RNA vaccines produced by Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna were amongst the first vaccines approved for emergency use in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. The following graphic created by Andy Brunning for Chemical & Engineering News looks at how the vaccines are made:
Want to learn more about what the COVID-19 RNA vaccines really are? Or the Oxford University & AstraZeneca viral vector vaccines? Visit Brunning’s website, Compound Interest, for infographics about these topics and more.
You can find a larger image of this infographic here.
To see more of Andy Brunning’s work, go to compoundchem.com. To see all of C&EN’s Periodic Graphics, visit cenm.ag/periodicgraphics.
Campus finally looks like a winter wonderland! This is a perfect opportunity to explore the chemistry that makes winter so special.
To see more of Brunning’s work, go to compoundchem.com. To see all of C&EN’s Periodic Graphics, visit cenm.ag/periodicgraphics.
Check out this graphic made by Andy Brunning, author of the popular graphics blog “Compound Interest.”
To see more of Brunning’s work, go to compoundchem.com. To see all of C&EN’s Periodic Graphics, visit cenm.ag/periodicgraphics.
Nothing says fall quite like a pumpkin. From Jack O’ Lanterns and coffee flavors, to center pieces for your Thanksgiving table, this seasonal squash is an autumn staple. Let’s take a look at the chemistry that has us falling for pumpkins year after year.
Wait, so my pumpkin spice treat isn’t really pumpkin?
Nope! And your pumpkin pie probably isn’t either. The “pumpkin” used in your pie is actually a specially bred sweet squash that is less watery and fibrous than your typical carving pumpkin. Both pumpkin pie and pumpkin spice flavored foods rely more on their blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and clove than the gourd itself for their flavor. Since natural spices don’t produce consistent flavoring in large-scale commercial food production, the molecules that produce the flavor in these spices (cinnamaldehyde & pinene are among these) are often added instead.
You can read more about the flavor chemistry of your favorite fall treats in this Chemical & Engineering News article.
In the ongoing battle against cancer, platinum-based drugs have become a well-known agent for patients around the world. Cisplatin and its various sister compounds have shown to be big components in the fight against cancer. Check out this info graphic for more information on platinum based drugs: 
Oxygen tanks are a vital part of any scuba diver’s gear – but not all oxygen tanks are the same. Check out this infographic to learn about various types of diving air mixes and their uses.
Check out the chemistry of this Easter tradition:
Why is some glue stickier than others? Take a closer look:
