “Don’t go back to Earth to mine for these materials, but mine whatever you have, and then convert it to something else.”

As consumers, we can play an important role reducing our consumption on single use plastics and create a more sustainable environment for ourselves and future generations.

 

Raymond Tang

SOY SAUCE IN SKIN CARE: THE RISE OF KOJIC ACID

Soy sauce, sake, and skincare all have one thing in common — Kojic Acid. 

Kojic acid, a by-product of soy sauce and sake production, is currently a debated skincare ingredient due to potential contact dermatitis, an uncomfortable rash, when used on sensitive skin.

Chemists at the University of Pretoria in South Africa are studying the benefits of kojic acid in skincare. Their research has shown recent developments in kojic acid’s effectiveness and safety. 

Due to various beauty influencers on platforms like Tiktok, Instagram, and Youtube celebrating kojic acid as a miracle whitening product, it is important to understand the true abilities and downfalls of this ingredient. 

Hyperpigmentation can be treated through the use of kojic acid (Credit: Büşranur Aydın, Pexels)

This ingredient is highly sought after due to its skin-whitening properties. Particularly, the acid is being used to spot treat facial hyperpigmentation from sun spots and acne scars. 

Kojic acid’s skin whitening features are derived from its ability to inhibit tyrosinase, the enzyme needed to produce the skin pigment melanin. While kojic acid should not be used to lighten overall skin complexion, its “mild antioxidant, antimicrobial, and exfoliating properties,” according to Board-Certified Dermatologist Dr. Jennifer MacGregor, makes it suitable for small-scale skin lightening. 

Chemical structure of Kojic Acid (Credit: Fuzzform, Wikimedia Commons)

Despite its generally mild properties, kojic acid should still be used with caution. Prolonged use may increase sensitivity to sun exposure and dermatitis for those with sensitive skin. Discoveries from the mentioned study suggest against using kojic acid at concentrations that exceed 1%. At this concentration, there is a greater risk for contact dermatitis. 

Popular skincare brands are saturating the market with kojic acid. The compound can be combined with other well-known ingredients, such as vitamin C, glycolic acid, niacinamide, and hydroquinone. 

Depending on the additional ingredients, kojic acid can be diluted to be tolerable for sensitive skin or compounded to accelerate whitening abilities. 

Kojic acid can currently be found in various forms to suit consumer preferences. Currently, the most sought-after forms of kojic acid are SkinCeuticals’ Discoloration Defense serum, Koji White’s Kojic Acid Skin Brightening Soap, and Versed Skin’s Weekend Glow Daily Brightening Facial Toner. 

As more research is done to understand the properties of kojic acid, beauty and skincare communities are likely to see a rise in the acid’s popularity. Consumers must continue to be vigilant to ensure they are using safe concentrations for their skin conditions.

-Carissa Chua

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

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

Introduction

What is a blog? Why does CHEM300 involve blogging?

These are two of the questions you might be wondering early on in CHEM300. A blog is basically the modern equivalent of a newspaper article, though often written by an amateur rather than a professional writer/journalist, and always found online (blog is short for web-log). Around the time the CHEM300 course was developing, blogs were a hot thing.

Nowadays we don’t pay so much attention to the form of the writing because the existence of blogs has become normal to us. Nonetheless, blogging serves an important role for CHEM300. It gets you writing. It does that on a flexible and easy-to-use platform, and because your work is fairly short, it does so in a low-stakes kind of way. It gives your instructor and TA opportunities to give you feedback on your writing; feedback you should aim to incorporate for your later assignments, blogging or otherwise.

Explore the info/links in the header above the CoMmUNiCaTe or CHemIStRY logo to get started!

-Robin