The Column-02-04-2011

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Studying morning breath

The Column

To gain deeper insight into morning breath, researchers developed a procedure to collect breath samples at home.

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Reanalysing Viking results

The Column

In 1976 the Viking landers took samples of the soil on Mars and analysed it for organic compounds. Traces were dismissed as contamination, however a reinterpretation of the results suggests significant levels were present, hidden by the strong oxidation effect of salt in the Martian soil.

Gnats off!

The Column

For years master gardeners have claimed that putting Bounce brand dryer sheets in their pockets repels pests, but no quantitative data had been obtained to substantiate these claims.

The Column

A discovery during the investigation of subcritical water chromatography has led to a novel method that could provide a green and cheap addition to the analytical chemist?s toolbox.