The world is drowning in plastic. About 60% of the more than 8,700 million metric tonnes of plastic ever made is no longer in use, instead sat mostly in landfill or released to the environment. That equals over 400kg of plastic waste for every one of the 7.6 billion people on the planet.

One reason for this is that many plastics are not recyclable in our current system. And even those that are recyclable still go to landfill eventually.

Plastics cannot be recycled infinitely, at least not using traditional techniques. Most are only given one new lease of life before they end up in the earth, the ocean or an incinerator. But there is hope in a different form of recycling known as chemical recycling.

Traditional physical or mechanical recycling typically grinds down plastic into smaller parts that are then mixed and moulded together to create lower grade plastic products. Chemical recycling, on the other hand, breaks the plastic down to the molecular level, making available platform molecules that can then be used to make other materials. Its early days for this idea but, in principle, it could open up a whole range of opportunities.

Plastics are a broad classification of materials known as polymers, which are made from small monomer building block molecules composed mostly from carbon and hydrogen. The challenge in chemically recycling plastic involves finding the right techniques to break down and reconstitute the material into a variety of end products while minimizing waste.

All this needs to be done in a productive, economic, large-scale and carbon-neutral way. The eventual solution should create less harm than the problem it is trying to solve.

The monomers that make up plastics can take a variety of shapes and sizes: some are straight lines, some are branched and some have rings. The ways that they are bonded together determines the plastics material properties, including how easy it is to break them down, their melting temperatures and so forth.

Conventional recycling just breaks plastic into small pellets. ImagineStock/Shutterstock

In the most simple terms, breaking chemical bonds is all a matter of energy. Plastics are largely very stable materials so they generally need a good deal of energy to break them down, usually in the form of heat to cause a process called pyrolysis. You can have more precise control over the breakdown using the right catalyst, a material that sparks the chemical reaction from a specific location in the polymer chain.

One example of a catalyst is the type of biological molecule known as an enzyme. These occur in living organisms and play a vital part in processes in the body such as digestion. There are up to 50 known plastivore micro-organisms that can digest plastic because they contain enzymes that help break it down.

But using these natural processes can be challenging because you have to keep the biological organisms alive, so they require very specific conditions such as temperature and pH levels, and they often take a long time to complete the process. However, with more research they might be used commercially in the future.

Other catalysts can work quite quickly. For example, my colleagues and I have demonstrated that its possible to use iron nanoparticles to help turn black plastic (one of the most difficult types to recycle) into carbon nanotubes in a matter of moments. We were then able to use this new material to build electrical components such as data cables to transmit information to a speaker system to play music.

There is a global effort in this growing field to develop new techniques. Research has shown you can chemically recycle old cooking oil (a natural polymer) into a biodegradable resin for use in 3D printers. Other waste materials such as food, rubber and plastics can be used to rapidly produce graphene (a one-atom-thick form of carbon). Scientists have also developed a way to repeatedly recycle bioplastics instead of leaving them to slowly biodegrade and release carbon dioxide.

Chemical recycling could compliment mechanical recycling, especially for problem materials in physical recycling such as thin films and microplastics. These get trapped in the grinding machinery because of their small size and strength, causing the whole system to get stuck, slow down or even stop entirely and need cleaning. The grinders cant work on thin films, let alone microplastic materials that are hundreds of times smaller.

Many of these techniques have been demonstrated in the laboratory and there are several companies now doing this at a commercial level. These processes take time, expertise and money. But until we stop using plastics this a growing field of opportunity for investment to develop a circular carbon economy thanks to the use of chemical recycling of plastics.

This article is republished from The ConversationbyAlvin Orbaek White, Senior Lecturer in The College of Engineering, Swansea Universityunder a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Read next: The coronavirus pandemic shouldn't legitimize permanent surveillance after the crisis

Read our daily coverage on how the tech industry is responding to the coronavirus and subscribe to our weekly newsletter Coronavirus in Context.

For tips and tricks on working remotely, check out our Growth Quarters articles here or follow us on Twitter.

Here is the original post:
Chemical recycling could be the solution to plastic pollution - The Next Web

Chemistry is packed with representations that describe unseen phenomena. One example is the electron-pushing formalism within the language of organic chemistry. Here, curly arrows represent the flow of electrons during a reaction, beginning at non-bonding electrons, or electrons in a bond, and pointing towards an electron-deficient atom.

Educators at the University of Ottawa in Canada have previously developed an open access, online module called Organic mechanisms: mastering the arrows. It supports students fluency in the electron-pushing formalism. The module was designed based on an extensive literature review and new research, which involved analysing thousands of typical mechanistic questions and the ways students tackle them.

Significantly, this module teaches students strategies found to be successful. For example, one advantageous method is the mapping strategy, where students label carbons in the chains of reactants and products with numbers. This helps them to compare the structures. The module also develops metacognitive skills to help students identify what they currently know, what they need to know and how to plan their learning.

In a new study, the Ottowa-based team assess the effectiveness of their online module in the context of a single, hour-long session. In particular, they focus on whether students are better prepared for two types of question: questions that ask students to draw the arrows, given the starting materials and products of a reaction step; and questions that ask them to draw the products, given the starting materials and electron-pushing arrows for that step.

The study participants were first years on chemistry-focused degrees. They worked through the online material either individually, in pairs or in small groups. An additional cohort of students who did not use the online module served as a control.

The researchers, led by Myriam Carle, used pre- and post-testing to measure the change in student performance on organic chemistry questions. They gleaned additional information through analysing students problem-solving strategies and frequent errors.

The study found that students who used the Mastering the arrows module had significant learning gains. Moreover, these students used effective problem-solving strategies more frequently.

See the article here:
Mastering organic chemistry reactions | News - Education in Chemistry

(TEHRAN, Iran) The false belief that toxic methanol cures the coronavirus has seen over 700 people killed in Iran, an official said Monday. That represents a higher death toll than so far released by the Iranian Health Ministry.

An adviser to the ministry, Hossein Hassanian, said that the difference in death tallies is because some alcohol poisoning victims died outside of hospital.

Some 200 people died outside of hospitals, Hassanian told The Associated Press.

Alcohol poisoning has skyrocketed by ten times over in Iran in the past year, according to a government report released earlier in April, amid the coronavirus pandemic. The national coroners authority said that alcohol poisoning killed 728 Iranians between Feb. 20 and April 7. Last year there were only 66 deaths from alcohol poisoning, according to the report.

Separately, the Iranian health ministry spokesman, Kianoush Jahanpour said that 525 people have died from swallowing toxic methanol alcohol since Feb. 20, state TV reported on Monday. Jahanpour said that a total of 5,011 people had been poisoned from methanol alcohol.

He added that some 90 people have lost their eye sight or are suffering eye damage from the alcohol poisoning. (Hassanian also said the final tally of people who lost their eye sight could be much higher.)

Iran is facing the worst coronavirus outbreak in the Middle East with 5,806 deaths and more than 91,000 confirmed cases.

Read more: People Are Dying Left and Right. Inside Irans Struggle to Contain Its Coronavirus Outbreak

Methanol cannot be smelled or tasted in drinks. It causes delayed organ and brain damage. Symptoms include chest pain, nausea, hyperventilation, blindness and even coma.

In Iran, the government mandates that manufacturers of toxic methanol add an artificial color to their products so the public can tell it apart from ethanol, the kind of alcohol that can be used in cleaning wounds. Ethanol is found in alcoholic beverages, though its production is illegal in Iran.

Some bootleggers in Iran use methanol, adding a splash of bleach to mask the added color before selling it as drinkable. Methanol also can contaminate traditionally fermented alcohol.

The consumption of alcohol is generally prohibited in Iran. However, minority Christians, Jews and Zoroastrians can drink alcoholic beverages in private.

Following the coronavirus outbreak, Irans government announced it would issue permission for new alcohol factories quickly. Iran has currently some 40 alcohol factory that have been allocated for pharmaceutical and sanitizing items.

Already before the outbreak, the Iranian economy was struggling under severe U.S. sanctions blocking the sale of its crude oil abroad.

For your security, we've sent a confirmation email to the address you entered. Click the link to confirm your subscription and begin receiving our newsletters. If you don't get the confirmation within 10 minutes, please check your spam folder.

Contact us at editors@time.com.

More:
False Belief That Poison Cures COVID Kills Over 700 Iranians - TIME

In 2014, the water supply to the city of Flint, Michigan was switched from the Detroit system to the Flint river to cut costs. Improper treatment of the water supply led to issues with water quality and serious consequences for the health and wellbeing of residents.

The water was contaminated, and Flint residents were being poisoned.

Low chlorine levels in the water system led to an outbreak of Legionnaires disease that spread to 100 people and killed 12. The contaminated water also corroded old pipes, leaching lead a neurotoxin that can cause irreversible damage to neurological and cognitive function in children into the supply. Dangerously high levels of lead have been found in the blood of children from areas where the water was shown to be unsafe.

And one of the reasons we know about what happened in Flint? Citizen science, combined with community activism.

Flint resident LeAnne Walters was one of the first to have high levels of lead confirmed in her home supply after her tap water ran brown. After months of educating herself about Flint water systems, she reached out to Marc Edwards, a professor of civil and environmental engineering from Virginia Tech. Edwards supplied Walters with hundreds of testing kits, so that residents could collect water samples, and agreed to run analyses in his laboratory.

Without a citywide sampling event that was led by Flint residents the Flint water crisis never would have been recognised, says Edwards, who was awarded the AAAS Scientific Freedom and Responsibility Award for his collaborations with Flint residents. Without data, youre just another person with an opinion.

Edwards explains that the three-bottle testing kit used by Flint citizen scientists was much more sophisticated than the one-bottle test typically performed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The team collected samples when the tap was switched on and then after 45 seconds and three minutes. He believes the data gathered enabled the team to communicate better public health information than the government agencies.

The community leaders of the project displayed fierce dedication. You cant say enough about how hard they worked and how smart they were, says Edwards. The teams not only collected representative water samples, they also implemented safety measures to prevent anyone from tampering with the samples. That became important later, when the integrity of our methods was challenged, explains Edwards.

