The Elusive Glassblower Politics of the Lecture Theatre Behind the Scenes Insights the Chemistry of Brewing

The University of Sheffield’s Chemistry News Team Issue 2 : October 2014

The elusive Glassblower Politics of the lecture theatre Behind the scenes insights The chemistry of brewing

Resonance, October 2014 1 October 2014

Resonance is a biannual newsletter produced by chemistry students at the University NEWS FEATURES of Sheffield. It aims to provide insights into unheard stories from the Department and University, and to engage you with issues in the wider scientific world.

LOCAL FOCUS INSIGHT Team members and contributing authors: Heather Carson, Michaela Fitzpatrick-Milton, Maya Singer Hobbs, Cate O’Brien, Friederike Dannheim, Gobika Chandrakumar Environmental success for The Department’s elusive chemistry technicians glassblower brought into Design: Editor-in-Cheif: Secretary: Kieran Chadwick Alex Stockham Jenna Spencer-Briggs light A graduate’s success in the Copy edited and reviewed by: House of Commons Cate, Jenna, Rike, Michaela, Dr Simon Jones & Prof. Mike Ward ACCOUNT Prof. Armes flying high A take on the undertones of Department bestowed with lecture theatre politics Athena SWAN Bronze A Note From the Editor INSIGHT Sterotype-challenging elcome, one and all, to this second issue of Resonance. Hello also video production by Dr Grant Hill reveals the to the Department’s newcomers; students from around the world, W SciCommSoc chemical complexities academics, support staff, and especially the first students from Nanjing. The year is 2014, the location is Sheffield. What a beautiful place to be. behind our favourite tipple This edition is fresh off the press, bigger and bolder than before. In it we present news from far and near, and stories from within the Department. GLOBAL FEATURES REVIEW Read further and you’ll find our features: the elusive glassblower; the chemistry of brewing; a take on the politics of lectures; and a review of Nurturing the atmosphere chemical Apps. Four close-to-home Apps with catalytic poetry tested and reviewed by Rike This edition will be my last as its Editor. I started this project just under two years ago, with no experience of writing or media production. All Finding the enigmatic it took was a leap of faith, some hard work, and a team of dedicated Element 117 INTERVIEW students. I hope the foundations have been laid for the future of Resonance; to sustain all it needs are new contributors - of ideas, articles, Geochemists find evidence A close encounter with and co-operation. for the ‘Big Smash’ Dr Ed Warminski Other than these - Thank you for reading, and writing, and smiling - my final words now follow. Engage with matter in its context – material, biological and social. Merge ideas from across the sciences. Take care with absolutes, rules and assumptions. And most importantly, stay curious. Cover picture: Dan Jackson, the Department’s glassblower,

Taken by Alex Stockham University Oxford Image courtesy of net_efekt / Flickr : DNA Molecule,

2 Resonance, October 2014 Resonance, October 2014 3 October 2014

Taken by Alex Stockham University Oxford Image courtesy of net_efekt / Flickr : DNA Molecule,

2 Resonance, October 2014 Resonance, October 2014 3 Resonance News Professor Armes SciCommSoc create steals the show of 2014 ‘Women in STEM’ video Environmental success 2014 has been a year of stem cell storage. The challenges faced by six barriers faced by female in the chemistry stores multiple achievements May was a bonanza. female academics during academics in their career Peter Farran and Nick the best recyclers in the for Steve Armes, the Prof Armes was elected their careers have been progression, and how they Smith, two of the Depart- Faculty. Department’s Professor as a Fellow of the Royal documented in a short can be dealt with. ment’s Green Impact Team, Peter was honoured with of Colloid and Polymer Society - the highest video compilation. The video was pub- have been bestowed with the award from a scheme Chemistry. honor avaialable in UK The video, entitled ‘The lished in conjunction with awards, honours and gifts he began 18 years ago - It started off with his academia- and received Progression of Women International Women’s Day for their environmental returning polystyrene chip research being featured an Interdisciplinary Award in STEM’ was filmed and – which is due to happen responsibility. packaging to suppliers for on the cover of Advanced and the Tilden Medal produced by students of next on the 8th of March Peter received the reuse. Roughly 7500 bags Functional Materials, and from the Royal Society the MSc Science Com- 2015. a £653,000 grant from the of Chemistry.Who knows munication course and Environmental Hero of polystyrene have been It can be watched via: Engineering and Physical what he’s got in store for SciCommSoc. award, and a signed recycled since then. http://youtu.be cI2UidxV6-0 Sheffield Wednesday shirt What’s more, over the Sciences Research Council 2015? It aims to bring to light which he said “takes pride past year, everything from to create polymers for some of the issues and of place in my office”. waste solvents (14,145 The team received a litres), to electrical waste Silver Green Impact award, (700 items), and pipette which follows on from tip boxes (4 bins-full) have their success last year as been recycled. Peter (left) and Nick being presented with a signed football shirt

Department welcomes Another step towards gender first Nanjing students equality in the Department From this September, staff from Sheffield. The Department of said “The Department Professor Armes: A master in the field of polymer science our Department will be They will join our Level 3 Chemistry and Faculty of is delighted that the The title shot from the new SciCommSoc video home to the first cohort of cohort for a year of study Science and have been Athena Swan Award students from the Nanjing to complete their BSc awarded the Athena SWAN has recognized its good Tech University. degrees. Bronze Award. practice in supporting The 20 students, Resonance News would The Award is designed to women in Science.” who arrived during the like to wish all the new promote gender equality This year also saw the Chemistry graduate honored in House of Commons summer, have studied for students joining us for the in academic institutions, launch of the Sprint After presenting his Until recently, this the production of more their work to audiences three years in China with new academic year a warm and support the careers Women’s Development research in the House of area has been restricted efficient solar cells, which with limited scientific classes given by visiting of women in science, Programme. This intensive welcome to Sheffield! Commons, a graduate by a lack of knowledge could aid in the transition knowledge. technology, engineering, course is designed from the Department won of the self-assembly away from fossil fuel Dan’s award-winning maths and medicine. to prepare female the bronze award at this process. However, Dan’s dependency. poster was praised for Professor Jane Grasby, undergraduates for year’s Science Engineering research has led to a SET for Britain is a showing ‘the pathway chair of the Faculty’s potential gender issues and Technology (SET) for development of a new poster competition held to the development of Equality Diversity that may arise through Britain competition. analysis technique called every year in the House this technique’, and the Committee and Professor their studies and careers. Daniel Toolan, who stroboscopic microscopy, of Commons. It offers a insights it has provided. of Biological Chemistry, is now a PhD student which enables direct chance for early-career Dan graduated from the in the Chemical and observation of the researchers in Britain to Chemistry Department Biological Engineering assembly process. present their research to in 2011. He completed Department, won the These insights and government officials. his 4th year research award and a £1,000 prize methods will be used to Awards are given based project with Professor for his research into the develop the production on the quality of the Tony Ryan, which focused self assembly of thin-film of photovoltaic cells. Dan research and results, as on recycling elastomers polymers for photovoltaic explained that his research well as the researcher’s for use as scaffolds in cells. will hopefully lead to ability to communicate stimulated tissue growth.

