How the Element Californium Could Change the World

By: Jessica Robertson

Californium (Cf) has not been thought to be one of the most glamorous elements of the periodic table, but that could soon be a different story thanks to a team of chemists at Florida State University. Their careful research has shown californium to have an uncanny ability to bond and separate other materials, all the while being highly resistant to any radiation damage. The lead researcher has called it “almost too good to be true,” and “wicked stuff,” after seeing the exciting qualities of the previously unimpressive element.

            The real-world application of such findings could entirely shift the scientific paradigm in the realm of nuclear chemistry. Storage containers built of californium could safely hold radioactive waste, while other californium based methods could be used to separate radioactive fuel, meaning the radioactive fuel could be recycled.

            Currently, the cost of californium is extremely high, but its promising ability to overcome the problem of nuclear waste in our world makes this research an entirely worthwhile pursuit. 

Higher Hopes for Better Water

By: Jessica Robertson

The number of techniques for assuring water quality is surprisingly high. However, without detailed testing within a laboratory, few techniques are capable of testing all the important parameters of what really constitutes quality water, but portable water quality tests give more accurate information on what the current state of the water may be.  Given the limitations of the portable tests, any particular test could pass water as drinkable when, based on incomplete information, certain pollutants could be present. This situation makes water quality a major issue for poorer communities who cannot afford laboratory analysis, or those who utilize a natural resource for their water supply.

             Using an existing technology known as UV-Vis spectrometry, which is often used in water testing, a team of researchers from North Carolina State University has created a set of algorithms that combines several testing parameters to increase the amount of and quality of information in each water test. Since UV-Vis spectrometry works by measuring the wavelength of light absorbed by the water, the technology capitalizes on its ability to collect data often, getting a reading as often as every 15 seconds, and over an extended time period. These are definite advantages over traditional water sampling, where a sample of water must be collected and analyzed in a lab setting. Typically, UV-Vis technology only measures a few key information points about water quality, but with the algorithms the researchers are using, the data is comparable to what could be done within a lab setting.

            Since the technique increases frequency of testing without eliminating accuracy, natural resource managers and those without laboratory access will be more assured that their sources are suitable for use, that treatments are appropriate, and that the population is not put at risk.  

Keep Calm and Love Monkeys

By: Kate Serrano

Approximately an hour from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia we see an interesting series of caves dedicated to Lord Murugan, the Hindu god of war and victory. The first thing that greets tourists when getting there is the tallest statue of the deity followed by a 272-step staircase that you have to climb to get to the cave’s entrance. More interestingly as you make your way through the steep steps you meet a few playful and cheeky friends; quite a handful of macaque monkeys have made this place their home.

 Some would be scared as they may jump off bags and steal food. They can also hurt you when threatened so the best advice: keep calm. Macaques are the most widespread of their kind, living in different habitats all over the planet. It is fascinating to know too that these monkeys are not only found in natural habitats like the Batu caves. They also abound in zoos, kept as pets and in research facilities. Yes, these monkeys have been a great help to science in medical and biological research.

 Apparently humans and macaques are 93% similar in DNA structure so thanks to these primates, the development of vaccines for smallpox, tuberculosis, rabies and polio are made possible. And in more recent studies, macaques have been tested for advanced AIDS research.

 It will not be surprising to know that there may be a cure to almost anything in the future! However, along with these medical advances and health benefits come research ethics and conservation issues. The question of the exposure of animals to harm and the depletion of their wild population are just some of the things brought up on the table. At this point, public support is much needed to break the barrier of pros and cons. How do we balance out care for animals and care for humans? Simple answer. Social responsibility.