Growing up in the Ozarks, I explored my fair share of caves and sinkholes. These geological features form when flowing groundwater erodes soil, sand, and even rock underground. The Ozark Keep reading
Tag: dissolution
Uncovering Erosion Patterns
Gypsum and limestone cliffs sometimes form patterns of long, parallel grooves known as rillenkarren. Recent research shows that these patterns form when a thin layer of water flows over a Keep reading
Dissolving Caramel
In nature, erosion patterns are driven by the interactions of flow and topography. Here, researchers study that process in the lab by placing an inclined block of caramel in quiescent Keep reading
Replacing Injections With Pills
In medicine, many medications contain molecules too large to be easily absorbed through the intestinal wall, so these so-called biologics — like the insulin administered to diabetics — are injected Keep reading
Paint Versus Hydrogel
In this bizarre short film, we get to see a battle between dissolution and absorption. I think the Chemical Bouillon team has coated hydrogel beads in a layer of paint Keep reading
Turning a Corner in Microfluidics
Over the past couple decades, microfluidic devices have become a staple of medical and biological diagnostics and analysis. Tests that once required large and specialized equipment can now be completed closer to Keep reading
The Disappearing Cotton Candy
Moisture is cotton candy’s natural enemy. The spun sugar dissolves incredibly quickly under the influence of even a couple drops of water. Why that’s so is clearer when looking at Keep reading
Dissolving Pills
This short film from Macro Room shows how pills dissolve in timelapse. Dissolution is a complex process driven both by flow and chemical concentration. Any small motion in the water helps erode the Keep reading
The Shaky Life of a Droplet
An evaporating drop of ouzo goes through several stages due to the interactions of oil, alcohol and water. If you turn the situation around by placing a drop of (blue-dyed) Keep reading
Carbonation in Microgravity
Bubbly beverages are popular among humans, but there’s surprising complexity underlying their seemingly simply carbonation, as explored in a new Physics Today article. Most drinks get their bubbles from carbon dioxide, Keep reading