The first cohort of Nanjing students getting settled into Sheffield

1 Resonance, October 2014 Resonance, October 2014 2 Resonance News Professor Armes SciCommSoc create steals the show of 2014 ‘Women in STEM’ video Environmental success 2014 has been a year of stem cell storage. The challenges faced by six barriers faced by female in the chemistry stores multiple achievements May was a bonanza. female academics during academics in their career Peter Farran and Nick the best recyclers in the for Steve Armes, the Prof Armes was elected their careers have been progression, and how they Smith, two of the Depart- Faculty. Department’s Professor as a Fellow of the Royal documented in a short can be dealt with. ment’s Green Impact Team, Peter was honoured with of Colloid and Polymer Society - the highest video compilation. The video was pub- have been bestowed with the award from a scheme Chemistry. honor avaialable in UK The video, entitled ‘The lished in conjunction with awards, honours and gifts he began 18 years ago - It started off with his academia- and received Progression of Women International Women’s Day for their environmental returning polystyrene chip research being featured an Interdisciplinary Award in STEM’ was filmed and – which is due to happen responsibility. packaging to suppliers for on the cover of Advanced and the Tilden Medal produced by students of next on the 8th of March Peter received the reuse. Roughly 7500 bags Functional Materials, and from the Royal Society the MSc Science Com- 2015. a £653,000 grant from the of Chemistry.Who knows munication course and Environmental Hero of polystyrene have been It can be watched via: Engineering and Physical what he’s got in store for SciCommSoc. award, and a signed recycled since then. http://youtu.be cI2UidxV6-0 Sheffield Wednesday shirt What’s more, over the Sciences Research Council 2015? It aims to bring to light which he said “takes pride past year, everything from to create polymers for some of the issues and of place in my office”. waste solvents (14,145 The team received a litres), to electrical waste Silver Green Impact award, (700 items), and pipette which follows on from tip boxes (4 bins-full) have their success last year as been recycled. Peter (left) and Nick being presented with a signed football shirt

The first cohort of Nanjing students getting settled into Sheffield

1 Resonance, October 2014 Resonance, October 2014 2 News Features Hunting Element 117: Nurturing the atmosphere Narrowing in on the Island of stability with poetry On the 1st of May 2014, the Dubnium-270 – the most stable ‘magic number’ of neutrons and How an encounter between a scientist and an artist at a party existence of the elusive Element alpha emitter with an atomic protons - that completely fill one led to the creation of the world’s first pollution-destroying poem 117 was confirmed by a team number greater than 102. of these levels - are predicted to of international scientists in Confirming the existence display enhanced stabilities. This Darmstadt, Germany. of Element 117, and the new is the Island of Stability: a series On the empty face of a where it is estimated to cause 500 Light provides energy for the Under the lead of Christoph insights into the behaviour of of relatively stable superheavy University building, standing premature deaths per year and catalyst to become reactive. So Dullmann, the researchers at Db270, are a massive step towards isotopes. proud 20 at metres tall, is the costs the local economy £160 when sun shines on the poem, the GSI Helmholtz Centre for narrowing in on the evasive The scientific community world’s first catalytic poem; In million in lost days from work. it initiates the breakdown of Heavy Ion Research carried out ‘Island of Stability’. has invested huge efforts in Praise of Air. The primary culprit is motor pollutants in contact with it. a nuclear fusion of radioactive Under everyday conditions, locating the Island of Stability. It The poem, which now vehicles. The inefficient It is estimated that the poem Berkelium-249 and Calcium-48. elements with an atomic number is predicted that its elements will dominates the campus skyline, combustion of oil in engines will remove the pollution of 20 In the evaporation residues greater than lead (Z = 82) are be useful for various applications, has a dual purpose as art and results in the emission of nitrogen cars per day. of the fusion, they detected unstable. What’s more, the such as particle accelerator science: It is an ode to the beauty oxides and carbon particulates. The poem’s author is Simon two atoms of the superheavy stabilities (half-lives) of heavier targets or neutron sources. of air and the perils of pollution. The material that the poem Armitage, a literary don amongst Element 117 - known under its elements usually decrease as These types of technology Whilst being static and admired, is printed on is coated in UK students, and the university’s temporary systematic name as atomic numbers rise. currently find use in a number it will purify its surroundings by nanoparticles of titanium dioxide. Professor of Poetry. The idea ‘Ununseptium’ (Uus117). However, in accordance with of research areas, including drug catalysing the destruction of These particles are usually used to make it catalytic came from Not only does the team’s observed quantum effects, development, semi-conductors pollutants. as white pigments in paints and Professor Tony Ryan, Pro-Vice synthesis confirm the existence of scientists have predicted that and nuclear energy. Air pollution is a major problem suncream, but act as a catalyst in Chancellor for the Faculty of Element 117, which was initially certain isotopes of superheavy Controversially, if sufficiently in the UK, especially in Sheffield the presence of light. Science. discovered in 2010, but further elements will break with the stable isotopes could be found, In a conversation with Professor analysis of the evaporation trend and display an enhanced the very small critical mass of Praising air on the side of the Alfred Denny Ryan, he revealed how the residues and their radioactive stability of up to several days. the superheavy elements would building at the University of Sheffield, erected poem came about: “It was a on the 14th of May 2014 decay products unveiled These predictions are based also enable the production conversation at a party about two a completely new isotope: on a model which states that the of smaller and more compact years ago basically”. Lawrencium-266. nucleus, similar to the atom itself, nuclear bombs, which would “Simon came over to apologise This Lr266 isotope was found is made up of individual quantum require urgent and serious ethical for me getting moved out of his to be a product of a previously energy levels. discussions about their use. reserved seats. The conversation unknown alpha-decay branch of Isotopes which contain a came around to CatClo, which Written by Rike Dannheim eventually resulted in the poem The Island of Stability: A 3D Histogram of being on the wall”, he said. neutron and proten numbers mapped against CatClo, short for Catalytic nuclear stability Clothing, is a business venture that Professor Ryan has been leading over the last few years. So far it has taken him across the UK and China in the hunt for potential buyers, but unfortunately without much luck. His idea is to get titanium dioxide added as an ingredient to washing detergents, so that everyone can destroy atmospheric pollutatnts as they go about their daily lives.