Controls, checks and balances are imperative in all forms of science. Community projects are no different, particularly when the stakes are so high.

While the vast majority of citizen scientists performed their duties diligently and with the highest ethical standards, one resident was found to have deliberately enhanced the levels of lead in their drinking water. They reported inordinately high lead concentrations, despite no known lead pipes leading to their property. An investigation revealed that lead fishing weights added to the plumbing had skewed the results considerably.

While shocking, Edwards didnt find this to be especially surprising, particularly because the crisis put billions of dollars [in compensation] in front of a vulnerable and poor community. Hes also pragmatic about issues of misconduct in citizen science, as stated in an article he co-authored about the lessons learned from the Flint project: No-one is above the temptation to cheat, whether citizen or scientist those who view citizens as incorruptible paragons of wisdom and virtue are at least as misguided as those who believe the same of scientists and engineers.

The experiences in Flint informed the design of a follow-up citizen science project that aims to build a better understanding of the pipes within residences across the US: Crowd The Tap. Led by citizen science expert Caren Cooper from North Carolina State University and funded by the EPA, Cooper says the project promotes access to safe drinking water by assisting individuals and groups in creating inventories of pipe materials that deliver drinking water to homes.

I think that Flint raised a lot of awareness about the fact that lead contamination in water comes from the infrastructure itself. There really is not a good handle on where there are still lead pipes, she adds.

The project applies a bottom up approach to science rather than the top down approach thats reliant on government agencies to provide testing and data. Participants enter data about their homes, using magnets to identify steel pipes or simple coin scratch tests to find lead. The hope is to empower tenants and owners to take steps to improve the safety of their drinking water.

A lot of times, data doesnt speak for itself, explains Cooper. So, I think usually it combines well with some sort of community activism. And Cooper believes that data and community values, taken together, is what should inform policy.

All science takes place in a societal context where there are priorities, values and subjectivity, but Cooper believes that we can still follow an objective process when collecting and analysing data.

I agree at the confluence of crowdsourced data and activism theres an exciting opportunity for positive social change.

Read more:
How Flint tapped in to community action | Opinion - Chemistry World

The NBA is a league of change. Recent roster turnover has been spurred by a number of factors, from an inflated salary cap and shorter, more exorbitant contracts, to restless owners, to star players progressively embracing their own power. Teams have been forced, at breakneck speed, to become comfortable with being uncomfortable.

Before the NBA went on hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic, chaos was its new normal: compelling, delightful and anxiety-inducing. But the constant shuffle also sparked an existential question among hundreds of affected players, coaches and front office executives: How can chemistry be fostered in an increasingly erratic era of impatience, load management, reduced practice time and youthful inexperience?

Every year you have six new teammates, Houston Rockets guard Austin Rivers said in an interview with SB Nation. Its like gaw-lly! In some ways you wish that would stop.

Its a new NBA, man. Guys are playing on a new team every year now, and it has nothing to do with how good of a player you are, its just how the NBA is. I have teammates whove played on eight, nine teams. I mean, thats fucking nuts. I dont ever want to go through something like that. (Rivers is 27 years old, and on his fourth team in seven NBA seasons.)

Over the past six months, dozens of players, coaches and executives across the NBA spoke with SB Nation about the state of the leagues chemistry, and why creating cohesiveness now is more difficult and demanding than ever before. Their responses sketched a blurry future for the league.

Its amazing how fast players change in todays NBA, Indiana Pacers general manager Chad Buchanan said. From when I got over here two years ago, Myles [Turner] is the only player whos still here.

Last summer, nearly half of the leagues talent pool swapped jerseys. Seemingly every roster in the league was forced to learn complicated new personality quirks and on-court tendencies. Honed locker room dynamics and hierarchies changed dramatically.

Chicago Bulls forward Thaddeus Young has played for four teams in the last six years after spending his first seven with the Philadelphia 76ers. Few people know better just how precious chemistry can be.

With how the salary cap is going, teams are not locking themselves into long-term deals anymore, where they have four to six guys on four-year deals, Young said. Its definitely tough because you dont know each other. The communication is gonna be off. The teams that you came from before, you might be driving the basketball and you might be used to a guy being in the corner and that guy might not be in the corner.

The NBA may be long past being able to reverse the course of roster turnover, but teams are doing their best to mitigate any downsides. The teams that have done the best job tend to think of chemistry in two buckets: personal and performance. The former contains how players interact away from the game, and the latter contains what happens on the court. However, personal chemistry often informs performance, and vice versa. Once players are comfortable off the court, their on-court relationship improves.

Take Los Angeles Lakers forward Jared Dudley, for example.

When I got here Id turn the ball over throwing to our centers because they expected a lob, Dudley said. I dont really throw lobs, Im more of a bounce passer.

Dudley solved his problem by initiating conversations with LAs big men, verbalizing his own in-game habits so that everyone could get on the same page. Not all NBA players feel so comfortable expressing themselves, however. Especially when an on-court situation is more complex than what to do on basic pick-and-rolls.

When the personal chemistry exists, the performance chemistry is often very easy because the performance chemistry is sometimes a function of hard conversations, one Western Conference GM said. The personal chemistry allows a guy to say, Hey man, in the second quarter last night there were like four straight defensive possessions where four of us were back in transition and you werent. You really put a ton of pressure on us to cover a five-on-four when you were lobbying the officials for a call. It took you forever to get off the deck. Come on, man.

Over the past 20 years, no organization has been more conscious of team chemistry than San Antonio. The Spurs are also far and away the modern eras most influential organization: Nearly one third of the leagues rival head coaches and front office executives can be traced back to head coach Gregg Popovich.

Drafting multiple Hall of Famers undoubtedly factored into the Spurs success, but their efforts to maintain an open atmosphere for stars and role players alike one that obsessed over values of tolerance, respect and empathy also separated them from everyone else.

However, San Antonios year-to-year continuity is also becoming progressively rarer, if not extinct. When Chicago Bulls head coach Jim Boylen was a Spurs assistant during the 2014-15 season, they had brought back 14 members of the previous years 15-man roster.

And of those guys, a bunch of them had been together for years, Boylen said. Now theres approximately 6.5 new guys per team. Thats unheard of.

To ignore San Antonios sprawling influence would be like praising observational comedy and never once mentioning Jerry Seinfeld. But even the Spurs are vulnerable in a league where turnover is the status quo. Prior to the 2018-19 season, they traded Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green, and lost in the first round of the playoffs for the second year in a row. Prior to this seasons hiatus, they were on track for their first losing record in 21 years.

The Spurs dont have an advantage anymore, Dudley said. We all have a disadvantage. Now its who has the most talent. Talent is gonna win out. Talent and vets.

In 2012, James Tarlow was an economics student at the University of Oregon when he presented a paper titled Experience and Winning in the National Basketball Association at the MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference. Tarlow wanted to know how roster continuity relates to team chemistry, so he pulled data from 804 NBA seasons played by 30 franchises between 1979 and 2008. He defined chemistry as the number of years the five players playing the most minutes during the regular season have been on their current team with one another.

I got an actual measurement of how important [chemistry] is, Tarlow said in a conversation with SB Nation in March. And its pretty dang important. If you keep your team together its like a third of a win for a year, which, people dont appreciate that and it doesnt seem like much, but if you have a team that stuck together for several years, that turns into another game or two. Thats going to get you into another round in the playoffs.

Bill Russell once wrote, There is no time in basketball to think: This has happened; this is what I must do next. In the amount of time it takes to think through that semicolon, it is already too late.

Its an intuitive idea: The longer were around people, the better we know how theyre going to behave under certain circumstances. Just think of the short-hand forms of communication youve established with your closest friends, family members and coworkers. Those subtle gestures and glances are especially helpful in sports, where a split-second miscommunication can be the difference between winning and losing.

You go back to those San Antonio days, the winks and blinks and the nuances [where Tim] Duncan would find Tony [Parker] on a backdoor, or Manu [Ginobili] would find Timmy on a lob, that evolved over time, and lots of times [time] isnt afforded, said Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown, who spent nine years as a Spurs assistant. You need time to have that sophisticated camaraderie, gut feel, instances on a court that require split the moment decisions.

Continuity by itself doesnt lead to winning, of course. In some cases, it might only extend mediocrity. And if winning a championship is an organ
izations goal, then it should first pursue star power. But continuity is a boon to coaches, who can implement more complex strategies if theyre able to retain a core group of players year after year.

Right now with the influx of new players, youre having to really keep your playbook and your schemes at a basic level because you are teaching more, Charlotte Hornets head coach James Borrego said. Youre just starting almost at a ground level every single year in a lot of different ways, where the teams that have had success for years and years, theyre building on every single year.

The lack of in-season practice hours only compounds coaches frustrations. With shorter timeframes to fold new players into their system and culture, coaches around the league feel they need to adapt quicker than they ever had before.

As Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens joked, We get three weeks to get ready for a season, then we never practice again.

Orlando Magic head coach Steve Clifford believes that the league office did the right thing by limiting back-to-backs across every teams schedule. During his first two years as head coach of the Charlotte Hornets, they played 22 back-to-backs each season, while only 11 were on the docket this season for Orlando. But the schedule shift has hurt in unforeseen ways.

When you play a back-to-back you usually get two days off, most times, right? Clifford said. So you give them a day off and then when you come in you can practice. Theyre rested, you bring referees in. You practice. You actually practice.

You never actually practice anymore like when I first got in the league, everybody had a million plays, and you had to know the plays and stuff, and now if you do its an advantage but people dont look at it like that.

A side effect of so much player movement may be a simplification of the product. NBA teams have evolved to emphasize an up-and-down, free-flowing style of play that is largely the byproduct of an analytical revolution to prioritize threes, layups and free throws. Modern basketball is filled with pick-and-roll heavy offensive actions that dont require the same on-court intimacy as a stockpile of elaborate set plays.

