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Melamine, the cheap compound used to bulk up baby formula in China that has sickened at least 1,200 babies across the country and killed at least two so far, once had a much less dubious purpose and, in fact, can be found in some form in most American homes...
...Composed of nitrogen, carbon and hydrogen, the compound was invented in the 1830s by a German scientist and came into fashion as a material used to make plastics and laminates in the late 1930s. When combined with formaldehyde and exposed to extreme heat, melamine creates a moldable material that, when cooled, is virtually unbreakable and dishwasher-safe. This made it the durable dishware of choice on some U.S. Navy ships during World War II. After the war, designer Russel Wright and the St. Louis-based company Branchell, among others, developed molded dinnerware out of melamine, known as Melmac, designing sets...
...certain unscrupulous food companies as a cheap and abundant filler substance for products ranging from livestock feed to pet food - and now, apparently, to baby formula. In some tests used to determine the nutritional value of a foodstuff, melamine shows up as a protein - so manufacturers can use the compound to make their products appear more nutritious. Melamine is not toxic, but inside the body it can cause kidney stones and renal failure. In 2007, material containing melamine - but labeled as wheat gluten and rice protein - was shipped from Chinese manufacturers to pet food companies in the U.S. and elsewhere...
...just what the thousands of protesters camped out at Thailand's leadership compound have been demanding since they besieged Government House three weeks ago. On September 17, Thailand's parliament elected Somchai Wongsawat as the country's new Prime Minister, replacing embattled political veteran Samak Sundaravej, who only served in the top post for just over six months...
...seventh anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Although Wednesday's attack on the U.S. embassy in the Yemeni capital of Sana'a left at least 16 people dead, the bravery and quick reaction of Yemeni security forces foiled what appeared to be a daring attempt to storm the embassy compound and kill everyone inside. One American of Yemeni origins was among the victims of the thwarted attack...