Applied Sciences
Overview
- "You may say: but I’m not a scientist. Oh yes, you are! Are you curious? Do you want to know why things happen? Do you investigate things you’re curious about? You’re a scientist."
- - Emily Lakdawalla
This page is intended to discuss the various applications of science at PS:One. The term "science" often elicits images of professional science done to academic standards and published in peer reviewed journals, which is the kind of science least suited to a hackerspace. Science for the sake of curiosity, to learn how something works, or to improve an aspect of another project is wholeheartedly welcomed here.
Please feel free to add sections for scientific disciplines, and links under them for various member projects.
Lecture Series
See Applied Sciences Lecture Series
Chemistry
PS:One has various lab glassware and a magnetic stirrer, currently stored in cabinets near the electron microscope.
Projects
- Hacker Fuel - Experiments using vacuum flask filtering on cold brewed coffee to produce less bitter beverages with high caffeine content. Future research may include caffeine extraction to quantify the caffeine per mL.
Donations / Loans Requested
The following equipment and supplies would be very helpful for further work in chemistry:
- Fume hood (This would have a multitude of applications, both for applied science and for general usage at PS:One.)
Electron Microscopy
We have a Leica S430 scanning electron microscope which includes a functional EDX detector. We have assorted sample preparation equipment, including a sputter coater, an ultrasonic cleaner, and are in the process of making a critical point dryer available for use. We also recently acquired a 43 liter liquid nitrogen dewar to supply the EDX with LN2, as well as other users in the space. This needs either a withdrawal device, or we need to fabricate a stand so we can pour it.
Persons interested can join the mailing list: email or web
General Updates
- Scanning electron microscope update
- Pictures from the scanning electron microscope
- SEM, EDX, and fun with liquid nitrogen
Projects
Donations / Loans Requested
The following equipment and supplies would be very helpful for further work in electron microscopy:
- Binocular examination microscope (very useful for specimen preparation, changing filaments, etc.)
- Fume hood (very useful for fixing biological specimens with chemicals that are toxic and/or generate fumes. This would have a multitude of applications, both for applied science and for general usage at PS:One.
- High purity isopropyl alcohol.
- Vacuum desiccator.
- Supplies such as sample boxes, pin mounts, carbon tape, filaments appropriate for the SEM, Edwards Ultragrade 19 high vacuum oil, etc.
Microbiology
Microbiology initiatives shall be promoted through the proposed Microbiology Ranch. Applications include the maintenance of yeast strains for Beer Church and other beverage-making activities (i.e. root beer, ginger beer, etc.), as well providing the source of raw materials for foodstuffs supporting Pumping Station:Yum.