My gut tells me that roster turnover is whats causing the thinning of playbooks, one western conference general manager said. And the thinning of playbooks is whats causing this standardization of playing style.

Players feel it, too. Most teams dont do anything. Really its just take the ball out the basket, pick-and-roll, and run, Rivers said. The coaches are really here to guide you now. Its crazy. Its more ATOs (after time-out plays) and out of bounds, and late clock, fourth quarter, thats when coaching really comes in play. Thats all we go over in shootaround. Most of our stuff involves defense because our offense is fucking ridiculous, man. We dont really do anything on offense.

Even teams that have gone out of their way to maintain continuitylike Cliffords Magic, which returned 85 and 82 percent of their minutes over the past two seasons, respectivelyare not immune to change, and all its myriad effects on strategy.

The game is what they wanted it to be when they changed the rules, and the level of execution is still high, obviously, Clifford said. Its not nearly the gameplanning league that it was even seven or eight years ago.

Sustained success is not possible without collaboration, and collaboration becomes habit when several contributors spend thousands of minutes battling together in the same system. The Golden State Warriors had the benefit of several superstars as they won three championships, but they also had an iron collective grasp of what they wanted to accomplish on every possession.

I think there is a level of beauty that exists with the game that is tougher to reach with the turnover, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said. For example, if Draymond [Green] ever caught the ball in the pocket off of a high screen with Steph [Curry], Andre [Iguodala] knew exactly where to go and Draymond knew exactly where he was going to be. We didnt even have to practice it. And thats why you saw, frequently, either the lob to Andre along the baseline or Andre spaced out.

NBA teams have been thinking about how to manufacture chemistry for years, long before this accelerated era. None of these billion-dollar corporations can ever be sure how well their efforts actually work, however. Their adjustments have always been based on in-game progression, but success also depends on other obvious factors, like talent, injuries and dumb luck.

A difference between then and now is that players are driving roster decisions to a greater extent. They have much more leverage within organizations, and the biggest stars can take their talent elsewhere if the locker room doesnt jell quickly enough. For many teams, that means they have to proactively foster strong bonds among teammates by encouraging new and returning players to stick around the practice facility during the offseason.

The summer time is big for us, Borrego said. We cant demand it, but we encourage it Guys can really settle down and connect, really understand their teammates, understand their coaches, and its just a much more comfortable situation that allows for chemistry to be built and grown.

The Hornets also organize team dinners when theyre on the road, a practice Borrego borrowed from his time in San Antonio. When asked if those dinners are mandatory, he gave a wry smile: They are team dinners. Then there are others that happen organically on their own, and I want our players to do that. If theyre doing it on their own thats even better than me organizing something.

As one former Spur told ESPN: To take the time to slow down and truly dine with someone in this day and age Im talking a two- or three-hour dinner you naturally connect on a different level than just on the court or in the locker room. It seems like a pretty obvious way to build team chemistry, but the tricky part is getting everyone to buy in and actually want to go. You combine amazing restaurants with an interesting group of teammates from a bunch of different countries and the result is some of the best memories I have from my career.

Of course, Popovich was also good at finding players he wanted at the table.

The more you can stay together, the more the chemistry builds. But still chemistry is more a function of the character of the players than it is anything else, Popovich said. I always talk about getting over yourself. And if theres somebody in your organization that hasnt gotten over himself or herself theyre a pain in the ass and they make it harder for everybody else because they can only feel about their success. They cant be happy for somebody elses success. It has to be about them. If you dont have that then nothing else is gonna help you have chemistry. You cant make it happen.

Still, every coach tries to get everyone on the same page. As players digest their new surroundings, its important that everyone coaches, players and executives understand their expectations for one another. Rockets head coach Mike DAntoni boiled his own approach down simply: Dont ask somebody to do something they cant do. If youre gonna have to change a guy, you might not want to bring him in in the first place.

It is impossible for any team to keep all 15 players in the locker room happy at the same time; theyre human beings who are all going through their own real life issues. But a haphazard onboarding process will create headaches down the road. According to Buchanan, coaches have to be able to anticipate players questions.

Why am I not getting to do this? or Why am I not getting to play more? or Why am I not playing with that guy? or Why am I not starting?, Buchanan said. You try to get that communicated up front so the player knows what hes stepping into, because lots of times chemistry issues evolve from a lack of communication.

When general managers and coaches are unaware of loose frustrations, they risk one player venting t
o another, sewing animosity that does irreparable damage to the entire team. Left unattended, a team can spiral into soap opera.

Its not difficult to create chemistry, Atlanta Hawks head coach Lloyd Pierce said. Its more about sustaining it through the course of 82 games with so many ups and downs. Obviously [we had] some of those moments with John [Collins] being out and Kevin [Huerters] injury. Roles start to shift and some guys werent ready for it, so the frustration of that kicked in.

The Hawks have done two things to stave off that seemingly unavoidable discomfort. The first is an all-in dedication to how they play, in which everything revolves around pick-and-rolls with Trae Young and a rim-rolling big. By keeping the gameplan simple, they can plug in pieces as needed.

When Trae masters it and everybody else understands it, you know, you roll a little bit harder and you shake up a little bit better, and you slash a little bit better. Thats who we will become, Pierce said. Any big that comes to our roster [knows,] I can play here because I know Im gonna get the ball at the rim.

The Hawks also have a breakfast club that Pierce took from his time as an assistant under Brown in Philadelphia. Every time the club meets, players stand up in front of their teammates and discuss something that matters to them. Earlier this year, Collins enlightened the room with a powerpoint presentation about what it was like growing up in a military family. Huerter talked about growing up in upstate New York and losing high-school friends in a drunk-driving accident.

Former Hawks center Alex Len gave a particularly tender presentation last season that moved his head coach.

Youre barking at Alex Len. This fucking guy, he doesnt compete, he doesnt appreciate this, Pierce said. Well, Alex Len talked about why he couldnt go to the Ukraine for the last seven years. Wow, I didnt know you had such a tough time with that. Im over here fucking yelling at you for not rolling in the pick and roll. I dont know youre dealing with this Ukraine thing for the last seven years and not being able to go home and see your grandparents. My bad. Ive got to get to know you a little bit better.

Three years ago, Kings owner Vivek Ranadive asked a communications coach named Steve Shenbaum to work with his team. In 1997, Shenbaum founded a company called Game On Nation, which helps corporate executives, military personnel and government employees in addition to professional sports teams.

Within the past decade, Shenbaum has been brought in by the Lakers, Trailblazers, Nuggets. Cavaliers, Grizzlies and Mavericks, and agent Bill Duffy has asked Shenbaum to assist several of his clients, including Carmelo Anthony, Yao Ming and Greg Oden. He has more than 100 improvisational and conceptual exercises to help clients build self-awareness, selflessness, confidence and other traits that enable character development.

A favorite is called last letter, first letter, in which two teammates have a conversation with one rule: as they take turns speaking, they must start with the last letter of the other persons last word, and keep the conversation going. The exercise forces both parties to listen, let one another finish and focus in ways they otherwise might not.

My hope is I am planting seeds and empowering the players and the staff to take what theyve experienced and run with it and multiply it, Shenbaum said. I want them to see each other in another light.

Shenbaum has many telltale signs of good and bad chemistry, but a big one is how well veterans are buying in. In a league thats getting younger and younger, its imperative that older players command respect in the locker room and impose a will to succeed.

Dudley believes veterans who might not even be in a rotation can earn their money by bringing everyone together in ways a coach or GM cant. During his one year in Brooklyn, he organized dinners, trips to the movies, parties and other events away from the game that involved the whole team.

Then, when we were in film sessions and I would call them out, they took it as love and not criticism, Dudley said. Youre developing a relationship and then you can tell them, Spencer [Dinwiddie] or a guy who thinks he should play more, this is why youre not playing. This is your role for this team. Rondae [Hollis-Jefferson], he got benched: Hey Rondae, for you to stay in the league, this is what you gotta do. On this team youre not a starter anymore but theres gonna be times they call on you. He stayed ready.

Almost everyone interviewed for this story agreed that chemistry cant be forced. Players on contending teams have to go through organic hardships together before they can become comfortable enough for the difficult conversations that facilitate progress. Some teams dont believe its necessary or appropriate to ask their players to spend more time together than they already do. They believe that players should figure out issues among themselves, and that a front offices biggest role is doing good background research on everybody they bring aboard. Coaches are there to take a teams disparate pieces and position them to succeed.

I think everybodys budgets on team meals now has skyrocketed league wide because of the San Antonio Spurs, Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra laughed. The more important thing is getting a team on the same sheet of music about your style of play and an identity on both ends of the court, understanding whats important, what the standards are, the expectations, role clarity. These things fasttrack, in my mind, chemistry. Its always nice if guys like each other and they go out to eat on the road, have dinner together. But that doesnt guarantee anything.

Spoelstra knew early on that Jimmy Butlers oft-misunderstood persona would have no trouble fitting in with several players on Miamis roster because they all shared the same sense of duty.

Ive noticed with Goran and Jimmy in particular, they have such a beautiful on-court chemistry because theyre in their 30s, theyre only about winning right now. They dont care about anything else. If you want to define on-court chemistry, in my mind its how willing are you to help somebody else. And how willing and able are you to enjoy somebody elses success when it happens.

The character vs. talent debate isnt new among NBA decision-makers. But going forward, we may see teams value the former more than they have.

If you get a group of four new players who you bring onto your team and theyre all team-first, unselfish, competitive, self-motivated players, theres a decent chance that the chemistry is gonna have a chance to be good, Buchanan said. Doing a ropes course, thats great in theory and may work for a business, but professional athletes, they develop chemistry by knowing they can trust each other because theyve been together through tough times on the court.

Chemistry is worth deep investment, but perhaps it can be overanalyzed, too.

We try to make the simple complicated at times, ESPN NBA analyst Jeff Van Gundy said. Going out to dinner is a far different chemistry than playing chemistry. You read a lot about, We play paintball together. Who gives a shit, you know?

