Science is a subject that influences every area of a person’s life, without them knowing it – after all, science is the understanding of the world around us, spanning every conceivable area of study across Physics, Biology, and Chemistry, meaning it fundamentally shapes our reality, our lived experience, and the dynamics of the society that we live in.
Scientists, and others that work in research and laboratories, dedicate their time and resources to working at the frontiers of human knowledge, conducting observations, analyses, and experiments.
These efforts to build on the understanding previous generations of scientists have accruedfor hundreds, if not thousands of years, are constantly in motion, with the technology now available to scientists in the modern age providing a boost to progress that is essentially exponential.
As mentioned previously, there are three areas of scientific study many people were familiarized with in their school studies. While the reality is that all are crucially important to human progress, this article will be focused on the way chemistry is pushing boundaries of understanding in the modern day.
Tackling the Climate Crisis
While society continues to battle with a whole host of problems, including the cost of living, freedom of expression,and the unequal distribution of wealth, the biggest existential threat that everyone continues to face is the climate crisis. With a runaway greenhouse effect firmly underway due to industrialization processes, chemistry offers essential insights into how the tide can be reversed.
Particularly in agriculture, chemical reactions are a vital part of producing fertilizers that serve to feed the world, but unfortunately produce large amounts of harmful greenhouse gases.
One example of this is with humic matter, which is a fertilizing agent that comes from organic compounds breaking down, producing Methane and CO2 in the process. Artificial humic matter is more efficient and sustainable.
Ammonia is another important substance with harmful side effects, this time in manufacturing. Research is underway to produce synthetic Ammonia without the consequences involved.
Boosting Industry and Manufacturing
Understanding chemical bonds and the effects of different particle sizes on the products that manufacturers produce is critical in ensuring that quality standards are kept high.
X-ray Diffractometers like those produced by Malvern Panalytical allow for effortlessly precise measurements regarding particle size in areas such as cosmetics, where particle size differences in the realms of nanometers can produce drastically different effects in the end experience of the user.
Enhancing Human Health
Chemistry and understanding molecular structure plays a huge role in medicine and human health, helping us to create ever-more effective treatments and substances that can improve quality of life, as well as better prevent illness in the first place.
One example of this, especially relevant in pandemic times, is the work being done in the field of RNA and DNA. mRNA technology helped scientists to efficiently produce effective vaccines when they were needed most.
This field continues to work on more innovative methods to tackle cancer, diabetes, and other illnesses.
