About
Melissae Fellet is a freelance science writer obsessed with electrons, atoms and molecules. Writing about chemistry, physics and technology, she hopes to reveal how the invisible building blocks of matter influence things like plastics, perfumed shampoos and the speedy computer chips we use everyday. She holds a BS in biochemistry and microbiology from the University of Florida and a PhD in chemistry from Washington University in St. Louis. She spends sunny days at her home in Santa Cruz either watching otters in the bay or tromping around the redwood forests.
Website: http://www.melissaefellet.com
All Contributions by Melissae:
Tracing the Origins of the Durian’s Stench
Researchers in Germany have identified compounds in durian that might be responsible for its unique smell.
Post on Nov 07, 2012
Creative Use of a Cancer Mutation May Improve Nylon Production
Chemists want to reengineer metabolic proteins and pathways in microbes so they can convert sugar into commodity chemicals. Now a mutant protein found in cancer cells provides clues to help scientists improve a protein that could help microbes create a precursor to nylon. In science, as in so much of life, inspiration can come from unusual places.
Post on Sep 26, 2012
H2-Whoa: Computing With Water Instead of Electrons
Superhydrophobic surfaces enable simple water-based data storage and logic.
Post on Sep 12, 2012
Starbucks' Food Waste Fuels Experimental Biorefinery
Most of our plastics come from petroleum-based chemicals. Now, thanks to engineered microbes, similar materials might be made using food waste from Starbucks.
Post on Aug 29, 2012
NASA's Roving Robotic Chemist Will Collect Clues For Life on Mars
Scientists are looking for elements and molecules that signify life as we know it. But even if they don’t find those molecules, minerals contain important information about the Martian environment. That could help scientists determine if life could have survived on the planet.
Post on Aug 15, 2012
Prescription Drug Disposal: Who Should Foot the Bill?
A new ordinance in Alameda County requires the pharmaceutical industry to pay for disposal of extra medicine. The regulation is part of a larger movement to shift responsibility for waste disposal from local governments to companies that make products like paint, medicine and batteries.
Post on Aug 01, 2012
Smelly Rocks: Researchers Reveal The Source of "Stinkspar" Stench
The source of the stench in crushed “stinkspar” is a 200-year old mystery. Solving this puzzle took a mixture of old-fashioned chemical analysis and modern instruments.
Post on Jul 18, 2012
How Do Fireworks Work?
From colors to crackles, fireworks are all about chemistry.
Post on Jul 04, 2012
Shining a New Light on the Chemistry of Art Conservation
Conserving delicate artwork requires knowing what paints and techniques were used to create a piece. A new imaging technique helps restorers look at the pigments in frescos even while visitors are enjoying the works in a gallery.
Post on Jun 20, 2012
The Fungus Among Us Could Help Clean Oily Soil
There’s more to fungi than just mushrooms. Buried in the soil live large fiber networks of fungi. And these fibrous microbes might be able to help clean up polluted soil.
Post on Jun 06, 2012
Try This at Home: The Chemistry of Fresh Cheese
You can make cheese at home with some milk and a little bit of chemistry. Here's how.
Post on May 16, 2012
The (Dog's) Nose Knows: Sensor Mimics Canine Sniffing Cells For Smells
Dogs have an amazingly sensitive sense of smell that allows them to find lost people, illegal drugs and even floating whale poop. A new sensor uses the same principles to sniff out rotten food.
Post on May 02, 2012
Metal Materials, Cold Could Have Contributed to the Titanic’s Demise
One hundred years after the sinking of the Titanic, questions still abound about what really caused the ship to go down. Two theories say the physical properties of the ship’s metal hull or the composition of the iron rivets could have worsened the damage when the ship slammed into the iceberg.
Post on Apr 18, 2012
Coffee Flavor By the Numbers
Technology helps home coffee drinkers analyze and automate their morning brew so that everyone can brew the same artisanal cup of coffee each day.
Post on Apr 04, 2012
Brewing the Perfect Cup of Coffee
The science of brewing coffee includes scales, thermometers and trained taste buds. And like any good experiment, it requires a bit of flair too.
Post on Mar 21, 2012
Try This at Home: Invisible Ink
Many invisible ink recipes from the Revolutionary War and World War I used chemicals commonly found in labs. Write your own secret messages using ingredients in your house.
Post on Mar 07, 2012
Plant Proteins Power Solar Panel
Simplifying the production of bio-solar cells using many different plants could bring power to the developing world. It could be a whole new way to DIY solar.
Post on Feb 22, 2012