I dont believe its the reason why a team is either good or not good. I think youve gotta get great players, and when you have them you gotta try and keep them.

There are endless ways to cultivate chemistry, but teams can still only guess at what will work in every situation. Statistics arent a good guide. They cant quantify personality flaws or gauge emotional intelligence. When intuition is the best way to make a decision, some front office executives lean too hard on what they can measure instead.

I think a lot of these GMs, they really dont take [chemistry] into consideration, Utah Jazz center Ed Davis said. Theyre starting to treat the NBA like 2K and more just looking at numbers instead of, are these two players going to get along? And I think youre gonna start seeing GMs lose their jobs.

Top-tier skill, athleticis
m and on-court awareness is very often the bottom line for NBA teams, but those still trying to crack chemistrys mysteries have good reason to believe they arent running a fools errand, as vulnerable as their circumstances may make them feel.

Theres something very powerful about newness, Shenbaum said. And if you embrace it early, whether its a new coach, five new players, the star left, if you embrace it early you can actually create a very authentic bond.

Defining chemistry can feel like trying to catch the wind. It is omnipresent and elusive at the same time. Until the NBAs best and brightest crack the formula, they will have to deal with increasing levels of uncertainty in what was already an uncertain business.

Time will tell if NBA teams ever learn how to overcome their mounting challenges from the shifting ways teams are built, to how on-court strategy is implemented, to the quality of the game itself. But theres no denying that chemistry is a force multiplier, complex and intractable. And in an era of basketball that demands urgency more than ever, that fact can be frightening.

A lot of players and teams will continue to fail in familiar ways, well-laid plans crumbling because players, coaches and executives never understood each other on or off the court. Only now, they may not realize their mistakes until they find themselves starting all over. Again.

See more here:
The NBA has a chemistry problem - SB Nation

Hydrogen is the renewable fuel that could eliminate the biggest source of demand for fossil fuelsthe transportation industry. It is the star in a script for a hydrogen economy built on electrolysis, the process that yields emission-free hydrogen fuel. And now, this script has come a step closer to reality thanks to a new material.

A team of scientists from Northwestern University said this month they had developed an ultraporous material that can be used for storing hydrogen. Storage is one of the challenges hydrogen needs to overcome before becoming a mainstream fuel, and the NU material may go a long way towards solving this problem.

The problem comes down to the cost and safety of storing hydrogen.

The most abundant chemical element in the universe can be stored either as a compressed gas or as a liquid. Both methods are costly and, more importantly, they carry risks because of the immense pressure of a hydrogen tank due to its high flammability.

To address this problem, the Northwestern University team set out to develop a new material, something called a metal-organic framework, or MOF, that could store a lot more hydrogen than other adsorbent materials much more cheaply, and much more safely, the team said in a news release.

Premium: Irans Plan To Lure The U.S. Into War

What is a MOF? In this case, it is a framework of organic molecules and metal ions that self-assemble into a multidimensional, ultraporous structure. As the lead author of the project, associate professor Omar K. Farha says, envision a set of Tinkertoys in which the metal ions or clusters are the circular or square nodes and the organic molecules are the rods holding the nodes together.

As an illustration of what the material is capable of, the authors report that a sample of one gram has a volume equal to the volume of six M&Ms andwait for ita surface area equal to 1.3 football fields. Thats some surface area right there.

We can store tremendous amounts of hydrogen and methane within the pores of the MOFs and deliver them to the engine of the vehicle at lower pressures than needed for current fuel cell vehicles, Farha says.

That could be one hydrogen economy problem almost solved, which would be a major step in the right direction. There is a lot of promise being heaped on hydrogen: early 2017 saw the launch of the Hydrogen Council, a group involving several leading automakers as well as Shell and Total, seeking ways to make hydrogen more commercially viable. The council allocated $1.4 billion on the development of energy storage and fuel cell project development until 2020, and expressed high hopes for the future.

That may be petty cash compared to any Big Oils investment plan for any given year, but it sent a message that hydrogen is going to feature more in the worlds energy mix. However, it has yet to take over gasoline and diesel, even with the storage problem solved thanks to the new material. For starters, hydrogen is a lot more expensive than gasoline and diesel. So are hydrogen cars compared to gasoline cars. Right now, they are being made more affordable with massive subsidies, but China recently showed the world how much a subsidy bill could swell if you dont plan for the long term when it canceled solar farm subsidies because it could no longer afford them.

Premium: Oil Storage Nears Its Limit

And then there is the cost of production. Not all hydrogen is made equal. In fact, there are three varieties, depending on what source material is used to produce the element. There is grey hydrogen, produced from coal and natural gas, there is blue hydrogen, made from natural gas, and theres green hydrogen, the truly renewable sort, produced via water electrolysis. Currently, the blue version is the cheapest one, but clean energy purists are pushing for more green hydrogen.

According to the Hydrogen Council, the continuous scale-up of hydrogen production and distribution could lead to a 50-percent decline in costs by 2030 for many hydrogen applications, making green hydrogen competitive with other low-carbon alternatives and, in some cases, even conventional options. On the flip side, this would require investments of some $70 billion.

There is also the issue of fueling stations. For now, these are few and very far between. Yet if hydrogen is to become a mainstream fuel, billions would need to be spent on a dense enough network of fueling stations. With hydrogen car sales at a meager 7,500 last year, however, such investment is likely considered a high-risk one, despite the subsidies.

So, it seems that it will yet be a while before the hydrogen economy replaces the old fossil fuel order in the world. But the ultraporous MOF that the researchers from Northwestern developed is not just for hydrogen. The material can also be used to store methane and use it to power vehicles. Maybe at some point, it could be used to deliver methane for other purposes, such as heating and power generation.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:

Go here to read the rest:
Our Most Abundant Chemical Is The Future Of Fuel - OilPrice.com

Filming sex scenes was a new experience for Edgar-Jones and filming anything at all was new for her co-lead, Paul Mescal, 24, who is primarily a theatre actor.

It was very strange because I felt that [Paul Mescal] was Connell and I knew everything about him.

Over time, says Edgar-Jones, the M-rated intimate scenes, which are key to the unfolding of the narrative, became just another part of the filming schedule. Well, almost. They are odd. It is the most strange thing that you [shoot those scenes] and then you go off to lunch with everyone and have a jacket potato and chat about nothing.

Rooneys novel is about an intense on-again-off-again relationship between Marianne and Connell, who fall in love in their final year of school in a village in Irelands County Sligo and go on to attend Trinity College in Dublin. Mariannes family is wealthy and abusive; Connell is the product of a working class single-parent household with complications of its own. At school, she is a whip-smart social pariah with a sharp tongue; he a popular athlete who also owns a very big brain. As time passes, the social cache of each character shifts, and a beautifully rendered series of misunderstandings thwart their relationship. The book has been variously described as an exquisite romance, a great Millennial novel and a compulsive read.

Normal People reveals the tender but complicated first love between two teenagers in Ireland.Credit:Stan

Rooney who co-wrote the script for the first six episodes and was also an executive producer devotes much of the novel to stating exactly whats going on in her characters heads, which is often in frustrating contrast to what they say and do. This interiority presented both challenges and benefits when it came to the screen adaptation.

It is quite tricky to communicate a lot of the unspoken stuff, says Edgar-Jones. But also we were so lucky because when else do you have your characters psyche written out in such insane detail?

Watching unspoken thoughts and feelings pass subtly across Edgar-Joness pale, dark-eyed face is one of the many pleasures of the early episodes of the series and its easy to forget that a camera would have been right up in her grill at the time.

So long, Marianne ... Daisy Edgar-Jones in her first lead role in Normal People.Credit:Stan

The early episodes were directed by Lenny Abrahamson, the Irish film director and screenwriter who won numerous awards for his 2015 film, Room. Edgar-Jones says he has a real knack for using the camera to illuminate a characters perspective and thoughts.

There was this one shot called 'the special' where the camera would be like really close, just roaming, she says, holding her hands up to her face like an open book and moving them around. It would be right up close and youd have to stop worrying about your moustache and just get on with it.

The later episodes of the series were directed by Hettie Macdonald, who has a host of TV directing credits to her name, including The Tunnel, Fortitude, Howards End and "Blink", the episode of Dr Who, from the David Tennant years, that many critics have lauded as the shows best. Each episode of Normal People runs for an undeniably TV-esque 30 minutes, but the overall pacing and production values are decidedly cinematic.

Rooneys involvement with the screen adaptation of her novel went well beyond co-writing the script. She was involved in everything from casting to critiquing the rushes. In her second year at university Trinity, like her characters Rooney won the European University Debating Championships and, in profiles, comes across as intensely cerebral and articulate, someone who would not be backward about coming forward with a scathing opinion.

Edgar-Jones concurs with this impression of Rooney. Yes, she sounds quite terrifying I was so worried because she is so intelligent and I am a big fan and quite easily intimidated by people to be honest so I was like oh, I am just going to crumble.

The pair met several times during production and as it turned out Rooney was absolutely lovely" says Edgar-Jones. "She is quite like Connell, like wholesome and lovely, just normal and approachable. Its interesting, isnt it?

I met her for the first time at the read through. It was a bit of a scary time and Sally came up to me and said this is crazy isnt it, like absolutely mad. It must have been mad for her, too. She has created these characters in her front room and then its being read out loud and talked about by a group of strangers.

Loading

Abrahamson has said that finding actors with the vital on-screen chemistry to play Marianne and Connell took some time. Edgar-Jones had binge read and fallen in love with Normal People before she was called in for a chemistry read with Mescal, who had already been cast as Connell some weeks prior. She really wanted the role by then. She walked into the audition room, she says, and it was very strange because I felt that [Mescal] was Connell and I knew everything about him. I was nervous, but as soon as we started doing the scenes it just felt very easy and very natural, and I started to enjoy it.

The pair read through one of the more serious interchanges between Marianne and Connell, and when they finished all the panel were crying, and I was like hmmm, thats a good sign, says Edgar-Jones.