Written by Alex Stockham Wikipedia Image courtesy of InvaderXan / 3 Resonance, October 2014 Resonance, October 2014 4 News Features Hunting Element 117: Nurturing the atmosphere Narrowing in on the Island of stability with poetry On the 1st of May 2014, the Dubnium-270 – the most stable ‘magic number’ of neutrons and How an encounter between a scientist and an artist at a party existence of the elusive Element alpha emitter with an atomic protons - that completely fill one led to the creation of the world’s first pollution-destroying poem 117 was confirmed by a team number greater than 102. of these levels - are predicted to of international scientists in Confirming the existence display enhanced stabilities. This Darmstadt, Germany. of Element 117, and the new is the Island of Stability: a series On the empty face of a where it is estimated to cause 500 Light provides energy for the Under the lead of Christoph insights into the behaviour of of relatively stable superheavy University building, standing premature deaths per year and catalyst to become reactive. So Dullmann, the researchers at Db270, are a massive step towards isotopes. proud 20 at metres tall, is the costs the local economy £160 when sun shines on the poem, the GSI Helmholtz Centre for narrowing in on the evasive The scientific community world’s first catalytic poem; In million in lost days from work. it initiates the breakdown of Heavy Ion Research carried out ‘Island of Stability’. has invested huge efforts in Praise of Air. The primary culprit is motor pollutants in contact with it. a nuclear fusion of radioactive Under everyday conditions, locating the Island of Stability. It The poem, which now vehicles. The inefficient It is estimated that the poem Berkelium-249 and Calcium-48. elements with an atomic number is predicted that its elements will dominates the campus skyline, combustion of oil in engines will remove the pollution of 20 In the evaporation residues greater than lead (Z = 82) are be useful for various applications, has a dual purpose as art and results in the emission of nitrogen cars per day. of the fusion, they detected unstable. What’s more, the such as particle accelerator science: It is an ode to the beauty oxides and carbon particulates. The poem’s author is Simon two atoms of the superheavy stabilities (half-lives) of heavier targets or neutron sources. of air and the perils of pollution. The material that the poem Armitage, a literary don amongst Element 117 - known under its elements usually decrease as These types of technology Whilst being static and admired, is printed on is coated in UK students, and the university’s temporary systematic name as atomic numbers rise. currently find use in a number it will purify its surroundings by nanoparticles of titanium dioxide. Professor of Poetry. The idea ‘Ununseptium’ (Uus117). However, in accordance with of research areas, including drug catalysing the destruction of These particles are usually used to make it catalytic came from Not only does the team’s observed quantum effects, development, semi-conductors pollutants. as white pigments in paints and Professor Tony Ryan, Pro-Vice synthesis confirm the existence of scientists have predicted that and nuclear energy. Air pollution is a major problem suncream, but act as a catalyst in Chancellor for the Faculty of Element 117, which was initially certain isotopes of superheavy Controversially, if sufficiently in the UK, especially in Sheffield the presence of light. Science. discovered in 2010, but further elements will break with the stable isotopes could be found, In a conversation with Professor analysis of the evaporation trend and display an enhanced the very small critical mass of Praising air on the side of the Alfred Denny Ryan, he revealed how the residues and their radioactive stability of up to several days. the superheavy elements would building at the University of Sheffield, erected poem came about: “It was a on the 14th of May 2014 decay products unveiled These predictions are based also enable the production conversation at a party about two a completely new isotope: on a model which states that the of smaller and more compact years ago basically”. Lawrencium-266. nucleus, similar to the atom itself, nuclear bombs, which would “Simon came over to apologise This Lr266 isotope was found is made up of individual quantum require urgent and serious ethical for me getting moved out of his to be a product of a previously energy levels. discussions about their use. reserved seats. The conversation unknown alpha-decay branch of Isotopes which contain a came around to CatClo, which Written by Rike Dannheim eventually resulted in the poem The Island of Stability: A 3D Histogram of being on the wall”, he said. neutron and proten numbers mapped against CatClo, short for Catalytic nuclear stability Clothing, is a business venture that Professor Ryan has been leading over the last few years. So far it has taken him across the UK and China in the hunt for potential buyers, but unfortunately without much luck. His idea is to get titanium dioxide added as an ingredient to washing detergents, so that everyone can destroy atmospheric pollutatnts as they go about their daily lives.

