Dr. Percy Julian: A Legacy of Chemistry and Sheer Determination

Listen Link:  Dr. Percy Julian: A Legacy of Chemistry and Sheer Determination

Black History Month, Feb 2025

One afternoon recently, I spent the greater part of two hours watching an episode on NOVA about Percy Julian, a most singular and distinguished African American gentleman. His contributions to synthetic chemistry and medicinal chemistry seemed to be underappreciated and confined to a forgotten past. However, being in the pharmaceutical space by virtue of education and former career, I was drawn to this chemist’s incredible life story and astounding accomplishments. In my humble opinion I think he should have, at some point in his career, won the Nobel Prize in chemistry. In the most rudimentary laboratories his creativity and undaunted perseverance allowed him to achieve spectacular results. 

In an era defined by pervasive racial discrimination, Percy Julian emerged as a beacon of hope and innovation in the realm of chemistry. His life and career were a testament to the power of resilience and determination, as he broke through barriers that would have daunted even the most tenacious individuals. Julian's story is not just one of groundbreaking scientific discovery but also of a relentless pursuit of knowledge and equality in the face of adversity.

Born in 1899 in the Jim Crow South, Julian's life was marked by the harsh realities of racial segregation. Yet, from a young age, he understood that education was his ticket to freedom. Despite the systemic barriers that limited educational opportunities for African Americans, Julian's brilliance and determination saw him graduate first in his class from DePauw University. His journey did not stop there; he overcame further obstacles to earn a Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Vienna, an accomplishment that should have opened doors wide in academia and industry. Sadly, the pervasive racism of the time meant that Julian often found himself on the outside looking in.

Julian's career was punctuated by remarkable achievements in chemical synthesis, most notably his work on physostigmine and corticosteroids. His synthesis of physostigmine was not merely an academic triumph but a leap forward in the treatment of glaucoma. Julian's work on synthesizing precursors to cortisone and other steroids was nothing short of revolutionary, as it allowed these life-changing drugs to be produced at scale, making them affordable and accessible to countless patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and other debilitating ailments. These breakthroughs exemplify Julian's dedication to chemistry and his commitment to making a tangible difference in people's lives.

Despite his groundbreaking work, Julian faced relentless discrimination. He was turned away from jobs simply because of his race, and even when recognized for his brilliance, he was often relegated to positions beneath his capabilities. Yet, Julian's response was not one of bitterness but of action. He became a mentor and role model for young black chemists, opening doors for those who would follow in his footsteps.

The story of Percy Julian is one that deserves to be shared and honored. It chronicles the journey of a man who overcame immense challenges, not only achieving great success himself but also elevating those around him. His life serves as a poignant attestation to the power of determination and the significant influence one person can have on the world.

For those who wish to delve deeper into the life and achievements of this extraordinary chemist, I urge you to watch the NOVA episode dedicated to Percy Julian (see link in Ref). Let us celebrate Percy Julian not just as a brilliant chemist, but as a pioneer who paved the way for countless others.

Ref:  https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/video/forgotten-genius/

Image:  https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Percy_Lavon_Julian_(1899-1975)_portrait.jpg

The Hidden Cost of Artificial Intelligence: Only Collective Action can Protect Our Water Resources

 

AI rendered image of a Data Center's water usage - "Sarky"?

Listen Link: The Hidden Cost of Artificial Intelligence: Only Collective Action can Protect Our Water Resources

As an avid and passionate user of AI, I was filled with so many mixed and conflicting emotions while putting this post together. These ranged from intense guilt and anger to absolute intractable shock & horror about our ignorance and cavalier attitude in exercising good judgement on this, our most important life giving and life sustaining resource on the planet!

Before I opine on this topic, I plead with you my friends to watch the video that inspired me to write this piece, from Context, Thompson Reuters Foundation (Ref. 1). I also encourage you to read the links, provided in my references below, to get a detailed view of this alarming and consequential problem.

AI is now a crucial part of our everyday routines, influencing everything from customized recommendations on streaming services to sophisticated tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, Meta, Social Media and yes, even DeepSeek. While it holds the potential to change how we live, work, and connect, this potential also comes with a significant hidden cost: the unsustainable drain on the planet's freshwater resources.

The servers powering AI require enormous amounts of water to keep cool during operation. While this may sound like a technical detail, its real-world consequences are profound and heartbreaking. Each interaction with AI systems, even something as simple as asking a chatbot a question, contributes to water usage that, when multiplied millions of times over, has far-reaching effects. Studies estimate that every 10-50 user queries consume nearly half a liter of water. When combined with the sheer volume of daily interactions globally, the numbers climb to hundreds of millions of liters annually. This water, critical to the operation of sprawling data centers, is often diverted from local communities that desperately need it.

In Mexico and parts of Southeast Asia, this crisis is already being felt. Communities in these regions face severe water shortages, where families sometimes receive water for daily usage only once a week. Imagine rationing water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning, knowing that your local water supply is being drained to keep someone’s social media feed running smoothly or to train AI models for automated customer service. The irony is tragic: the most cutting-edge technologies in the world are built on the backs of some of the most vulnerable populations.