Fans of the book who watch the series should be able to surrender their preconceived ideas about Marianne and Connell without too much heartache. Mescal and Edgar-Jones performances are accomplished and their bond convincing. As Abrahamson has said: I believe people who know and love the book will feel the series is a very faithful transposition of the novel onto screen.

Normal People premieres on Stan on April 27. (Stan and this masthead is owned by Nine.)

Lissa Christopher has more years experience as an editor and writer with The Sydney Morning Herald than she cares to count, and is now a print and digital producer for Traveller. Shes a glamper not a camper and wherever she travels she likes to start eating as soon as possible after making it through passport control.

View post:
Chemistry is key to the TV adaptation of Sally Rooney's Normal People - Sydney Morning Herald

UPDATE 10:30 a.m. : Eau Claire police say people can return to their homes and businesses.

UPDATEEau Claire (WQOW) - According to the DNR, the truck that tipped was hauling 26,000 pounds of ammonium nitrate, 300 gallons of diesel and an unknown amount of dynamite.

Also per the DNR, local HAZMAT and airport HAZMAT are enroute and rougly 8,000 pounds of fertilizer has spilled. They also say a unknown amount of diesel spilled through a small hole in the tank.

Two storm drains are in the area and potentially impacted.

UPDATEEau Claire (WQOW) - Eau Claire police say a truck hauling hazardous material has tipped on Highway 53 near Interstate 94.

Eau Claire police tell News 18 the truck was hauling ammonium nitrate.

Because of that, police say they are evacuating all homes and businesses within 1/3 mile radius of the crash.

That includes residences in the Gatehouse Drive and House Road area and businesses in the Bullis Farm Road area.

Eau Claire (WQOW) - A stretch of HWY 53 is closed this morning due to an accident according to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.

All lanes on HWY 53 on a stretch from Golf Road to the I-94 interchange are closed.

No word on how long the closure will be in place.

Originally posted here:
UPDATE: People can return to homes and businesses following chemical spill - WQOW TV News 18

With 35 years of rock n roll under our belts, you know weve got some stories to share. Through the wildest cover shoots with Slipknot, AFI, My Chemical Romance and more, we made it through the trenches and lived to tell the tales.

After creating our greatest hits cover featuring the likes of Hayley Williams of Paramore, twenty one pilots, Fall Out Boy and Awsten Knight of Waterparks, we werent finished yet. This extremely special issue revisits some of your favorite artists and their most memorable cover stories with Alternative Press. But how could we create an entire issue dedicated to the greatest hits artists and not include My Chemical Romance? The answer is obvious: We couldnt.

From their inception in 2001 to their faux blood-spattered photo shoots that became more of a death wish than a desire, we sat down with My Chemical Romancein 2010 ahead of the release of Danger Days: The True Lives Of The Fabulous Killjoys. Unbeknownst to us, the group had far more happening than what would become their final record upon their disbandment in 2013. Who else has a T-shirt that says California 2019 on it and never made the connection? Yes, Frank Iero, we know youre pointing your finger at us, and were laughing along with you.

From issue 258, My Chemical Romance detail the songs and album that they would eventually scrap in place of Danger Days. Upon returning to the states from their stint at the Summer Sonic festival, MCR were hit with an abrupt reality check. The songs and album (21 tracks) that they had planned and poured thousands of dollars into werent what Gerard Way had envisioned, and the group were in search of a fresh perspective. Through the encouragement of his mentor Grant Morrison, Way retooled both the story arc and personas of the Killjoys into a conceptualized, post-apocalyptic record. This would become Danger Days.

Unlike anything the group had done before, Danger Days was their most daring feat and creative album to date, but it would also come with a price. Straying from their post-hardcore and, more notably, emo roots that their fans had grown accustomed to, Danger Days challenged everything the band had released previously. And, in turn, challenged their fans to take a leap of faith with them on their new journey into Battery City.

So, look alive, sunshine. This ones for all of you rock n rollers, all you crash queens and motor babies. My Chemical Romances 2010 cover featured in issue 258 is now available in issue 386 to add to your MCRmy shrine. Dont call us out on that punwe know what we did.

Follow this link:
My Chemical Romance had to find a fresh perspective for 'Danger Days' - Alternative Press

When you think about it, the cannabis plant is a pretty amazing specimen. Not only do these green leafy plants have the potential to boost creativity and productivity in an individual, but they also have some amazing medical uses for conditions ranging from Alzheimers Disease to eating disorders.

Whether youre more interested in the recreational uses of marijuana or youre looking for relief from pain, anxiety, or another common medical condition, the marvels of marijuana all come down to one thing: trichomes.

Trichomes are the tiny hairs that line the outer surface of plants, and they are often referred to as the chemical factories of cannabis.

In this guide to trichomes, learn all about this tiny yet powerful part of the cannabis plant and why it plays such a vital role in both recreational and medical marijuana use.

What Are Trichomes?

The official definition states that trichomes from the Greek (trichma) meaning hair, are fine outgrowths or appendages on plants, algae, lichens, and certain protists. They are of diverse structure and function.

These small (virtually microscopic) hairlike structures resemble tiny crystals at first glance, but when examined more closely, its obvious that they have a mushroom-like shape. They cover the surface of a cannabis plants leaves and buds and tend to be shiny and sticky.

What Is the Importance of Trichomes?

Trichomes are nothing short of beautiful, giving a plant a crystal-like appearance that glitters and gleams under the light. But their function is so much more than aesthetic. Aside from creating sparkle and shininess that resembles a blanket of frost, trichomes serve many different purposes.

Defense Mechanism

First and foremost, trichome production in plants is done as a defense mechanism against harmful things in the surrounding environment, like insects, animals, and UV rays. Trichomes taste extremely bitter and tend to give off a skunky smell, so animals are quickly turned off and leave the plant untouched.

By covering the surface of the more vulnerable parts of the plant, trichomes also protect against environmental harms like too much sunlight, extreme heat, strong winds, and even some forms of fungal pathogens.

Water Absorption

Another important function of trichomes is the absorption of water and minerals that are required by a plant to survive. Of course, the root system is more vital for water and nutrient absorption, but trichomes help to keep water in to keep the plant hydrated.

Cannabinoid & Terpene Production

This last function is arguably the most important function of trichomes, at least to humans. In order to perform their other functions and stay protected, trichomes produce a wide range of chemicals. As weed plants move into their flowering phases and start blooming, trichomes start making something called cannabinoids.

The most famous cannabinoid is THC, which is the chemical compound responsible for the high effect cannabis is known for, but there are over 100 different cannabinoids produced by these tiny hairs.

Trichomes are also responsible for producing terpenes, which are the aromatic compounds found in many plants. Terpenes are responsible for those pungent smells that cannabis is known for, and without trichomes, we wouldnt have those terpenes and unique smell/flavor profiles for different strains.

3 Types of Trichomes in Marijuana

In cannabis plants, there are 3 main types of trichomes that help to fulfill the functions listed above. Heres what they are:

1. Bulbous Trichomes

2. Capitate Sessile Trichomes

3. Capitate Stalked Trichomes

Bulbous

These are the smallest trichomes out of the 3 categories, and they can be as tiny as 10 micrometers. Youll notice small and pointed bulbous trichomes lining the entire surface of the plant, not just the leaves and buds.

Capitate Sessile

This type of trichome is slightly larger and contains a head and a stalk. Capitate sessile hairs start forming before the plant even enters the flowering phase, containing many of the lesser-known cannabinoids.

Capitate Stalked

Capitate stalked trichomes are the largest in size and they can measure as much as 100 micrometers. Although its easier and more effective to use a magnifying glass or microscope, these trichomes can be seen with the naked eye.

This type of trichome only starts forming once the plants have begun flowering. Theyre very important in the production of cannabinoids and terpenes, especially THC.

Keep in mind, you will need a digital microscope to examine these different types of trichomes more closely. You can use this guide to digital microscopes to choose a device that will magnify a plants trichomes up to 1000x.

Why Is It So Important to Monitor Trichome Lifecycle?

It can be very difficult for a grower to know exactly when its time to harvest a crop; this is where trichomes really come into play. Paying close attention to the trichome lifecycle by examining color changes can help a grower to determine exactly when its time to harvest.

Because trichomes play a major role in cannabinoid and terpene production, harvesting at the proper time when trichomes are at their peak can take the potency, aromas, and flavors of the bud to the next level. Harvesting too early or too late could result in weaker cannabinoids and terpenes, which basically means weak bud.

When Is the Ideal Time to Harvest?

The ideal time to harvest is different for everyone depending on overall preferences and strain types. It really comes down if youre looking for an energetic high or a more relaxing couch-lock effect.

The general guideline is to harvest when the majority of the trichomes (90% or more) turn from a milky white to an amber hue if you want a more relaxing effect. If you prefer the highest level of THC and just want to get high, youll want to harvest earlier when only about 70% of the trichomes have darkened to amber and the rest are still milky white.

How to Choose a Magnifying Tool for Your Trichomes

The very last trichome topic well cover is how to choose the right magnifying tool. Never rely solely on the human eye to examine trichomes and determine when its time to harvest this more often than not results in poor judgment.

A quality magnifying glass is usually enough for a beginner grower, but more advanced growers with high numbers of plants and commercial operations generally opt for a digital microscope instead.

When in doubt, its always a good idea to have both handy. Use the magnifying glass for quick peaks at the trichomes, but for more intense examination, pluck a bud and check it out under the microscope.

See the rest here:
All About Cannabis Trichomes, the Incredible Chemical Factories of Marijuana - SpaceCoastDaily.com

Humble offensive lineman Jaden Deloach going through drills.

Humble offensive lineman Jaden Deloach going through drills.

Photo: Marcus Gutierrez Staff Photo

Humble offensive lineman Jaden Deloach going through drills.

Humble offensive lineman Jaden Deloach going through drills.

Football: Young Humble team gets first chance to build chemistry with summer workouts

When Lierick Reed Jr. walked into the Humble field house on Monday to fill out paperwork and get his temperature checked before the first summer workout, he saw some familiar faces he hadnt seen in person for a while.

