Short Takes – 10-19-24

Mechanochemistry can extract edible proteins from moor grass. ChemistryWorld.com article. Pull quote: “With a growing global population and dietary intake changes, there is a need to source edible proteins using alternative and sustainable methods. Previous studies report edible protein extraction from grasses however ‘a lot of the conventional methods use very harsh solvents or chemicals to break down the cell walls’ explains Castro-Dominguez. While these methods are often effective, ‘once you put vitamins and proteins under these harsh conditions, they tend to degrade’ he says. ‘We want to have proteins that are completely in good shape for human consumption.’”

 Trelleborg adds elastomer manway nozzle gaskets. BulkTransporter.com article. Pull quote: “The manway nozzle gaskets are made from high-grade fluoroelastomer (FKM) materials offering enhanced chemical resistance, robust mechanical strength, and a wide temperature range. Their single-piece design with a chevron profile ensures excellent sealing and simplified manufacturing. Leveraging material science and fully integrated engineering, they are developed with advanced materials and in-house manufacturing, helping to prevent non-accident releases (NARs). Produced in ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified facilities, they ensure consistent quality and full traceability from formulation to final product.” No endorsement implied.

The Orionids Meteor Shower Is Peaking. Here’s How to Watch. NYTimes.com article. Pull quote: “The Orionids are well-loved by meteor shower aficionados because of the bright, speedy streaks they make near the group of stars known as Orion’s Belt. Like the Eta Aquarid meteor shower, which peaked in early May, the Orionids result when Earth passes through debris from Halley’s comet.”

DHS Warns Law Enforcement Election Deniers May Attempt to Bomb Drop Boxes. Wired.com article. Pull quote: “The documents show that DHS alerted dozens of agencies this summer to online chatter indicating potential attacks on election drop boxes—secured receptacles used in more than 30 states to collect mail-in voter ballots. The text highlights the efforts of an unnamed group to crowdsource information about “incendiary and explosive materials” capable of destroying the boxes and ballots. An extensive list of household mixtures and solvents, which are said to render voter ballots “impossible to process,” was also compiled by members of the group, the report says, and openly shared online.”