NASA’s latest project, a joint collaboration with the German Aerospace Center, breaks new ground for scientific discoveries. The new Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (or SOFIA, as it’s known) makes use of a modified Boeing aircraft and a reflecting telescope to enable spatial observations far more detailed than anything a land-based telescope could see. Get […]
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Aluminum is a highly malleable material, which is readily shaped for any number of purposes. The aluminum extrusion process is key to shaping aluminum, and it must be completed in an inert environment to reduce the formation of oxides. Learn why this is important and how facilities can reduce the risks of health hazards in […]
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Chip bags have all that air in them for a valid reason — and it’s not air, anyway, it’s nitrogen gas. So what is this gas doing in your bag of crisps? First, the gas acts as a preservative so your chips are as crispy when you open the bag as the day they were […]
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When it comes to flavor, coffee purists prefer whole beans, which retain their flavors longer than ground coffee. Yet there’s no denying the convenience factor of ground coffee, which is why it’s so popular in offices. Ground coffee has a short shelf life — hence the push to use airtight containers, which keep the flavors […]
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Gas chromatography is a process used to separate chemical compounds for analysis. The analytical chemistry process is used with gases that won’t decompose when vaporized. Gas chromatography are used in a wide range of industries — everything from forensic science to medical marijuana. While the procedure is highly useful, there are risks when working with nitrogen gas. […]
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If you’ve ever remarked on the smooth creaminess of a pint of Guinness, you’ve picked up on the key difference in its carbonation: Nitrogen rather than carbon dioxide. Such “nitro” beers have become a trend in recent years, with major U.S. breweries and small startups alike offering nitro products. Nitrogen keeps bitterness in check and […]
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A blend of gases — carbon dioxide, oxygen, and nitrogen — help preserve packaged food by reducing the amount of oxygen inside the sealed package. Gas flushing or Modified Atmosphere Packaging, as the process is called, also reduces the amount of processing that food must undergo. This preserves the quality and nutrient content of meats, […]
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For businesses that work with inert gases or hazardous materials, glove boxes are essential. They allow employees to safely work with sensitive or hazardous materials without compromising either the material or their safety. While glove boxes are an effective solution to handling inert and hazardous materials, they are not failsafe. To ensure there are no […]
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A -150 C freezer, also known as a nitrogen freezer, is used in cryo preservation. While you might think of Ted Williams being frozen on ice for a future in which he can be brought back to life, the cryo preservation method can be used to keep any type of cell alive in a […]
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