He said he couldnt hold back his emotions when he ran into his teammates and coaches.

FOOTBALL: Atascocita hopes to make up lost time at summer workouts

I had a smile on my face when I walked in, Reed said. They all were happy to see me, and I was happy to see them too.

Reed and the Wildcats went right back to work for the first time since spring break.

Strength and conditioning started on Monday and the Wildcats were ready to work in the Texas heat to prepare for the 2020-2021 season while following the new guidelines set forth by the UIL that preach safety and social distancing.

For instance, indoor workout facilities must stay below a maximum 25% capacity, no shared food or water is allowed and hand-sanitizing and washing stations are part of the requirements. There are also limits on the lengths of practices and the types of drills students can do.

Coach Charles West admits that the first day had some challenges, but he was happy to see his players back on the field.

This is all new to everybody, West said. Were all in the same boat because of COVID-19. Youre happy to see your kids coming in and getting a workout in. Were making sure that safety is first and reminding the kids of social distancing. Im not sure what the season will look like, but we will be ready.

Humble had a magical 2019-2020 season that ended in the regional quarterfinals, or the third round of the Class 6A Division playoffs. West secured his first two playoff wins at Humble.

Quarterback Jeremiah Knott hopes he can help the Wildcats continue their winning ways this season.

We have to remember what they did, Knott said. The legacy is riding on us now. We have to keep working and pushing, and we will get there just like they did. We just have to make sure everyone is coming to workouts because we have to build that chemistry. Thats the most important thing right now.

Humble doesnt participate in spring ball, but still lost time to workout and learn the Xs and Os of football. West said the team must recover the lost time and learn the system.

Morning Report: Get the top stories on HoustonChronicle.com sent directly to your inbox

We lost a lot of learning time in the classroom where we take a deep look at the game, West said. We work at a slow pace, and were a young team this year. We teach a lot of our philosophies and what we teach on the field. Its very important that we get that time with our kids. We didnt get that time during the school year.

Reed has been a starter on varsity since his freshman season and isnt looking for any setbacks this season.

The Wildcats are in District 21-6A, which is one of the best in the state.

Humble will face Humble ISD foes Summer Creek, Atascocita, Kingwood along with back-to-back state champions North Shore, C.E. King and Beaumont West Brook.

If we want to do what we did last year and go farther its going to take a lot more work, Reed said. We have to keep on putting the work in consistently every single day.

The weight racks are being used again in the Humble weight room, an important step to build chemistry.West believes thats where a football team can come together and build that foundation of brotherhood.

The main thing is football is a team sport, West said. The biggest thing is for them is seeing one another and building that camaraderie. Kids will individually get into shape but if a football team is training together every day, theyre going to be successful.

marcus.gutierrez@chron.com

Twitter:@MarcG14Line

Link:
Football: Young Humble team gets first chance to build chemistry with summer workouts - Chron.com

A federal grand jury indicted former Harvard chemistry chair Charles M. Lieber on two counts for making false statements to federal investigators who were examining funding he received from the Chinese government, the Department of Justice announced Tuesday.

Lieber will be arraigned at a later date. The charge of making false statements allows for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000, according to a DOJ press release.

The first count alleges that Lieber purposely told federal investigators in 2018 that he was never asked to participate in the Thousand Talents Program and that he wasnt sure how China categorized him. In fact, representatives of Wuhan University of Technology in China previously asked Lieber to participate in the Thousand Talents Program, and he signed a three-year contract as a One Thousand Talent high level foreign expert in 2012, according to charging documents.

The Chinese government established the Thousand Talents Program in 2008, hoping to attract scholars from across the world to contribute to Chinese development. The U.S. government has since said the program poses a danger to national security.

The grand jury also indicted Lieber on a second charge of making false statements for causing Harvard to tell the National Institutes of Health in 2019 that he had never participated in the Thousand Talents Program.

Federal authorities arrested Lieber on Jan. 28; Harvard placed him on paid administrative leave later that day. Lieber was released after accepting a $1 million bail agreement.

Harvard spokesperson Jason A. Newton wrote in an email that the University is reviewing the indictment.

Liebers lawyer, Marc L. Mukasey, wrote in an emailed statement that the government has this wrong.

Professor Lieber has dedicated his life to science and to his students, Mukasey wrote. Not money, not fame, just his science and his students. He is the victim in this case, not the perpetrator.

Mukasey added that his client will be fighting the charges.

When justice is done, Charlies good name will be restored and the scientific community again will be able to benefit from his intellect and passion, Mukasey wrote.

Staff writer James S. Bikales can be reached at james.bikales@thecrimson.com. Follow him on Twitter @jamepdx.

Staff writer Kevin R. Chen can be reached at kevin.chen@thecrimson.com. Follow him on Twitter @kchenx.

Continued here:
Former Chemistry Chair Lieber Indicted by Federal Grand Jury for Making False Statements Regarding Relations to China | News - Harvard Crimson

By: Pam Frey

Each year Estes Park High School gets to select the most outstanding Chemistry student to receive the American Chemical Society student of the year award. This year that honor goes to Meila Igel. She has worked hard all year, has maintained an almost perfect grade and has shown perseverance even through a cloud school setting. There is not a student more deserving of this award this year.

In a typical year the students and their families celebrate with a banquet and guest speaker and are presented a medal from ACS. With Covid-19, the in-person celebration didnt happen, but students were still recognized with their medals being mailed directly to them.

Meila is not only an outstanding student in Chemistry, but in all of her classes. She is also currently in Anatomy and Physiology and is again a phenomenal student in that class. Meila would like to pursue medicine in her future. She still has one more year of high school and has not decided where she would like to go, but is leaning towards Grand Canyon University. She was the captain of the cross-country team this year and loves to hike in her Chacos. She loves cute dogs and a really good cup of coffee. Meila has so much potential to make a difference in the world. In times like today with our current pandemic I see students like Meila as a beacon of light towards the future. She is an amazing young woman and I am excited to see how she makes her mark on the world.

Go here to read the rest:
Meila Igel Named American Chemical Society Student Of The Year - Estes Park news

New York, June 05, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Global Pine-Derived Chemical Market - Premium Insight, Competitive News Feed Analysis, Company Usability Profiles, Market Sizing & Forecasts to 2025" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p05871300/?utm_source=GNW

The report deeply explores the recent significant developments by the leading vendors and innovation profiles in the Global Pine-Derived Chemical Market including are Arakawa Chemical Industries Ltd, Arizona Chemical Company LLC, Drivs Rsiniques et Terpniques, Eastman Chemical Company, Foreverest Resources Ltd, Forchem Oyj, Guilin Songquan Forest Chemical Co. Ltd, Harima Chemicals Group, Ingevity Corp, Mentha and Allied Products Pvt Ltd, and Wuzhou Sunshine Forestry and Chemicals Co.Ltd.

On the basis of Source, the Global Pine-Derived Chemical Market is studied across Byproducts of Sulfate Pulping, Living Pine Trees, and Logs & Stumps of Dead Pine Trees.

On the basis of Type, the Global Pine-Derived Chemical Market is studied across Derivatives of CST, Gum Rosin, Gum Turpentine, Pitch, Sterols, Tall Oil Fatty Acid, and Tall Oil Rosin.

On the basis of Application, the Global Pine-Derived Chemical Market is studied across Adhesives & Sealants, Cosmetics Additives, Food Additives, Paints & Coatings, Paper & Pulp, Printing Inks, Rubber, and Surfactants.

For the detailed coverage of the study, the market has been geographically divided into the Americas, Asia-Pacific, and Europe, Middle East & Africa. The report provides details of qualitative and quantitative insights about the major countries in the region and taps the major regional developments in detail.

In the report, we have covered two proprietary models, the FPNV Positioning Matrix and Competitive Strategic Window. The FPNV Positioning Matrix analyses the competitive market place for the players in terms of product satisfaction and business strategy they adopt to sustain in the market. The Competitive Strategic Window analyses the competitive landscape in terms of markets, applications, and geographies. The Competitive Strategic Window helps the vendor define an alignment or fit between their capabilities and opportunities for future growth prospects. During a forecast period, it defines the optimal or favorable fit for the vendors to adopt successive merger and acquisitions strategies, geography expansion, research & development, new product introduction strategies to execute further business expansion and growth.

Research Methodology:Our market forecasting is based on a market model derived from market connectivity, dynamics, and identified influential factors around which assumptions about the market are made. These assumptions are enlightened by fact-bases, put by primary and secondary research instruments, regressive analysis and an extensive connect with industry people. Market forecasting derived from in-depth understanding attained from future market spending patterns provides quantified insight to support your decision-making process. The interview is recorded, and the information gathered in put on the drawing board with the information collected through secondary research.

The report provides insights on the following pointers:1. Market Penetration: Provides comprehensive information on sulfuric acid offered by the key players in the Global Pine-Derived Chemical Market 2. Product Development & Innovation: Provides intelligent insights on future technologies, R&D activities, and new product developments in the Global Pine-Derived Chemical Market 3. Market Development: Provides in-depth information about lucrative emerging markets and analyzes the markets for the Global Pine-Derived Chemical Market 4. Market Diversification: Provides detailed information about new products launches, untapped geographies, recent developments, and investments in the Global Pine-Derived Chemical Market 5. Competitive Assessment & Intelligence: Provides an exhaustive assessment of market shares, strategies, products, and manufacturing capabilities of the leading players in the Global Pine-Derived Chemical Market

The report answers questions such as:1. What is the market size of Pine-Derived Chemical market in the Global?2. What are the factors that affect the growth in the Global Pine-Derived Chemical Market over the forecast period?3. What is the competitive position in the Global Pine-Derived Chemical Market?4. Which are the best product areas to be invested in over the forecast period in the Global Pine-Derived Chemical Market?5. What are the opportunities in the Global Pine-Derived Chemical Market?6. What are the modes of entering the Global Pine-Derived Chemical Market?Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05871300/?utm_source=GNW

About ReportlinkerReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place.

