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This column is devoted to questions sent to us by the public. The questions are chosen for their general interest. If you have any question you would like to have answered, email it to us at: joe.schwarcz@mcgill.ca

Current Issue:

Is theobromine in chocolate a health problem?


Past Issues:

What is “Bordeaux mixture?”
Can copper bracelets help with arthritis?
How come you never see a baby housefly?
What does “blanc de noirs” mean when referring to wine?
Can asparagus be a treatment for cancer?”
Is it true that onions are “magnets for bacteria?”
Can walnuts reduce the risk of heart disease?
What are endorphins?
What is "smart" bread?
What is Arnica?
Is "Airborne" effective against the common cold?
Can phytoplankton cure cancer?
What is fluorescence?
Why do onions make you cry?
What are modified milk ingredients?
Is it true that you can live without a brain?
What is huffing?
What’s the deal with Evercleanse? Is there any truth to the advertisements we hear on the radio?
What is kratom?
What is snus?
What is meant by a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study?
What causes a hangover?
What can you tell from the appearance of our nails?
Can you overdose on folic acid?
What are "breathable wine glasses?"
Can tomatoes prevent cancer?
Is there any risk in using antiperspirants or deodorants?
What is involved in treating bulimia?
Can beta blockers help with stage fright ?
Does 'Endermologie' eliminate cellulite ?
Can red yeast rice lower cholesterol?
Why are bees vanishing?
Does wasabi have any health benefit?
Why is iodine added to salt?
Why does lipstick make beer lose its foam?
What makes a fish "organic?"
Pourquoi le vin rouge donne-t-il des maux de tête?
Can zinc lozenges treat the common cold?
Is “Vibe” vitamin-mineral supplement the miracle it is claimed to be?
Is food irradiation dangerous?
What are bioidentical hormones?
What are the risks and benefits of protein supplements for athletes?
Can toothpastes really whiten teeth?
What is Himalayan Salt?
What causes foot odour?
What is macular degeneration?
Does Policosanol reduce cholesterol?
What is the difference between white chocolate and brown chocolate?
What is the "Blood Type Diet?"
Is suggar addictive?
How did Sir Arthur Conan Doyle trick Houdini?
What is the role of iodine in thyroid function?
If an anaconda already has prey in its mouth, are you safe from its bite?
The first human heart transplant: how did it happen?
Why does silver jewelry turn black?
Does blue cheese cause cancer?
What is activated carbon?
What is the difference between the abortion pill and the morning after pill?
Why do nails have ridges?
What is the history of tattoo?
Are cheap sunglasses as good as expensive ones?
What is "horny goat weed"?
What is lactose intolerance?
How was “SpaceShipOne powered?
What are oncogenes?
Why do leaves have autumn colors?
What is the relationship between fats and prostate cancer?
Why does a cooked onion taste sweet and why does it not make eyes water?
Why does lettuce sometimes turn brown?
What was "chardonnet" silk?
What about mercury in fish?
Can synephrine help in weight loss?
What is "hormesis"?
Is it true that the "Swiffer WetJet" kills pets?
Can Krebiozen treat cancer?
What is the latest on lycopene?
How can glass spontaneously explode?
Where do perfumes come from?
Do athletes need protein supplements?
What effect can soy have on my thryoid?
What is all the talk about "Paradox Blanc"?
Why does lobster or shrimp change to a reddish orange color upon cooking from grayish blue?
Why does cat urine smell so badly and what can I do about it?
What is craniosacral therapy?
Does salmon farming put fish in the wild on the line?
Are antibacterial household products a health products?
Why does dog urine stain the grass?
Is there any advantage to low temperature cooking?
Rust stains in your bathtub?
What is melatonin?
Can nuts reduce your risks of heart disease?
Is there a risk with dented cans?
Are antibacterial household products a health hazard?
What are prions?
What are smelling salts?
What is the difference between type I and type II diabetes?
What is hyperbaric oxygen therapy?
Have you heard of the book "The Cure of all Cancers"?
Is HGH (Human Growth Hormone) an anti-aging miracle?
Why is milk white and not green like grass?
Why does a cooked onion taste sweet and how come cutting a cooked onion does not make the eyes water?
Is there really something to the story that chicken soup is good for the common cold?
What are the pros and cons of eating carrots?
Why are drugs which interfere with the levels of certain hormones in the body used to treat breast and prostate cancer?
How do anti-fog sprays for glasses work?
Is there a difference between synthetic and natural vitamin C?
What can be done about ants in the house?


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© 2008 Department of Chemistry McGill University