The Fascinating Discovery of Water's Fourth State Explained
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Chapter 1: Introduction to Water's Complex Nature
Recently, a reader of my newsletter, Curious Life, sparked my interest by suggesting a compelling topic: the fourth state of water. Intrigued, I set out to explore this concept, gathering information to share with you all. If you haven't yet encountered this idea, let's delve into it together.
In our quest for understanding, we often conclude we’ve fully grasped the subjects we study, whether they be people, places, or things. However, we frequently discover that these subjects have deeper layers and broader functions than we initially thought. This principle certainly applies to water.
Underestimating Water's Importance
Water presents a fascinating paradox. It is often celebrated as the essence of life, yet we frequently take it for granted. I’m not referring to the significant impacts of climate change or the growing concern of water scarcity; rather, many view the composition and properties of water as well understood in scientific terms.
From a young age, we learn astounding facts about water. For instance, we can survive much longer without food, shelter, or sleep than we can without water. This crucial element serves as a vital indicator when searching for life on other planets. Additionally, water comprises approximately 55 to 60 percent of the human body and is abundant on Earth.
Chemically, water is quite simple—composed of two hydrogen atoms bonded to one oxygen atom (H₂O). It can exist in three states based on environmental temperature: solid (ice), liquid, and gas (steam). However, as time passes, these basic facts can become mundane. Although water remains essential, it often loses its allure. Yet, it seems that water is more intricate than we previously believed.
Chapter 2: The Fourth Phase of Water
Notably, bioengineer and University of Washington professor Gerald Pollack stirred significant attention with his 2013 book, The Fourth Phase of Water. In this work, he introduces the concept of EZ Water, or Exclusion Zone Water, which may seem perplexing at first.
Water's typical states are temperature-dependent. For example, liquid water freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius) and boils at 212 degrees Fahrenheit (100 degrees Celsius). However, EZ Water is less about temperature and more about its context—it exists as a thin layer (approximately a quarter of a millimeter) at the interface of liquid water and hydrophilic surfaces, which attract water. This unique layer is what Pollack refers to as the "Exclusion Zone."
Pollack asserts that this layer effectively "excludes" external contaminants, such as microplastics and pollutants, thereby purifying itself.
EZ Water's Structure
If you’re curious about how EZ Water is structured, research from Pollack's lab suggests it resembles a liquid crystal. Unlike conventional water, which consists of loosely arranged H₂O molecules, EZ Water features a hexagonal arrangement of H₂O₂ molecules, where three hydrogen atoms bond with two oxygen atoms.
Pollack explains that the water molecules near a hydrophilic surface undergo a significant transformation, aligning into a structured, sheet-like array. Interestingly, EZ Water molecules appear to carry a negative charge, unlike bulk water, which is neutral. This property could be linked to the unique structure and energy derived from light.
In his book, Pollack recounts an intriguing incident involving a graduate student who accidentally left a water sample under the microscope overnight. Upon returning, the student noticed that the EZ Water layer had shrunk significantly in darkness but quickly returned to its original size when exposed to light. Their experiments revealed that various forms of light, particularly near-infrared waves, can influence the size of the EZ Water zone.
Opposition to Pollack's Findings
Despite the excitement surrounding Pollack's findings, his work has faced skepticism within the scientific community. Timothy Schmidt, a chemistry professor at UNSW Sydney, recently expressed his doubts about the concept of EZ Water, labeling it "nonsense." However, he acknowledged that Pollack’s experimental results are intriguing and have been replicated in some instances.
Schmidt critiques Pollack's claims about the molecular structure of EZ Water, noting that it has not undergone peer review. He argues that if water were to transition into the H₂O₂ form, it would result in an unaccounted hydrogen atom, which should either escape as gas or require additional oxygen to compensate.
Conclusion: A New Perspective on Water
Is Dr. Pollack's assertion about the existence of the fourth state of water valid? While I can’t provide a definitive answer, we should remain open-minded about his theories. Scientific discoveries often take time to validate and may not reveal their full implications immediately.
Regardless of the debates surrounding EZ Water's molecular structure, there is a consensus about the existence of an exclusion zone. If something as fundamental as water can unveil new complexities after all this time, imagine the depths of knowledge we have yet to uncover about other subjects we believe we fully understand.
Katrina Paulson continues to explore intriguing questions and discoveries, sharing her insights through her Medium articles and newsletters. Subscriptions to her newsletters, including the free Curious Adventure Newsletter and the more detailed Curious Life, support her efforts to pursue her curiosities and keep her readers informed.