Also known as: AT^
AT stands for various terms. Discover the full forms, meanings, and possible interpretations of AT across different fields and industries.
The atmosphere, in the context of chemistry, refers to the layer of gases surrounding a planet or other celestial body, held in place by gravity. Earth's atmosphere is composed of nitrogen, oxygen, argon, carbon dioxide, and trace amounts of other gases, playing a critical role in sustaining life and influencing climate. It acts as a protective shield against harmful solar radiation and regulates temperature by trapping heat, a phenomenon known as the greenhouse effect. Understanding the chemical composition and dynamics of the atmosphere is essential for addressing environmental challenges such as air pollution and climate change.
Chemists study the atmosphere to monitor changes in its composition, especially the increase in greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane, which are linked to global warming. Atmospheric chemistry also explores the formation and depletion of ozone in the stratosphere, which protects life on Earth from ultraviolet radiation. Research in this field contributes to the development of policies and technologies aimed at reducing emissions and mitigating the impacts of human activities on the planet's climate system.
Bibliographic CodeChemistryConstructionDivingEducationElectricalGovernmental & MilitaryJournalLegalPeriodicalScientific & EducationalScuba DivingThe Finance and Administrative ServicesUnderwaterArsenic trioxide, with the chemical formula As2O3, is a potent and versatile compound used in various industrial and medical applications. It is a white, odorless, and tasteless crystalline solid that dissolves in water to form a weakly acidic solution. Historically, it has been used as a poison, but in modern times, it serves as a precursor to other arsenic compounds and in the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL).
The compound's mechanism of action in cancer treatment involves the degradation of the PML-RARα fusion protein, leading to the differentiation of leukemic cells and their eventual apoptosis. Despite its toxicity, arsenic trioxide's therapeutic benefits in APL have been well-documented, showcasing the delicate balance between poison and medicine. Its use is strictly controlled due to the potential for severe side effects, including cardiac arrhythmias and liver damage.
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