Written by Alex Stockham Wikipedia Image courtesy of InvaderXan / 3 Resonance, October 2014 Resonance, October 2014 4 News Feature Insight The mysterious art Geochemists find evidence of celestial smash with Earth of the glassblower Their findings suggest the moon was born from a collision Ever wondered where all that broken glassware goes? between two proto-planets early in the solar system’s history eep in the basement of the Dan studied fine art in Leeds where impart his flair. Over the last few DDepartment, in a cavernous he specialised in pottery. After years, raffle prizes at the ChemSoc Evidence for the Big Smash workshop full of tools and seeing an advert in the Sheffield Ball have been crafted by his hands theory of the Moon has been machines, resides Dan Jackson, a Star, he entered the University of - wine glasses made from Liebig found in isotopic differences Glassblower. He is one of a kind in Sheffield’s Chemistry Department condensers and measuring cylinder between the lunar body and South Yorkshire, and one of only in 2001 as an apprentice stems. Earth. 100 scientific glassblowers in the glassblower. He guesses that his work saves Geochemists from the country. He confessed that star cracks the Department thousands of Southwest Research Institute in Glassblowing flourished during are the most common malady to pounds each year, not only in Boulder, Colorado, found that the Renaissance. To maintain a mend. Each takes about 10 minutes repairs, but also in the design rocks on the Moon’s surface monopoly on the trade, Venetian to fix. More complicated jobs, such of bespoke equipment; the contain 12 parts per million more glassblowers were forced by threat as Schlenk lines, can take a day. environmental impact of mending, of the Oxygen-17 isotope than of death onto the Island of Murano. These require specialist carbon rather than disposing of, the those on Earth. Fortunately, some managed to tools to withstand the heat, which thousands of pieces of glassware They claim that this slight escape and share their techniques he has to construct before even that all of us are guilty of breaking difference adds further support across Europe and Asia. Nowadays, starting on the glassware itself. is huge. to the Big Smash, or Ejecting glassblowing is mostly used for art, Dan explained that he was Despite the demand, and Ring, theory of the creation of the although a few choose to specialise attracted to the job due to the temperatures of up to 2000 oC, he moon. Image courtesy of Katya / Flickr Moonrise at sunrise, Myshkin, Russia. It is though that the moon formed as close as in the sciences. artistic elements involved. still manages to keep his cool. The Ejecting Ring Theory is 16,000 miles from Earth, which would have made it appear 17 times bigger than today. In a break between fixing the Although fixing star-cracks doesn’t based on the idea that the Moon relentless flow of star-cracked sound particularly artistic, after was formed over 4 billion years but notably different oxygen round bottomed flasks, Dan lent watching him skilfully manipulate Written by Jenna Spencer-Briggs ago, by a collision between an environments. us some time to discuss his life, fire, air and molten glass, we were and Maya Singer-Hobbs early Earth and a planetesimal An exceptionally accurate Other potential theories for profession, and passion. forced to change our minds. roughly the size of Mars. laser was created specifically the creation of the Moon: Originally from South Yorkshire, Opportunities arise for Dan to The debris ejected from the for the purpose of measuring How to fix a star crack: impact is thought to have been the isotopic oxygen contents - The Earth and the Moon captured by the Earth’s gravity - in clusters of Earth, lunar, and were created from materail in 1. Fit RBF onto a glass pipe forming a disk of orbiting material meteorite rock. the same region of space 2. Heat the damaged area which coalesced into the lunar However, not everyone is - The Moon was originally directly body we see today. convinced. Some scientists a part of the Earth which 3. Remove ingrained dirt By comparing the unique suggest that the geochemists separated off with tweezers oxygen fingerprints of the Earth have done little more than 4. Replace the damaged glass and Moon, the scientists deduced establish a precise method of - The Moon was an already- by melting fresh glass from information about the oxygen measuring chemical levels on formed floating body a rod onto the area environments in which they were different planets. These findings captured by the Earth’s born. certainly add to the complex gravitational pull 5. Even out the surfaces using Their findings suggest that debate about the creation of the - The Moon was formed by a slightly cooler flame the planetesimal involved in the Moon. collisions between Earth and 6. Use an oxygen rich flame to collision developed in similar Sun orbiting debris clean up the sooty blackened Written by Cate O’Brien details on the glass Learning the tools of the trade: Dan’s apprentice practices aligning molten glass

5 Resonance, October 2014 Resonance, October 2014 6 News Feature Insight The mysterious art Geochemists find evidence of celestial smash with Earth of the glassblower Their findings suggest the moon was born from a collision Ever wondered where all that broken glassware goes? between two proto-planets early in the solar system’s history eep in the basement of the Dan studied fine art in Leeds where impart his flair. Over the last few DDepartment, in a cavernous he specialised in pottery. After years, raffle prizes at the ChemSoc Evidence for the Big Smash workshop full of tools and seeing an advert in the Sheffield Ball have been crafted by his hands theory of the Moon has been machines, resides Dan Jackson, a Star, he entered the University of - wine glasses made from Liebig found in isotopic differences Glassblower. He is one of a kind in Sheffield’s Chemistry Department condensers and measuring cylinder between the lunar body and South Yorkshire, and one of only in 2001 as an apprentice stems. Earth. 100 scientific glassblowers in the glassblower. He guesses that his work saves Geochemists from the country. He confessed that star cracks the Department thousands of Southwest Research Institute in Glassblowing flourished during are the most common malady to pounds each year, not only in Boulder, Colorado, found that the Renaissance. To maintain a mend. Each takes about 10 minutes repairs, but also in the design rocks on the Moon’s surface monopoly on the trade, Venetian to fix. More complicated jobs, such of bespoke equipment; the contain 12 parts per million more glassblowers were forced by threat as Schlenk lines, can take a day. environmental impact of mending, of the Oxygen-17 isotope than of death onto the Island of Murano. These require specialist carbon rather than disposing of, the those on Earth. Fortunately, some managed to tools to withstand the heat, which thousands of pieces of glassware They claim that this slight escape and share their techniques he has to construct before even that all of us are guilty of breaking difference adds further support across Europe and Asia. Nowadays, starting on the glassware itself. is huge. to the Big Smash, or Ejecting glassblowing is mostly used for art, Dan explained that he was Despite the demand, and Ring, theory of the creation of the although a few choose to specialise attracted to the job due to the temperatures of up to 2000 oC, he moon. Image courtesy of Katya / Flickr Moonrise at sunrise, Myshkin, Russia. It is though that the moon formed as close as in the sciences. artistic elements involved. still manages to keep his cool. The Ejecting Ring Theory is 16,000 miles from Earth, which would have made it appear 17 times bigger than today. In a break between fixing the Although fixing star-cracks doesn’t based on the idea that the Moon relentless flow of star-cracked sound particularly artistic, after was formed over 4 billion years but notably different oxygen round bottomed flasks, Dan lent watching him skilfully manipulate Written by Jenna Spencer-Briggs ago, by a collision between an environments. us some time to discuss his life, fire, air and molten glass, we were and Maya Singer-Hobbs early Earth and a planetesimal An exceptionally accurate Other potential theories for profession, and passion. forced to change our minds. roughly the size of Mars. laser was created specifically the creation of the Moon: Originally from South Yorkshire, Opportunities arise for Dan to The debris ejected from the for the purpose of measuring How to fix a star crack: impact is thought to have been the isotopic oxygen contents - The Earth and the Moon captured by the Earth’s gravity - in clusters of Earth, lunar, and were created from materail in 1. Fit RBF onto a glass pipe forming a disk of orbiting material meteorite rock. the same region of space 2. Heat the damaged area which coalesced into the lunar However, not everyone is - The Moon was originally directly body we see today. convinced. Some scientists a part of the Earth which 3. Remove ingrained dirt By comparing the unique suggest that the geochemists separated off with tweezers oxygen fingerprints of the Earth have done little more than 4. Replace the damaged glass and Moon, the scientists deduced establish a precise method of - The Moon was an already- by melting fresh glass from information about the oxygen measuring chemical levels on formed floating body a rod onto the area environments in which they were different planets. These findings captured by the Earth’s born. certainly add to the complex gravitational pull 5. Even out the surfaces using Their findings suggest that debate about the creation of the - The Moon was formed by a slightly cooler flame the planetesimal involved in the Moon. collisions between Earth and 6. Use an oxygen rich flame to collision developed in similar Sun orbiting debris clean up the sooty blackened Written by Cate O’Brien details on the glass Learning the tools of the trade: Dan’s apprentice practices aligning molten glass