The problem isn’t confined to developing nations. In drought-stricken regions like Chile and parts of the United States, AI-driven data centers are intensifying water scarcity. For instance, a single data center can consume millions of gallons of water annually, often in areas already grappling with record-low water levels. In the United Kingdom, the development of AI “growth zones” has raised alarms about their impact on local reservoirs designed to address water shortages in the southeast. Time and again, we see the same pattern: technological progress prioritized over human survival.

This is not just an issue for governments or corporations to solve; we are all complicit. As consumers, we indulge in endless scrolling, binge-watching, and image or video hoarding without a second thought about the environmental toll. Every selfie stored in the cloud, every short clip streamed on repeat, and every AI-powered query answered contributes to this crisis. Our digital habits have physical consequences, and it’s time we confronted that reality.

What can we do? First, we must demand transparency and accountability from tech giants. Companies must disclose how much water their data centers consume and commit to sustainable practices, such as transitioning to air-cooled technology to optimize cooling efficiency. Governments, too, have a role to play by regulating excessive water usage and incentivizing sustainable innovations in data center infrastructure.

But individual action is just as critical. We must rethink how we use technology. Do we really need to back up every photo, stream every video in ultra-high definition, or spend hours mindlessly refreshing feeds? Small changes in our digital behavior can collectively reduce demand for the resources required to power our tech. By using technology more mindfully, we can lessen our contribution to this global water crisis.

The water flowing through our taps is the same water that sustains agriculture, quenches thirst, and supports ecosystems. Allowing it to be consumed unchecked by AI systems is a path we cannot afford to take. The communities most affected by these shortages are the ones least equipped to fight back, and their suffering should not be the price of convenience for the rest of us.

The future of AI and technology is exciting, but it cannot come at the cost of one of Earth’s most precious resources. It’s time we took responsibility—not just as consumers but as stewards of our planet. Let’s demand better from the companies driving this crisis and, more importantly, from ourselves. Together, we can ensure that progress does not come at the expense of our humanity.

Refs: 1. Forget jobs. AI is coming for your water

2. As Use of A.I. Soars, So Does the Energy and Water It Requires - Yale E360

3. Tania Rodríguez: The 100 Most Influential People in AI 2024 | TIME

4. Water shortage fears as Labour’s first AI growth zone sited close to new reservoir | Artificial intelligence (AI) | The Guardian

Fast Fashion?! : "Awareness is the First Step Toward Building a Collective Demand for Change."

Photo: Maksim Goncharenok 

Audio Blog-Cast Link:  Fast Fashion?!: "Awareness is the First Step Toward Building a Collective Demand for Change"

"Fast Fashion: an approach to the design, creation, and marketing of clothing fashions that emphasizes making fashion trends quickly and cheaply available to consumers."- Merriam-Webster 

The shiny allure of fast fashion conceals a harsh and exploitative reality, one that underscores the operations of industry leaders like Inditex, the parent company of Zara. On the surface, the company portrays itself as committed to sustainability and ethical practices, boasting of efforts like reducing water usage and creating pre-owned clothing marketplaces. However, an in-depth investigation into Inditex’s operations reveals a troubling contrast between their public commitments and the grim truth.

Recent reporting (see Ref links below) has shed light on Inditex’s increasing reliance on air shipping—a decision that betrays their sustainability claims. While sea freight remains a slower but more environmentally friendly option, Inditex’s significant pivot to air transport has exacerbated its carbon footprint. Airfreight emissions from Bangladesh to Spain alone in 2024 were estimated at 160,321 metric tons of CO2 equivalents, with some experts suggesting the figure could be as high as 417,875 metric tons. This is not a trivial contribution to climate change. Choosing a method 35 times more polluting than sea shipping underscores a prioritization of speed and profit over environmental responsibility. Inditex’s refusal to comment on the increase in air shipments speaks volumes about its disregard for meaningful accountability.

Yet, the environmental cost is only part of the story. The human toll behind Inditex’s operations is equally disturbing. Bangladesh, home to millions of garment workers, has become a hub for fast fashion production, where labor conditions remain harrowing. Workers like Poli, a seamstress in Dhaka, endure 11-hour days but are paid for only eight. With a monthly income of just $125, Poli must take on additional jobs to support her three children. Stories like hers are tragically common. Factory workers often face unpaid overtime, verbal abuse, and relentless pressure to meet unrealistic deadlines. Some endure shifts as long as 19 hours, all while receiving wages barely sufficient to cover basic living expenses.

Photo: Qazi Ikram haq

Even more troubling is the plight of vulnerable workers, such as pregnant women like Mili, who, despite being seven months along, cannot afford essential prenatal care. Supervisors frequently exploit their desperation, threatening workers into compliance. Such conditions reveal a glaring ethical void in Inditex’s supply chain management.

Photo: Cottonbro Studio

Photo: Cottonbro Studio

Inditex’s aggressive pursuit of profits extends to its low-cost brand, Lefties. Originally an outlet for unsold Zara products, Lefties now aggressively sources from countries like Bangladesh, demanding rock-bottom prices. Factories often accept these deals at a loss, hoping to secure future contracts with Inditex. This cutthroat pricing model amplifies pressure on already strained factories, perpetuating cycles of exploitation. Lefties’ operations, far from being a mere side project, embody the very essence of fast fashion’s exploitative core.

