• Question: how is your research affecting life and or the enviroment

    Asked by sidmon to Martin, Alan on 7 Mar 2018.
    • Photo: Alan McCue

      Alan McCue answered on 7 Mar 2018:

      Good question. So when I discover a really great catalysts I have to tell people about it. If I shout loud enough then people from industrial companies might become interested any try my catalyst instead of one of there ones. It is a slow process but over time my research can have an impact. Normally, a catalyst is replaced because there is a better one, perhaps because it generates less chemical waste – in that case I have a good impact on the environment.

      The other way scientists have an impact is by sharing there results with others. My results might inspire someone else to have a great idea that can change things in the same way I can be inspired by the work of another scientist. All in all, talking is very important!

    • Photo: Martin McCoustra

      Martin McCoustra answered on 15 Mar 2018:

      Although my research looks to understand chemistry in space, one aspect of that research brings things right down to Earth. PAHs are a class of compounds that are important in space as they contain carbon atoms and may help make other molecules. On Earth, PAHs are produced by diesel engines and found in the soot that comes from them. They are among the most carcinogenic molecules known. I’m working with a Fish Biologist to look at the interactions of these molecules with Zebra Fish as a model for aquatic life in the presence of tiny, tiny particles of silica and other oxide materials. He’s interested in the damage these materials do to the fishes genes while I’m interested in the fundamental physics and chemistry of there interaction.

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