The weekly newsletter for Fed2 by ibgames

EARTHDATE: July 1, 2007

Official News - page 9


REAL LIFE NEWS: PEANUTS ARE A GIRL'S BEST FRIEND

by Hazed

Scientists have figured out a novel use for peanut butter. No, it's not a new recipe for a culinary masterpiece - instead they have turned it into diamonds. Honestly!

They use a technique that harnesses pressures higher than those found at the center of the Earth. It's being done by experts at Edinburgh University in Scotland. Professor Malcolm McMahon of the Center for Science and Extreme Conditions says, "Pressure can cause extraordinary changes in all kinds of materials and can create completely novel materials."

The trick is to squeeze the peanut butter between the tips of two diamonds, creating a "stiletto heel effect". The Professor explains that "Many carbon containing materials can be converted into diamond, including peanut butter."

This isn't just a trick way of converting food into diamonds, there are many good reasons for exploring the techniques that will create very high pressures.

I will be able to find out more about these experiments in person, because the team will be demonstrating their work at the Royal Society summer science exhibition in London next week, which I hope to visit. I'll take along a jar of peanut butter!


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