5 Resonance, October 2014 Resonance, October 2014 6 Account Insight Politics of the lecture theatre The chemistry of brewing

Who ever said science wasn’t political? Dr Grant Hill reveals the chemical tales of ale

or undergrads, lectures fascinating in-lecture behaviours. the occupancy of another clique’s Fconstitute a significant Right from the start, a year territory, and further prohibits the brewing renaissance is taking in the University lives of many portion of university life. That is, group’s arrangement in the sitting amongst peers that have yet Ahold and Sheffield is at its a student, the brewing process for those who are sober enough lecture theatre is inadvertently to befriend us on Facebook. heart. Due to the city’s reputation should resonate with every to attend them... and subconsciously decided. The lecture theatre itself as a hub of ale production, Chemist; the mixing and heating of The lecture experience comprises Usually, the back rows are reserved has a drastic effect on seating Yorkshire ranked 22nd in the New liquid solutions; the timed addition many factors. In terms of the for those partial to napping, arrangements and general lecture York Times ‘Places to Go in 2014’. of ingredients; the cleanliness and lecturers themselves, we all learn or dominated by those who ambience. Some, like lecture But from hop to tap to tongue, the purity of equipment of products early on how to differentiate consider themselves too ‘hip’ or theatre 1, are saunas disguised creation and consumption of beer The links between the two become between those not to mess with, ‘cool’ to associate with the main as theatres. Others, like lecture is essentially chemical. more obvious if we examine the the ones that love a bit of banter, body of students. The front few theatre 6, require attire for all Whilst beer has a long history experimental methods: and those we can follow on Twitter. rows, sometimes referred to as weather conditions.

Lecture styles vary accordingly. the splash zone, are rarely or For lecture theatres with a front Tim Dobson / Flickr Image courtesy of From physical chemists’ chalk and sparsely populated. Most associate entrance, like in the Hicks building talk that petrifies every first year, this region with risk of death by or the Arts Tower, we are given Experiment 1: Making an ale There’s a world of chemistry to be to frantically filling in the gaps of humiliation from questioning by extra incentive to arrive on time. found out there, in the abundance inorganic hand-outs between the the lecturer. There is no better way to begin the Mix the mash: Crushed malt grains (wheat and barley) are of pubs and breweries in Sheffield. rapid passage of slides, and lest day than for Dr Meijer to demand, added to water at about 70°C and left for about an hour. This con- Many of the local Master Brewers we forget the never ending curly in much kinder words but along verts starches from the grain into sugars. learnt their trade as students of arrows of organic mechanisms. ‘an unwritten law the same lines, ‘were you born in chemistry. What’s more, with I was asked recently: how many a barn?’, after you’ve attempted to Sparge: This step involves rinsing the grains with hot water to access to cheap equipment and benzene rings do you reckon forbids the occupancy sneak unnoticed ten minutes late release the sugars into the water. ingredients, there’s plenty of room you’ve drawn in your life so far? of another cliques into a statistical thermodynamics Boil with hops: The resulting solution is then heated and for the experimental chemist. The answer is probably nowhere lecture. boiled. Hops are added at various intervals during the boil, with Varying the main ingredients is an near as many as Professor Jackson. territory’ No matter how small a lecture the amount, variety and timing determining the flavour, bitterness obvious place to start, but have you Though the academic and their theatre may appear, or the and aroma of the beer. ever wondered what adding nettles choice of lecture style are key It is no coincidence that to capabilities of our huge, scientific or cucumber might taste like? elements of a lecture, the major, questions like, “how many brains in determining the logistics Cool: The hopped solution is then cooled to around 20 °C, usual- and albeit most curious component electrons does oxygen have?” a of fitting an entire year group ly as quickly as possible. This helps prevent the beer from becom- Written by Dr Grant Hill, is of course us, the students. painful silence may ensue for inside such a space, we still choose ing infected. Lecturer in Theoretical Chemistry In social sciences, a realm which minutes that feel like hours. We’ve to leave empty seats between other Ferment Here’s where biochemistry comes into play; yeast is most chemists dare not usually all been there, fake note taking friendship groups. This is likely to added and the mixture is left for about a week. The yeast converts venture, the word “clique” is used in a desperate attempt to avoid stem from our inherent stereotype, the sugars into alcohol, releasing carbon dioxide as a by-product. to describe a group of two to eye contact with an academic. In whereby unfamiliar social twelve ‘persons who interact with many unfortunate cases where circumstances and the invasion Prime and bottle: Extra sugar can be added before bottling. each other more regularly and eye contact is engaged, a student of personal space can stimulate This allows some fermentation to occur in the bottle, and car- intensely than others in the same usually responds in inaudible discomfort. Thus leaving the bonates the beer. The final product is a heterogeneous aqueous setting’. Although most of us may decibels, or simply, overcome with poor, late stragglers to awkwardly suspension of malted barley, sugars, hops and alcohol. only associate this phenomenon distress, can succumb to a state request an entire row to shuffle up, Drink: Sip by sip; the sensory stimulation of flavours and alcohol with our school days, this social of denial, shaking their head and or reduced to sitting alone, on the takes hold through the tongue and the bloodstream. trend emerges, from freshers’ week shrugging in their seat. dreaded front row. right the way through to our final As for the middle and side year. All of which leads to some rows, an unwritten law forbids Written by Humulone; an organic acid which is partly Michaela Fitzpatrick-Milton responsible for the bitter flavours of beer

