Chromatography used to heighten girls' interest in science

A group of girls were shown basic chromatography techniques in an effort to increase their enthusiasm towards the sciences.

Sharon Brusic, associate professor at Millersville University in Pennsylvania, said social pressures can often be a barrier for take-up of these subjects in young women, Lancaster Online reports.

As such, Ms Brusic and colleagues launched the 'Science, Technology and Me!' event four years ago, which invites girls from surrounding schools to the academic institution to spark their interest.

According to the news provider, the attendees were taught how to separate the components of ink using basic chromatography.

"The more research is done ... we realise that having boys around intimidates girls at this age," teacher and participant Evanna Morris remarked. "They think it's not cool to be smart."

Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry is currently being used by researchers at the University of Maine in Orono to detect disease markers in human breath.