__________________________

Continue reading here:
The Global Pine-Derived Chemical Market is expected to grow from USD 3,984.50 Million in 2018 to USD 5,783.26 Million by the end of 2025 at a Compound...

Leading men Hwang Jung-min (left) and Lee Jung-jae attend a press conference Friday to promote Deliver Us From Evil. (CJ Entertainment)

The two actors and the director, Hong Won-chan, held a promotional press conference Friday ahead of the films release in July.

While the 2013 film was notable for the bromance between the two actors, this time around the pair takes on an action-packed killer vs. killer chase.

Hit man In-nam, played by Hwang, completes what he believes to be his last mission only to find himself being chased by butcher Ray, played by Lee. Upon learning of a kidnapping case in Thailand, In-nam heads to Bangkok. Ray, who believes In-nam is behind his brothers death, follows.

The story is about a character who has sinned being redeemed by another character, director Hong said.

While a lot of people are excited to see the two actors team up again, it was in some ways a burden for me as a producer. I felt the pressure to portray the two actors differently.

The two characters are very different from each other and also from the actors previous roles.

Hwang said, It was fun. Just like the audience, I also felt great excitement when I faced Lee as Ray in the film. We talked a lot before the action scenes.

"Deliver Us From Evil" poster (CJ Entertainment)

The characters arent ordinary, so the locations also had to be far from mundane. Bangkok is a very special city. While its metropolitan for the most part, there are some chaotic and sacred aspects to the city as well, and we tried to express those qualities in the film, Hong said.

Hong Kyung-pyo, in charge of cinematography, has worked with several acclaimed directors before. They include Bong Joon-ho on Snowpiercer (2015) and Parasite (2019), Na Hong-jin on Wailing (2016) and Lee Chang-dong on Burning (2018).

While actor Park Jung-min plays one of the main roles, Park does not appear in any promotional images. Explaining Parks absence, Lee said the rising star was a surprise gift for the audience, hinting at the actors transformation in the film.

Park, 33, made his name in 2011 with the award-winning film Bleak Night and rose to stardom with the 2016 film Dongju: The Portrait of a Poet, for which he won several awards for best new actor.

Our film is not based on any true story or historical incident and we focused wholly on expanding the cinematic elements of the action genre, director Hong said. We hope the audience can come to the cinema and indulge in it on a large screen, the director said.

By Choi Ji-won (jwc@heraldcorp.com)

Go here to see the original:
Hwang Jung-min, Lee Jung-jae promise great chemistry in Deliver Us From Evil - The Korea Herald

Theres a new app out there in the social media world called GOATDate. Thankfully, now livestock is involved in the platform whatsoever. Weve been locked up due to Coronavirus for a long time, but (thankfully) not that long.

The new-to-the-social-media-market app is a video-first dating service that seems well-timed to this era in which COVID-19 made even the most social love seeker a quarantined hermit. According to its designers, the GOATdate app aims to simultaneously modernize and humanize the virtual dating experience and they seem to be off to a solid start as their reports indicate a 100% increase in user numbers during the past week.

While many other social media dating services rely on swiping and texting, the GOATdate app wants ... [+] users to test their romantic chemistry.

The apps raison d'tre is establishing chemistry as the prime focus of virtual dating in place of mere photos or preprogrammed questionnaires. The GOATdate procedures look to make the online dating experience more efficient than other social media apps such as Tinder, Match.com or Bumble by cutting out the back and forth texting.

The platform also makes it unnecessary to endure the potentially uncomfortable push and pull of trying to set up FaceTime or Skype appointments to meet as much as any new couple can during this spring of COVID-19.

Dating serviced based more on video interaction and less on swipes or text messages boomed over recent weeks as virtual interaction became the only option available for those seeking a partner. The minds behind GOATdate argue the new players on the pitch and the old standards who add video features are still rooted primarily in photo, chat and text functions.

The GOATdate app lets users "graze" before moving into a "face to face" video meet during COVID-19 ... [+] quarantine.

At GOATdate, users review their match profiles and setup video dates limited to five minutes. Thats the Graze phase as users like potential fellow GOATdaters. When theres a match, both parties engage in a five-minute video date. Would-be partners have that period to deduce whether theyre interested in pursuing the match any further.

To give the video date a little head butt with horns, the app provides a cheat sheet for the users to review with conversation starters slanted toward the people involved in the short date. All users must undergo a required security video verification to minimize fake profiles, online cons or cat fishing.

See the original post here:
GOATdate Herds Locked Down Love Seekers With Chemistry In Mind - Forbes

Every undergraduate chemist knows the rule that aromatic molecules are flat. Matthew Fuchter knows that rules have exceptions, and that exceptions can lead to innovations. He works a lot with helicenes fused aromatic rings that spiral around an axis. As well as being far from flat, theyre also chiral. The helicenes are chiral aromatics without any chiral centre. And this coupling of molecular chirality to their optical and electronic properties leads to fascinating effects, such as record breaking optical rotation, he explains.

Helicenes unusual structure make them an interesting organic synthesis target, but Fuchter is also eager to explore their applications. We developed the means to make one particular helicene at scale but were surprised that despite the fact these are fully conjugated molecules, and so in principle can act as organic semiconductors, helicenes were not really being explored in the context of organic electronic materials.

New approaches to organic electronic materials is a topic that Fuchter says he skirted around for some time. His PhD was on porphyrin-like macrocycles with interesting optical and electronic properties. And he completed a postdoc with photovoltaics maestro Andrew Holmes, then at the University of Melbourne in Australia. Now, controlling molecular structure to manipulate the function of molecules is central to Fuchters work.

In particular, using chirality in organic electronic materials could enhance technologies such as data storage, biosensors and spectroscopy. For example, Fuchter and his colleagues have created organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) by blending achiral light emitting polymers with enantiopure helicenes. The helicenes enable the device to emit circularly polarised light, rather than nonpolarised light, which can bypass an anti-glare filter and improve the energy efficiency of OLED displays.

One of the reasons I was interested in becoming an academic is that I really liked learning about new things

Another strand to Fuchters work concerns medicinal chemistry: developing tool molecules to validate therapeutic targets. His team design, synthesise and optimise molecules that modulate a target protein by inhibiting or stimulating its activity, which they use to verify if that protein is associated with a disease. While many of the medicinal chemistry projects he leads are at an early stage of the drug discovery process, he has also been involved in more advanced studies. One of the projects he co-led resulted in a first-in-class cancer drug thats now in Phase 2 clinical trials. The drug inhibits CDK7, a kinase enzyme that helps regulate transcription and promotes cell cycle progression. Some cancers become dependent on CDK7 so inhibiting this enzyme simultaneously targets two drivers of pathogenesis.

These outwardly disparate research strands are united by their shared reliance on organic synthesis and structurefunction relationships. Ultimately, we make molecules to answer questions or develop new opportunities, Fuchter says. But the way in which you judge success for medicinal chemistry versus electronic materials is very different.

Fuchter inspecting an OLED device prepared by his colleagues

Source: New York Academy of Sciences

Doping a conventional light emitting polymer with a helicene can generate substantial levels of circularly polarised-electroluminescence

Source: 2013 WILEYVCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim

Fuchter's team helped develop ICEC0942, a selective CDK7 inhibitor. Early lab-based tests showed it was successful in targeting resistant breast cancers

Fuchter discussing the latest synthesis results with his PhD student Rosie Fischer

Source: New York Academy of Sciences

I like doing fundamental science, but fundamental science thats framed within applied science. A lot of people talk about these two areas being almost like theyre mutually exclusive, but I think they can feed off each other; that you can be motivated by obtaining a certain real world outcome through the use of your molecule, but in turn, make interesting fundamental discoveries that then require further scientific study.

Fuchter says an organisational challenge he is currently trying to tackle is to make the different subgroups in his research team more aware of what the others are working on. Ive been trying to find mechanisms to get people from different backgrounds or project areas to talk together about their science, because left field ideas can come from those interactions. For example, his group is currently pursuing several new ideas for the asymmetric synthesis of chiral molecules, based on their understanding of the physics of chiral materials. Likewise, his group is leveraging its discovery of molecules that can be interconverted into two different isomers using light to develop photoswitchable therapeutic agents and energy storage materials alike.

Earlier this year, Fuchter was listed as a chemistry finalist in the 2020 UK Blavatnik Awards for Young Scientists in recognition of his work developing new functional systems in applications ranging from electronic materials to therapeutic agents. As well as earning him $30,000 (23,000), Fuchter is now one of the Blavatnik Science Scholars a group that meets annually to nurture scientific collaborations and discourse. He describes being named a finalist as a real shock youre aware of the nomination but you never think that youre going to get it and incredibly exciting. For someone like me, who likes to interact with lots of different scientists and collaborate, the networking opportunities from this type of award are incredible.

Proactively seeking collaborations is a defining characteristic of Fuchters research strategy. Im not one of those scientists who goes to the same meeting every year to meet the same people. I go to lots of different conferences on lots of different topics. One of the reasons I was interested in becoming an academic in the first place is that I really liked learning about new things. I think what continues to inspire me is to go to broad topic meetings where you learn about things that you just werent aware of or familiar with. And it creates many ideas.

See the article here:
Introducing chirality to give organic electronics a twist - Chemistry World

Killing Eve is back for a third season and after seeing the first episode, fans have been delighted that the drama is just as compelling as ever.

One of the many elements of the show that keeps viewers coming back for more is the twisty relationship between MI6 agent Eve Polastri (Sanda Oh) and assassin Villanelle (Jodie Comer), as they swing from violence to tenderness in their obsession with one another.

And actress Oh says that the main secret to keeping the characters' relationship as interesting as it is, is by maintaining a sense of mystery.

"We really dive into the relationship," she told The Sun. "We both understand there's a lot of mystery between Eve and Villanelle and we play it as such. Usually what happens is, story-wise, Eve and Villanelle are kept apart and at a certain point they crash into each other then have their storyline together."