7 Resonance, October 2014 Resonance, October 2014 8 Account Insight Politics of the lecture theatre The chemistry of brewing

Who ever said science wasn’t political? Dr Grant Hill reveals the chemical tales of ale

7 Resonance, October 2014 Resonance, October 2014 8 Review Interview How apps can make A conversation with Ed studying easier Dr Edward Warminski is an academic known by all. Notorious for his lab drills, It’s fair to say that we’ve all had a fair share of experiences with chemistry software. popcorn, gases and footballs, Ed is a University Teacher, Head of Undergraduate After all, we’re introduced to ChemDraw - everyone’s favourite molecular drawing Labs, and Disabilities Officer all at once. For you,Maya Singer-Hobbs unravels the tool - only a week into our undergraduate lives. However, what most students enigma often overlook is the vast power of a different format of technological aid: Mobile Congratulations on the Senate accident, my academic supervisor applications, or for short, ‘Apps’. Rike Dannheim has tested and reviewed four Teaching Award! Could you tell me burst into the office one day and special apps which are sure to take your chemical education to a new level. a little more about it? said “can you do some teaching?!” I was dragged out into the Level 2 Made in Sheffield Well, I was nominated by staff in labs and told to get on with it. A Tip from the Developer the Chemistry Department and ‘Symmetrix’ is the The app which Eliot recommends for 1st received support from referees How has the department changed product of one of the and 2nd years is ‘Named Reactions Lite’. in the Faculties of Science and Department’s recent since you’ve been here? This free app, developed by Synthetiq Engineering. All nominations graduates, Eliot Fisher. Solutions, contains all the essential (this year there were 20 to 30) are Oh, in many ways! We use fume This web-based app mechanisms of organic chemistry; then scrutinised by a panel. Those cupboards now! Joking apart… follows Professor Mike complete with Grignard Reaction and Ward’s 2nd year Group that pass muster are presented in terms of the teaching labs, my Robinson Annulation. For the curious chemist, the app with an award; mine was in the Theory module, offering provides links to detailed explanations of the mechanisms mindset has changed from ‘let’s category of sustained excellence in symmetry tutorials and related research at the bottom of every page. do this cool experiment’, to an (including 3D animations of important molecules and their learning and teaching. However, emphasis on the skills the student (Available for iOS only / Download from the app store) symmetry elements), an interactive flow chart for point- I am not the only chemist to have will take away from the experiment group assignment, and quizzes to prepare for the exam been received this accolade, before - which is a far more difficult task season. me came Dr Jenny Burnham, to realise. Overall I would say The app is free and can be downloaded to a Sightseeing for Chemists Dr Simon Jones and Prof Mark the teaching has become more smartphone by following this simple process: So, a non-chemistry related Winter. progressive and the learning more Step 1: Go to winter-alchemy.group.shef.ac.uk/symmetrix/ question, have you got any unusual Straight from the Royal Society of Chemistry comes ‘Places integrated. I also like that I have Step 2: Bookmarks and select ‘add to home screen’ of Chemistry’, a free app which enables you to find famous hobbies? Well, I’m so glad you’ve had your the freedom to change and develop Alternatively, the app can be used directly in an online chemistry landmarks in your vicinity. contribution recognised! How did what I teach to keep it up-to-date browser. Our favourites are Michael I like to potter around in the you end up teaching in Sheffield in with current research. Faraday’s grave, and the garden, and I read a LOT. Anything the first place? lab where rechargeable I can get my hands on. Although, Academics’ Choice batteries were designed. All What goes on behind the scenes in at present I developed a taste for locations are displayed on a After graduating with a BSc in terms of laboratory preparation? “hard sci-fi”, which means it’s comprehensible map with chemistry from Leicester I moved An app highly valued by easy-to-read directions. scientifically valid. Just now, I’m organic chemists, including our up to Sheffield as a research Oh, absolutely shed loads of This is hands down one of reading Robert Fisk’s huge tome own Dr. Jim Reid, is ‘PyMOL’, a assistant, but after a few years stuff! The lab technicians; David, the most original chemistry apps available; a great travel about the Middle East (funny how molecular-visualisation app capable I decided to take a gap year companion for anyone who enjoys chemical history, or Alison, Richard and Adam do all it appears that History can repeat of displaying 3D images of complex in London and do something who simply wants to boast with a bit of unconventional the practical set-up in the labs. itself!). I live in Chesterfield and proteins and creating high-defini- different. However, I found myself geographic knowledge. The logistical side of the operation am a member of their astronomical tion molecular animations. going into a library and searching For now the app almost exclusively contains locations in requires a lot of work; organising society which is great because they This beauty even allows the user to out chemical journals and the London area.However there’s an in-app function which everyone, pre-labs, post-labs, have a great telescope just down analyse protein behaviour with their smartphone and share thinking, “I really like this stuff! I allows users to submit new locations of interest. marking... the road! I like staring at the moon their results with chemists across the world. want to go back and do more!” (I’m not much good at the howling (Available for iOS and Android: Download from the app How do you manage it all?! (Available for iPad only / Requires a license) store) So, I came back to Sheffield in bit, though)!

1990 to do some further research. Ask my wife! Long hours and hard The teaching happened almost by work!

