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Sylvia Rose
Dec 10, 20246 min read
Killer Yeast: Assassins of the Microworld
Killer yeasts secrete toxic proteins. Known as killer toxins, the proteins can eliminate susceptible cells within their own species or...
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Sylvia Rose
Nov 9, 20243 min read
Food Pathogens: Family Health & Safety
Pathogens of food include Bacillus cereus , Salmonella typhimurium , Aeromonas hydrophila , and Pseudomonas fragi . Each of these...
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Sylvia Rose
Oct 22, 20246 min read
White Lead Toxic Beauty, Art, Ancient Production
White lead, lead(II) carbonate or PbCO₃, has a long history in art, paint and industry. It's a primary source of white for artists and in...
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Sylvia Rose
Sep 19, 20243 min read
Lunar Caustic AgNO3: Lapis Infernalis of Alchemy
Lunar caustic ( lapis infernalis ), Höllenstein (hellstone) or silver nitrate ( argentinium nitrium ) is esteemed by alchemists of the...
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Sylvia Rose
Sep 8, 20246 min read
Almadén Mines: Ancient Mercury Extraction
The Almadén Mines in central Spain have an infamous past driven by profit and greed. The deadly history of ancient Almadén revolves...
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Sylvia Rose
Aug 31, 20243 min read
Making Sulfuric Acid in History & Today
Sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) is one of the most important chemicals in the world, with many uses from car battery production to fertilizer...
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Sylvia Rose
Oct 26, 20233 min read
Phosphorus: Element of Fatal Fascination
Phosphorus is the first element not known since ancient times. This glowing substance is discovered by German alchemist Hennig Brand in...
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Sylvia Rose
Oct 1, 20236 min read
Pretty Poisons: Holly, Yew, Mistletoe
Holly, yew and mistletoe, the most cheerful and celebrated of seasonal plants, are also the most poisonous. These three toxic beauties...
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