Subscribe now

Letter: Heavy fats are not as heavy as that

Published 8 July 2015

From Niall Finn

Part of Jessica Hamzelou’s fascinating article on heavy fats and longevity puzzled me (16 May, p 8). A molecule of linoleic acid contains 32 hydrogen atoms: if all were replaced with deuterium the mass per mole would increase by 32 grams to 312, not the 282 stated.
Lethbridge, Victoria, Australia

Issue no. 3029 published 11 July 2015

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox. We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up
Piano Exit Overlay Banner Mobile Piano Exit Overlay Banner Desktop