9 Resonance, October 2014 Resonance, October 2014 10 Review Interview How apps can make A conversation with Ed studying easier Dr Edward Warminski is an academic known by all. Notorious for his lab drills, It’s fair to say that we’ve all had a fair share of experiences with chemistry software. popcorn, gases and footballs, Ed is a University Teacher, Head of Undergraduate After all, we’re introduced to ChemDraw - everyone’s favourite molecular drawing Labs, and Disabilities Officer all at once. For you,Maya Singer-Hobbs unravels the tool - only a week into our undergraduate lives. However, what most students enigma often overlook is the vast power of a different format of technological aid: Mobile Congratulations on the Senate accident, my academic supervisor applications, or for short, ‘Apps’. Rike Dannheim has tested and reviewed four Teaching Award! Could you tell me burst into the office one day and special apps which are sure to take your chemical education to a new level. a little more about it? said “can you do some teaching?!” I was dragged out into the Level 2 Made in Sheffield Well, I was nominated by staff in labs and told to get on with it. A Tip from the Developer the Chemistry Department and ‘Symmetrix’ is the The app which Eliot recommends for 1st received support from referees How has the department changed product of one of the and 2nd years is ‘Named Reactions Lite’. in the Faculties of Science and Department’s recent since you’ve been here? This free app, developed by Synthetiq Engineering. All nominations graduates, Eliot Fisher. Solutions, contains all the essential (this year there were 20 to 30) are Oh, in many ways! We use fume This web-based app mechanisms of organic chemistry; then scrutinised by a panel. Those cupboards now! Joking apart… follows Professor Mike complete with Grignard Reaction and Ward’s 2nd year Group that pass muster are presented in terms of the teaching labs, my Robinson Annulation. For the curious chemist, the app with an award; mine was in the Theory module, offering provides links to detailed explanations of the mechanisms mindset has changed from ‘let’s category of sustained excellence in symmetry tutorials and related research at the bottom of every page. do this cool experiment’, to an (including 3D animations of important molecules and their learning and teaching. However, emphasis on the skills the student (Available for iOS only / Download from the app store) symmetry elements), an interactive flow chart for point- I am not the only chemist to have will take away from the experiment group assignment, and quizzes to prepare for the exam been received this accolade, before - which is a far more difficult task season. me came Dr Jenny Burnham, to realise. Overall I would say The app is free and can be downloaded to a Sightseeing for Chemists Dr Simon Jones and Prof Mark the teaching has become more smartphone by following this simple process: So, a non-chemistry related Winter. progressive and the learning more Step 1: Go to winter-alchemy.group.shef.ac.uk/symmetrix/ question, have you got any unusual Straight from the Royal Society of Chemistry comes ‘Places integrated. I also like that I have Step 2: Bookmarks and select ‘add to home screen’ of Chemistry’, a free app which enables you to find famous hobbies? Well, I’m so glad you’ve had your the freedom to change and develop Alternatively, the app can be used directly in an online chemistry landmarks in your vicinity. contribution recognised! How did what I teach to keep it up-to-date browser. Our favourites are Michael I like to potter around in the you end up teaching in Sheffield in with current research. Faraday’s grave, and the garden, and I read a LOT. Anything the first place? lab where rechargeable I can get my hands on. Although, Academics’ Choice batteries were designed. All What goes on behind the scenes in at present I developed a taste for locations are displayed on a After graduating with a BSc in terms of laboratory preparation? “hard sci-fi”, which means it’s comprehensible map with chemistry from Leicester I moved An app highly valued by easy-to-read directions. scientifically valid. Just now, I’m organic chemists, including our up to Sheffield as a research Oh, absolutely shed loads of This is hands down one of reading Robert Fisk’s huge tome own Dr. Jim Reid, is ‘PyMOL’, a assistant, but after a few years stuff! The lab technicians; David, the most original chemistry apps available; a great travel about the Middle East (funny how molecular-visualisation app capable I decided to take a gap year companion for anyone who enjoys chemical history, or Alison, Richard and Adam do all it appears that History can repeat of displaying 3D images of complex in London and do something who simply wants to boast with a bit of unconventional the practical set-up in the labs. itself!). I live in Chesterfield and proteins and creating high-defini- different. However, I found myself geographic knowledge. The logistical side of the operation am a member of their astronomical tion molecular animations. going into a library and searching For now the app almost exclusively contains locations in requires a lot of work; organising society which is great because they This beauty even allows the user to out chemical journals and the London area.However there’s an in-app function which everyone, pre-labs, post-labs, have a great telescope just down analyse protein behaviour with their smartphone and share thinking, “I really like this stuff! I allows users to submit new locations of interest. marking... the road! I like staring at the moon their results with chemists across the world. want to go back and do more!” (I’m not much good at the howling (Available for iOS and Android: Download from the app How do you manage it all?! (Available for iPad only / Requires a license) store) So, I came back to Sheffield in bit, though)!

1990 to do some further research. Ask my wife! Long hours and hard The teaching happened almost by work!