Related: Why Killing Eve's Jodie Comer admires Villanelle

The actress, who also starred in Grey's Anatomy as Cristina Yang for 10 seasons, described her relationship with her co-star Comer as "profound", saying that they "trust each other when the magic is happening".

And Oh is filled with praise for Comer, saying that she is "blown away" by the Newcastle-born actress' ear for accents.

"Jodie has a remarkable ear. She is so talented," she said. "When you hear what she really sounds like you're blown away."

With the global spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus having shut down production on film and television sets worldwide Oh revealed that she doesn't know when work on a fourth season will be possible.

"We are scheduled to go back to Killing Eve in September, but we don't know," she said. "Our show is international. You can't shoot Africa in Scotland, for example. And we don't know what is going on with Scotland."

Related: Killing Eve season 3 is the "most emotionally rocky" yet

The actress added that although we are living through a very difficult time, she is hopeful that the arrival of new episodes of Killing Eve will serve as a welcome distraction for people.

"For us, globally, this month is very tense," she said. "And the fact that the show is coming earlier and hopefully providing a little respite, a positive distraction and energy for people while they are sheltering inside, I'm really grateful for."

Following the shock twist in the third season's opening episode, Killing Eve star Sean Delaney (who plays Kenny Stowton) has weighed in on a big fan theory about his character's mum, Carolyn Martens (Fiona Shaw).

Killing Eve airs on BBC America in the US and BBC iPlayer in the UK. You'll also be able to watch the opening episode of season three tonight (April 19) at 9.15pm on BBC One.

Killing Eve Season 2 [DVD] [2019]

14.99

Killing Eve - Season 1 [DVD]

12.08

Killing Eve season 1 [Digital Download]

BBC/Sid Gentle ProductionsAmazon

Codename Villanelle (Killing Eve #1) by Luke Jennings

3.00

No Tomorrow (Killing Eve #2) by Luke Jennings

US$122.99

Endgame (Killing Eve #3) by Luke Jennings

13.19

Digital Spy now has a newsletter sign up to get it sent straight to your inbox.

Looking for more TV recommendations and discussion? Head over to our Facebook Group to see new picks every day, and chat with other readers about what they're watching right now.

Continue reading here:
Killing Eve's Sandra Oh speaks about creating her on-screen chemistry with Jodie Comer - digitalspy.com

Coronavirus-Covid 2019 has a significant impact on the global market economy, so it is important to find a correct strategy to deal with it. Our analysis team will track key datasets including Revised Vendor Landscape Mix, Revenue Impact analysis, New opportunities mapping, Disruptions and New opportunities in the Supply Chain etc.

This detailed market study covers Ultra High Temperature Milk market growth potentials which can assist the stake holders to understand key trends and prospects Ultra High Temperature Milk market identifying the growth opportunities and competitive scenarios. The report also focuses on data from different primary and secondary sources, and is analyzed using various tools. It helps to gain insights into the markets growth potential, which can help investors identify scope and opportunities. The analysis also provides details of each segment in the global Ultra High Temperature Milk market.

Request a sample of the premium report@ https://www.researchnreports.com/request_sample.php?id=243810

This report focuses on the top players in global market, like comprises Syrris, Little Things Factory, ThalesNano, IMM, Chemtrix, DSM, AM Tech U.K, Uniqsis, Future Chemistry, Lonza, YMC, etc. Syrris has launched Asia Tube Cooler

The report also features information about significant market players across global regions that are North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia Pacific, and India. This further helps to enlighten the strong and effective business outlook of the industrial global expanse. Apart from paying attention to the present competitive current market scenario, the report also shares knowledge on the growth prospects of global Ultra High Temperature Milk market during the forecast period of 2020-2027. The report is also contains a circumstantiated description of various key vendors that are operating in the global regions. Showcasing a cosmopolitan landscape of Ultra High Temperature Milk sector, the report marks the prevalent industry competition that is visible on both domestic as well as on the global level.

Ask for Discount @ https://www.researchnreports.com/ask_for_discount.php?id=243810

The Ultra High Temperature Milk market encompasses, an in-depth elucidation and assessment of Ultra High Temperature Milk sector. This statistical report also provides an insight into the demand and supply chain in the global Ultra High Temperature Milk sector. The competitive landscape has been etched with a complete description of different aspects of leading industries such as shares, profit margin, and competition at the domestic and global level.

The analysts have undertaken rigorous studies adopting varied models to identify the risks and challenges that the businesses may face. The study also offers pertinent data of various key segments and sub-segments of the Ultra High Temperature Milk market.

Enquiry Before Buying@ https://www.researchnreports.com/enquiry_before_buying.php?id=243810

Key Takeaways

In-depth evaluation of regulatory landscape, import and export statistics, and supply and demand gaps in important regional markets.

Market entropy.

Accurate detailing of new product launches, partnerships, deals, mergers and acquisitions, and other factors that define the position and growth of leading companies operating in the global Ultra High Temperature Milk market.

Deep assessment of industry supply chain with high focus on service and product augmentation that could increase value marketing essay.

Company Overview :

Our Research Will Change The Way You Think About Problems. We Provide Global Consulting That Can Transform Businesses And Give You An Experience Of Innovative Solutions And Outcomes. Research N Reports Helps Clients Harness The Power Of Innovation To Thrive On Change. We Have Successfully Guided Businesses Throughout The World With Our Market Research Reports. We Are Uniquely Positioned To Lead Digital Transformations, Thus Creating Greater Value For Clients By Presenting Growth Opportunities In The Global Market. Our Profound Experience Provides A Clear And Confident Vision To Help Clients Navigate The Future. Research N Reports Techniques Encompasses Both Qualitative And Quantitative Modes To Provide Customized And Highly Flexible Tailored Research Studies So That You Get Information That Is Just The Best-Fit To Make Informed Strategic Organizational Decisions. Research N Reports Helps Clients Decode The Future To Be More Successful And Innovative.

Contact Us:

Address: 10916 Gold Point Dr

Houston, TX 77064, USA

USA : +1 510-402-1213

UK : +44 753-712-1342

APAC & Malta : +356 2792 2019

sales@researchnreports.com

Go here to see the original:
COVID 19 Update Flow Chemistry market: Poised to Garner Maximum Revenues by 2027 with major key players in the market Honeywell International, Inc.,...

Today we'll take a closer look at Chemical Industries (Far East) Limited (SGX:C05) from a dividend investor's perspective. Owning a strong business and reinvesting the dividends is widely seen as an attractive way of growing your wealth. Yet sometimes, investors buy a popular dividend stock because of its yield, and then lose money if the company's dividend doesn't live up to expectations.

While Chemical Industries (Far East)'s 2.4% dividend yield is not the highest, we think its lengthy payment history is quite interesting. There are a few simple ways to reduce the risks of buying Chemical Industries (Far East) for its dividend, and we'll go through these below.

Click the interactive chart for our full dividend analysis

SGX:C05 Historical Dividend Yield April 10th 2020

Companies (usually) pay dividends out of their earnings. If a company is paying more than it earns, the dividend might have to be cut. So we need to form a view on if a company's dividend is sustainable, relative to its net profit after tax. In the last year, Chemical Industries (Far East) paid out 11% of its profit as dividends. We like this low payout ratio, because it implies the dividend is well covered and leaves ample opportunity for reinvestment.

We also measure dividends paid against a company's levered free cash flow, to see if enough cash was generated to cover the dividend. Chemical Industries (Far East) paid out 55% of its free cash flow last year, which is acceptable, but is starting to limit the amount of earnings that can be reinvested into the business. It's encouraging to see that the dividend is covered by both profit and cash flow. This generally suggests the dividend is sustainable, as long as earnings don't drop precipitously.

While the above analysis focuses on dividends relative to a company's earnings, we do note Chemical Industries (Far East)'s strong net cash position, which will let it pay larger dividends for a time, should it choose.

Consider getting our latest analysis on Chemical Industries (Far East)'s financial position here.

From the perspective of an income investor who wants to earn dividends for many years, there is not much point buying a stock if its dividend is regularly cut or is not reliable. For the purpose of this article, we only scrutinise the last decade of Chemical Industries (Far East)'s dividend payments. Its dividend payments have declined on at least one occasion over the past ten years. Its most recent annual dividend was S$0.015 per share, effectively flat on its first payment ten years ago.

We're glad to see the dividend has risen, but with a limited rate of growth and fluctuations in the payments, we don't think this is an attractive combination.

Given that the dividend has been cut in the past, we need to check if earnings are growing and if that might lead to stronger dividends in the future. Chemical Industries (Far East)'s EPS are effectively flat over the past five years. Over the long term, steady earnings per share is a risk as the value of the dividends can be reduced by inflation. Growth has been hard to come by. On the plus side, the dividend payout ratio is low and dividends could grow faster than earnings, if the company decides to increase its payout ratio.

Story continues

When we look at a dividend stock, we need to form a judgement on whether the dividend will grow, if the company is able to maintain it in a wide range of economic circumstances, and if the dividend payout is sustainable. Above all, we're glad to see that Chemical Industries (Far East) pays out a low fraction of its earnings and, while it paid a higher percentage of cashflow, this also was within a normal range. Unfortunately, the company has not been able to generate earnings growth, and cut its dividend at least once in the past. While we're not hugely bearish on it, overall we think there are potentially better dividend stocks than Chemical Industries (Far East) out there.

Investors generally tend to favour companies with a consistent, stable dividend policy as opposed to those operating an irregular one. Meanwhile, despite the importance of dividend payments, they are not the only factors our readers should know when assessing a company. To that end, Chemical Industries (Far East) has 3 warning signs (and 1 which is concerning) we think you should know about.

If you are a dividend investor, you might also want to look at our curated list of dividend stocks yielding above 3%.

If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned.

We aim to bring you long-term focused research analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Thank you for reading.

Read more:
Should You Buy Chemical Industries (Far East) Limited (SGX:C05) For Its Dividend? - Yahoo Finance