Petroleum-based ingredients are getting an environmentally friendly makeover thanks to the green chemistry company Genomatica. Butylene glycol, a substance derived from petroleumthat is featured in products across the cosmetic industry, is a major cause for concern. The substance is harmful to the environment and potentially to humans as well — traces of polyaromatic hydrocarbons have also been found within butylene glycol, which has been linked to cancer. Using biotechnology Genomatica has created a safe, plant-based alternative to this beauty ingredient staple.
Astaxanthin is one of the most sought after and powerful antioxidants found in nature. Antioxidants give the body a defense system against free radicals, chemical compounds that can (but not always!) damage the cells within our bodies. The result of this protection is that astaxanthin has been shown to help in the prevention of harmful conditions like heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and even various cancers, according toHealthcare Weekly.
This week we are featuring two women of color that have used STEM as a means to impact society positively.
Maybank speaks publiclyabout health inequities in an effort to raise awareness and close the gap between social conditions and the quality of healthcare. She is an activist for eliminating race as a risk factor for improper medical care and seeks to spread awareness around the topic. As healthcare concerns have hit an all-time high in the wake of COVID-19, Maybank’s work is more important than ever.
