Come to find out the sweet part of the “old book smell” comes from the molecule, lignin, which is present in all wood-based paper. The structure of lignin (as shown in the image) is closely related to vanillin, the primary component of the extract of the vanilla bean. As it [...]

Electronic cigarettes have become increasingly popular among smokers and non-smokers alike. The shift from conventional to electronic cigarettes has increased due to the notion that they are a healthy alternative to traditional cigarettes with a variety of enticing flavors and nicotine concentrations. Although they provide a smokeless alternative, there are [...]

Auto-Brewery Syndrome or Gut Fermentation Syndrome is a documented syndrome whereby patients become intoxicated without ingesting alcohol. In one instance the patient’s stomach became infected by Saccharomyces cerevisiae, also known as brewer’s yeast, after taking a course of antibiotics following surgery for a broken foot. The antibiotics wiped out the [...]

Recently, the news revealed the plight of nail salon workers. Part of the concerns involves the deleterious health effects associated with the continual exposure to certain chemicals found in nail polish. In fact, a number of studies have found that cosmetologists, including manicurists, hairdressers, and makeup artists, suffer from elevated [...]

The molecule acetaminophen, the active ingredient found in Tylenol® and many other over-the-counter pain relievers, is the number one cause of liver failure in the United States. This problem is so common that emergency room doctors and health professionals have even started using the term “Tylenol liver” to refer to [...]

Junior Mints are shiny because they are covered in “confectioner’s glaze.” This doesn’t sound that bad until you realize that confectioner’s glaze is actually shellac, a resin secreted by the female Lac insect (Kerria lacca). Shellac is also called Glaze, Pure Food Glaze, Natural Glaze, Beetle Juice, or Lac-Resin. In [...]

You should be because early in March the controversial powdered alcohol product called Palcohol received approval from The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB). As part of the U.S. Treasury Department, the TTB has the authority to review the formulation and labeling of distilled spirits products. The Palcohol [...]