ViScience

Obsessive Chemistry: How Molecules Shape the Mind in OCD Imagine waking up every morning with the nagging feeling that the door isn’t locked—even after checking it five times. Your brain whispers doubt, and your hands obey again. You know it's irrational, but something within insists. This isn't just behavior. It's chemistry. What is OCD, Really? Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is more than a need for cleanliness or symmetry. It’s a neuropsychiatric disorder  where obsessions  (intrusive thoughts) and compulsions  (repetitive actions) interfere with daily life. But what's driving this invisible puppeteer? The answer lies in molecules—specifically, neurotransmitters and brain circuits.   The Chemistry Behind OCD: A Miswired Brain Symphony Our brain is a vast electrical-chemical network. Information is passed not just by impulses, but by chemical messengers , or neurotransmitters . In OCD, the primary culprits are: 1. Serotonin (5-HT): The Mood Messenger Serotonin ...

You’re Made of Stardust: The Chemistry Behind Your Cosmic Origins   Did you know that you’re literally made of exploded stars ? It's true! Every atom in your body   carbon, nitrogen, oxygen   was formed in the heart of a star billions of years ago. You’re a living testament to the wonders of the universe’s most powerful events: supernovae. The Birth of Elements in Stars Stars aren’t just shining balls of gas; they’re cosmic factories, where elements are born through nuclear fusion. In the core of stars, atoms of lighter elements like hydrogen and helium fuse to create heavier elements like carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen. This process is the cosmic chemistry that gives rise to everything around us—including ourselves. The Supernova: An Explosive Finale As stars age and run out of fuel, they explode in a massive event known as a supernova . These explosions are so intense that they create even heavier elements, like gold, uranium, and iron, which are scattered across space. W...

  The Chemistry of Smell: How Molecules Turn into Memories By Vishalkumar D. Dabhi  |  M.Sc Organic Chemistry   The Invisible Power of Smell Close your eyes and imagine the aroma of freshly baked bread. Suddenly, you're transported to your grandmother’s kitchen. But how? What is it about a smell  that can unlock vivid memories, emotions, or even instinctive reactions? Smell is often underestimated, yet it's one of the most powerful senses we have—and it all begins with chemistry. In this blog, we’ll explore how tiny molecules in the air interact with our brain, the science of scent perception, and how researchers are now using this knowledge to build artificial noses, diagnose diseases, and design memory-triggering perfumes. Let’s take a deep breath and step into the fascinating chemistry of smell.   Chapter 1: The Journey of a Scent Molecule Everything starts with a molecule. Whether it’s the sharp smell of lemon or the earthy scent after rain, odor molecu...

  The Art of Web Weaving: How Spiders Create Their Masterpieces and the Chemistry Behind It   By Vishalkumar D. Dabhi, M . Sc Organic Chemistry In the quiet corners of forests, under the eaves of ancient houses, or suspended delicately between grass blades, there exists an architectural wonder that has fascinated humankind for centuries—the spider web. Elegant, nearly invisible, and yet stronger than steel by weight, these silken structures are nature’s own engineering marvel. But have you ever wondered how a creature so small creates a structure so advanced? This journey takes us into the world of spiders and the future of bioengineering. Imagine stepping into the serene world of a spider, where everything slows down, and a perfect web emerges from thin air. No glue, no tools—just a remarkable protein and a masterful process. In this blog, we’ll dive into how spiders create their webs, and the fascinating chemistry that makes it all possible. Chapter 1: The Spider's Toolbox –...