Poster for public engagement presetned at Newcastle University\'s \'Showcase your Science\' event in October 2010.

1. Medicines: why store in an airtight container . Maths techniques Complex maths techniques can help us to relate these graphs to real life. We can predict how the substance would behave at room temperature over a long period of time. Better understanding These investigations will give us a better understanding of the effects air can have on medicines. It may be possible to investigate the effectiveness of antioxidants, substances that reduce damage caused by air. Oxidation Oxidation is caused by the effect of oxygen (air) on the medicine. This can lead to damage, just like when an apple turns brown . This is why many medicines should be kept in tightly sealed containers. Measuring oxidation When oxidation takes place, a tiny amount of light is given off, like when you snap a glowstick. We are investigating a new method of measuring oxidation by detecting this light. Lots of graphs! Information from experiments is plotted on graphs, which show the behaviour of the drug substance when exposed to air. Storage conditions Results from experiments like these are used to help decide on suitable storage conditions and expiry dates of medicines in order to guarantee the quality and safety of the medicine. Charlotte Bell [email_address] Follow the instructions !