Dear Students: A challenge and an opportunity to get my favourite book! Give it a try.
When you have spent 20 years reading, teaching and living Science, you see it everywhere. For me Chemistry has been one such window to look at the ever increasingly complex world.
Covid-19 or SARS-COV-2 (Sever Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2) has turned the world upside down. So unless you are living under a rock in a jungle, you know what I am talking about. It has thrown innumerable challenges at us which the government and scientists have not been able to solve.
But thinking that only scientists and governments have to find a solution is a rather weak person's approach. Surely all of us have something that we can do to give a good fight. I am sure all of you are taking these precautions and setting right examples like educated people are supposed to by -
Wearing an N-95 mask (not designer cloth masks or handkerchiefs which don't work)
Exercising and doing breathing exercises to make your lungs & body fitter
Avoiding unnecessary travel and risks
Washing your hands properly from time to time (30 seconds wash at least)
Being helpful to those in need during these tough times
So as I said, I have a challenge for you to contribute further. This is it in the video below -
This molecule has been shown scientifically by research around the world to play a very important role in reducing the risk of severe Covid-19 illness. It is also a naturally occurring molecule and need not be chemically prepared.
The challenge is about attention to detail, as follows -
Identify the molecule with it's exact common names.
Tell us the sources of this molecule and how does it actually help our body against Covid in 50 words or less.
Only one answer per student is allowed.
Post your answers in comments by logging in / creating account on the website. The first three student to get both the answers absolutely right will win the challenge.
PS: This is a series of blog posts every weekend - Saturday and Sunday - for my students to learn and benefit from. A way for us to always remain connected beyond school and tuition classes. The blogs are intended to talk about everything from academics to much needed life lessons outside school, grown up advice for career to personal development, science around you to hidden secrets of science you didn't notice. I also welcome suggestions from my students about the topics they would like me to research and write about. If your suggestion is selected, I will mention your name in credits of the blog. Please like, share and subscribe to the blog for more grown-up advice. Stay safe and stay connected always :).