32 lines
1.9 KiB
Plaintext
32 lines
1.9 KiB
Plaintext
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| File Name : UVPHOSPH.ASC | Online Date : 10/02/94 |
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| Contributed by : Jerry Decker | Dir Category : ENERGY |
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| From : KeelyNet BBS | DataLine : (214) 324-3501 |
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| KeelyNet * PO BOX 870716 * Mesquite, Texas * USA * 75187 |
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| A FREE Alternative Sciences BBS sponsored by Vanguard Sciences |
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This file is from the October 3, Business Week,
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Developments to Watch, page 121.
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A Bright Idea that Works: NonToxic Phosphors
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The cornfields surrounding Michigan Biotechnology Institute in Lansing are a
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font of innovation. From humble ears of corn, MBI scientists have developed
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building blocks for drugs, even a salt substitute, and now a photoluminescent
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material. Research scientist Richard Turk discovered the "lumbinates" when he
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was analyzing corn-derived salt substitutes under ultraviolet light: One
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GLOWED IN THE DARK.
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Most phosphors, used in everything from lasers to laundry-detergent
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brighteners, are derived from carcinogenic benzene. But the MBI phosphors are
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biodegradable and nontoxic. The current formulas glow MOST VISIBLY under UV
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light. That means they could safely be used in packaging and food products as
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photoactivated switches in fiber optics.
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Turk and his team are working on a formula that would glow well under
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fluorescent light, too, for novelty candies and clothing. So far, some 300
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companies are testing the new phosphors, including major cereal and candy
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companies. Chicago-based Ajax Adhesives Industries, Inc., for instance, is
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developing a glue with the phosphor.
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