The systemic issues in fast fashion—from environmental degradation to human exploitation—demand urgent action. But what can consumers and advocates do to hold brands like Inditex accountable?

Consumers have the power to call for greater openness from companies about their supply chain operations. Businesses must be held to account by requiring them to reveal vital details about working conditions, employee wages, and the environmental impact of their shipping and production processes. Such transparency fosters trust and equips consumers with the knowledge needed to make conscious and informed decisions.

Second, individuals can shift their purchasing habits to support ethical and sustainable alternatives. By favoring brands that prioritize fair labor practices and environmental responsibility, consumers send a strong message to larger corporations that unethical practices will no longer be tolerated. Even small changes in buying behavior can ripple through the industry, prompting significant reform.

Advocating for policy changes is another crucial step. Governments and regulatory bodies must enforce stricter labor and environmental standards within the fashion industry. Legislation that ensures fair wages, safe working conditions, and reduced environmental impact can pave the way for systemic improvements.

Finally, raising awareness about the darker side of fast fashion is essential. Sharing stories of exploitation and environmental harm tied to brands like Inditex helps inform and galvanize public action. Awareness is the first step toward building a collective demand for change.

Inditex’s success has been built on the backs of vulnerable workers and at the expense of our planet. If the company truly wishes to align with its proclaimed values, it must overhaul its operations to prioritize people and the environment over profits. Until then, it is our collective responsibility to hold their feet to the fire, ensuring that justice and accountability become more than just marketing buzzwords.

Refs: 1. Fast fashion giant Inditex wants to be sustainable. But is it?

2.  Fast Fashion: How it impacts retail manufacturing

3.  Free Fashion Photos - Pexels

Clownfish Chronicles: A Tale of Family, Caring and Teamwork

These are images, (entirely AI generated), inspired by the remarkable story of the Saddleback clownfish and their teamwork with the anemone. It captures their symbiotic relationship and the vibrant underwater world.

Audio Blog-Cast Link:  Clownfish Chronicles: A Tale of Family, Caring and Teamwork

Being an underwater photography enthusiast I watched this video, referenced below, on BBC Earth and was tickled pink! I wanted to share my thoughts with you, albeit miniscule, on what struck me. 

On the vast sand flats of the ocean floor, a remarkable story unfolds, one that speaks to the power of family, mutual care, and teamwork. This tale, centered on a family of Saddleback clownfish, is not just a glimpse into the underwater world but a poignant reminder of the values we hold dear.

In a harsh environment where survival is a daily challenge, the clownfish have found an unexpected sanctuary: the venomous tentacles of a carpeted anemone. To most marine creatures, these tentacles spell certain death, but the clownfish have developed immunity, turning this potential hazard into a safe haven. This relationship is a perfect example of mutual care—the clownfish keep the anemone clean of debris, and in return, they gain protection from predators. It’s a partnership built on reciprocity, a cornerstone of any thriving family or community.

At the heart of this family is the big female, the matriarch whose white face unmistakably marks her as the leader. She rules with quiet authority, while her diminutive male partner works tirelessly to maintain their shared home. His dedication is unwavering, as he meticulously removes debris and ensures their environment is secure. But his greatest challenge lies in proving himself worthy of her trust—a task that demands creativity, persistence, and, above all, teamwork.

In their sandy neighborhood, finding a solid surface for the female to lay her eggs is no small feat. The male’s quest begins with a nearby shell, but it’s already occupied by a stubborn hermit crab. Then, a discarded plastic bottle drifts into their domain—a stark reminder of human impact on marine life. Though unsuitable, it underscores the resourcefulness required in their world. Finally, a coconut shell appears, seemingly perfect but far from their anemone home. This is where their bond truly shines. The pair work together, carefully maneuvering the shell into place within the anemone’s protective embrace.

With the nursery prepared, the female lays her eggs, and the male fertilizes them, marking a new chapter in their partnership. His dedication doesn’t end there; he meticulously tends to the eggs, keeping them clean and healthy for the 10 days until they hatch. His actions embody the essence of care and responsibility, a commitment to nurturing the next generation.

This story of the Saddleback clownfish is more than a fascinating natural phenomenon; it’s an allegory for human relationships. The themes of mutual support, shared responsibility, and the unyielding drive to create a safe and nurturing environment resonate deeply. These fish remind us that even in the most challenging circumstances, teamwork and care can build a thriving family.

Watching these vibrant, determined creatures navigate their world is both inspiring and humbling. It’s a testament to the interconnectedness of life and the universal importance of working together. If you haven’t yet experienced this underwater marvel, I encourage you to dive into the story of the clownfish. Witness their resilience, their ingenuity, and the extraordinary bond that sustains them. It’s a tale that will leave you in awe and perhaps inspire a little more teamwork and care in your own life.

Ref: 1.  Amazing Clownfish Teamwork | Blue Planet II | BBC Earth

2.  Dall-E used to generate AI images