9 Resonance, October 2014 Resonance, October 2014 10 Say hello to the new NEEDS YOU! Chemistry Society! Events Listings As Resonance News enters its second year of “I would love to welcome new undergrads and postgrads to really get existence, we are looking for enthusiastic people involved with all the events ChemSoc are planning for this year. ChemSoc Freshers Bar Crawl to join our team. Whether it’s writing, designing, The committee is comprised of PhDs and undergrads alike. We’re 29th September photography, editing or social media, we need your help to aiming to put on a wide range of events and activities, including our Bloo 88, West Street, The Union keep Resonance going into the future! football and netball teams which play in the Tickets £5 from ChemSoc, with free t-shirt and entry to the Union night. What’s more, if you’re a first or second year, getting involved intra-mural leagues! In the second week of term we will be holding a book sale at lunch time, so come and grab your counts towards your Higher Education Acheivement Report. essential textbooks and more at bargain prices! ChemSoc Fireworks Lecture Anyone can join, regardless of experience. If you’re interested, ChemSoc membership is only £5 per year. We have swanky new November contact us on facebook or drop us an email: membership cards which give you some great deals with local bars: Date and lecturer still TBC [email protected] Bloo88 and Basement.” - A message from Bryony Cotterell, ‘Revealing the Colours of ChemSoc’s Chairwoman for 2014/15 Science’ 3rd – 10th November Resonance Recommends: The new ChemSoc committe warming up for the year ahead The Winter Gardens Here we present you with a selection of our favourite Sheffield Science in Policy sources of science commmunication to peruse at your leisure. Conference 7th November The Edge, Endcliffe Village The Editor’s Pick: BBC Horizon Maya: The Life Scientific Horizon documentaries explore contemporary ideas in On this regular radio 4 programme, Professor TEDx Sheffield Jim Al-Khalili probes into the lives, thoughts science and philosophy, provide insights into the brilliant 15th November thinkers of our times, and address social issues with a and opinions of leading scientists from across scientific approach. My favourites are: ‘Feynman, the the world. All 78 episodes are free on iPlayer; St. George’s Church pleasure of finding things out’, and ‘What makes us human?’. a great one to start with is Jim’s interview with our very own Professor Tony Ryan. ‘Chemistry throughout the Ages’ A lecture by Charles Stirling Jenna: Focus Rike: I f**king Cate: Inside the December The BBC’s monthly science love science Ethics Committee and technology magazine A thought-provoking insight into the Date and location still TBC Of the new wave mode of science A review of Ben Goldacre’s Bad Science communicates all aspects of communication; this blog life-changing decisions made by a science at a level which anyone can and facebook page provides a clinical ethics committee. With real- by Maya Singer-Hobbs understand. The monthly Q&A life situations considered, this show buzzfeed of bite-sized nuggets of Bad Science is a brilliant and at times Other events still due to be section will teach you things you scientific knowledge. is great for anyone interested in the announced by: didn’t even know you didn’t know! ethical dimensions of science. terrifying insight into the interplay between science, healthcare and the media. No-one comes away unscathed; the journalists who Science Brainwaves sometimes ignorantly, or perhaps wilfully, facebook.com/Science misrepresent results to get a headline; Brainwaves We use LinkedIn to let our graduates and staff learn more researchers funded by sources with vested Join the about new innovations and news from the Department. interests; medical practitioners who believe Inspiration and Co. Department on LinkedIn is one of many professional social media sites which in what they’re doing despite mounting facebook.com/ appear to be becoming ever important in professional and evidence of no medicinal benefit; and even the scientific bodies inspirationandco career development. A number of alumni have even secured which refuse to change outdated practices. jobs through LinkedIn pages and contact. It’s well written and thoroughly researched, and will leave you ChemSoc So don’t delay; join the Department’s LinkedIn group today! wondering at what else you don’t know about the relationship facebook.com/sheffieldchemsoc between medical research, the media, corporations and the government.

11 Resonance, October 2014 Resonance, October 2014 12 Say hello to the new NEEDS YOU! Chemistry Society! Events Listings As Resonance News enters its second year of “I would love to welcome new undergrads and postgrads to really get existence, we are looking for enthusiastic people involved with all the events ChemSoc are planning for this year. ChemSoc Freshers Bar Crawl to join our team. Whether it’s writing, designing, The committee is comprised of PhDs and undergrads alike. We’re 29th September photography, editing or social media, we need your help to aiming to put on a wide range of events and activities, including our Bloo 88, West Street, The Union keep Resonance going into the future! football and netball teams which play in the Tickets £5 from ChemSoc, with free t-shirt and entry to the Union night. What’s more, if you’re a first or second year, getting involved intra-mural leagues! In the second week of term we will be holding a book sale at lunch time, so come and grab your counts towards your Higher Education Acheivement Report. essential textbooks and more at bargain prices! ChemSoc Fireworks Lecture Anyone can join, regardless of experience. If you’re interested, ChemSoc membership is only £5 per year. We have swanky new November contact us on facebook or drop us an email: membership cards which give you some great deals with local bars: Date and lecturer still TBC [email protected] Bloo88 and Basement.” - A message from Bryony Cotterell, ‘Revealing the Colours of ChemSoc’s Chairwoman for 2014/15 Science’ 3rd – 10th November Resonance Recommends: The new ChemSoc committe warming up for the year ahead The Winter Gardens Here we present you with a selection of our favourite Sheffield Science in Policy sources of science commmunication to peruse at your leisure. Conference 7th November The Edge, Endcliffe Village The Editor’s Pick: BBC Horizon Maya: The Life Scientific Horizon documentaries explore contemporary ideas in On this regular radio 4 programme, Professor TEDx Sheffield Jim Al-Khalili probes into the lives, thoughts science and philosophy, provide insights into the brilliant 15th November thinkers of our times, and address social issues with a and opinions of leading scientists from across scientific approach. My favourites are: ‘Feynman, the the world. All 78 episodes are free on iPlayer; St. George’s Church pleasure of finding things out’, and ‘What makes us human?’. a great one to start with is Jim’s interview with our very own Professor Tony Ryan. ‘Chemistry throughout the Ages’ A lecture by Charles Stirling Jenna: Focus Rike: I f**king Cate: Inside the December The BBC’s monthly science love science Ethics Committee and technology magazine A thought-provoking insight into the Date and location still TBC Of the new wave mode of science A review of Ben Goldacre’s Bad Science communicates all aspects of communication; this blog life-changing decisions made by a science at a level which anyone can and facebook page provides a clinical ethics committee. With real- by Maya Singer-Hobbs understand. The monthly Q&A life situations considered, this show buzzfeed of bite-sized nuggets of Bad Science is a brilliant and at times Other events still due to be section will teach you things you scientific knowledge. is great for anyone interested in the announced by: didn’t even know you didn’t know! ethical dimensions of science. terrifying insight into the interplay between science, healthcare and the media. No-one comes away unscathed; the journalists who Science Brainwaves sometimes ignorantly, or perhaps wilfully, facebook.com/Science misrepresent results to get a headline; Brainwaves We use LinkedIn to let our graduates and staff learn more researchers funded by sources with vested Join the about new innovations and news from the Department. interests; medical practitioners who believe Inspiration and Co. Department on LinkedIn is one of many professional social media sites which in what they’re doing despite mounting facebook.com/ appear to be becoming ever important in professional and evidence of no medicinal benefit; and even the scientific bodies inspirationandco career development. A number of alumni have even secured which refuse to change outdated practices. jobs through LinkedIn pages and contact. It’s well written and thoroughly researched, and will leave you ChemSoc So don’t delay; join the Department’s LinkedIn group today! wondering at what else you don’t know about the relationship facebook.com/sheffieldchemsoc between medical research, the media, corporations and the government.

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