NEWS RELEASE (online at https://goo.gl/QQBrqS)
(Ashland, Ore.) —A research paper on the solution chemistry of aluminum, authored by Southern Oregon University professor Anna Oliveri, was published in the current edition of the peer-reviewed periodical “Chemistry – A European Journal.” Oliveri also provided artwork for the journal’s cover.
The paper describes fundamental research on the molecules present in solutions with high aluminum and amino acid concentrations. Understanding the actual structures of the molecules in solutions can lead to a better understanding of the toxicity, bioavailability and reactivity of the solutions.
Colgate Palmolive, which provided funding for the research conducted by Oliveri’s team, uses aluminum in consumer goods such as deodorants and cleaning products. Other potential real-world applications for the research include environmental monitoring of sites near abandoned mines, where acid-mine drainage is creating highly acidic pools with much higher-than-natural metal concentrations.
The research led by Oliveri, an inorganic chemistry professor at SOU, resulted in the first observation of the alpha-isomer of the aluminum molecule in solution. This specific structure had been hypothesized to exist for decades but remained elusive until her observation. A goal of Oliveri’s continuing research is to isolate the alpha-isomer for future studies.
The cover artwork is Oliveri’s second such piece to be featured on the cover of a scientific journal this year. She is enthusiastic about branching out into scientific art to complement her research.
-SOU-
About Southern Oregon University
Southern Oregon University provides outstanding student experiences, valued degrees, and successful graduates. SOU is known for excellence in faculty, intellectual creativity and rigor, quality and innovation in connected learning programs, and the educational benefits of its unique geographic location. SOU was the first university in Oregon—and one of the first in the nation—to offset 100 percent of its energy use with clean, renewable power. It is the first university in the nation to balance 100 percent of its water consumption. Visit sou.edu.