The blog post "Backyard Cyanide" details the surprising discovery of cyanide in the author's plum pits after her dog cracked and ate some. Alarmed, she researched and found that many common fruit seeds and pits, including apples, peaches, and cherries, contain amygdalin, which the body converts to cyanide. While a few pits might not be harmful, larger quantities can be toxic to both humans and animals. The author emphasizes the importance of awareness, particularly for pet owners, urging caution and suggesting discarding pits to prevent accidental ingestion. She highlights that cooking doesn't eliminate the risk and recommends contacting a veterinarian or poison control if ingestion occurs.
The blog post "Backyard Cyanide" by Suzie Petryk meticulously details a surprising and potentially hazardous discovery within the author's own backyard: the presence of cyanogenic glycosides within the leaves of the common chokecherry tree ( Prunus virginiana). The narrative commences with the seemingly innocuous observation of wilting leaves on a branch of the chokecherry, a phenomenon initially attributed to the prevailing dry conditions. However, upon closer examination, Ms. Petryk notes a distinctive almond-like scent emanating from the afflicted branch, a sensory cue which triggers a connection to her previous scientific readings regarding cyanide. This olfactory observation sparks a thorough investigation into the potential presence of cyanogenic glycosides within the chokecherry leaves.
Ms. Petryk provides a comprehensive explanation of the chemical processes involved, elaborating on the biosynthesis of these compounds within the plant tissues and the subsequent enzymatic release of hydrogen cyanide upon tissue damage. She elucidates the mechanism by which these glycosides serve as a natural defense mechanism for the chokecherry, deterring herbivores through the production of the highly toxic hydrogen cyanide. Furthermore, the author underscores the ubiquitous nature of cyanogenic glycosides within the Prunus genus, including commonly cultivated species such as peaches, apricots, and cherries, while emphasizing that the concentrations are typically low and pose minimal risk to humans under normal consumption circumstances.
The blog post then transitions into a detailed account of the experimental methodology employed by Ms. Petryk to confirm the presence of cyanide within the wilting chokecherry leaves. She meticulously describes the creation of a makeshift field test utilizing readily available materials, including cut-up leaves, a small jar, and filter paper soaked in a solution of sodium bicarbonate and picric acid. The subsequent color change observed on the test paper, transitioning to a reddish-brown hue, serves as visual confirmation of the presence of hydrogen cyanide gas released from the damaged leaf tissues.
Finally, Ms. Petryk concludes her exposition with a cautionary note regarding the potential dangers of cyanide poisoning, particularly for livestock that might consume large quantities of wilted chokecherry leaves. She also emphasizes the importance of proper identification of plant species and an awareness of their potential chemical composition. The narrative effectively weaves together personal observation, scientific explanation, and practical experimentation to provide a compelling and informative account of the unexpected presence of a potentially lethal compound within a common backyard plant.
Summary of Comments ( 39 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43335110
Hacker News users discuss the practicality and safety concerns of extracting cyanide from apple seeds. Several commenters point out the extremely low yield and the dangers of working with even small amounts of cyanide, emphasizing that the process is not worth the risk. Some highlight the inefficiency and difficulty of separating amygdalin, the cyanide-containing compound, effectively. Others discuss the history of cyanide and its uses, as well as the different forms it can take. A few users question the author's methodology and the accuracy of some claims in the original blog post. The overall consensus is that while theoretically possible, extracting cyanide from apple seeds is impractical, inefficient, and dangerous for the average person.
The Hacker News post titled "Backyard Cyanide" spawned a vibrant discussion with 25 comments exploring various facets of the original blog post about extracting cyanide from apple seeds. Several commenters focused on the practicality and safety of the described process.
One compelling thread questioned the efficiency and yield of the extraction method. A commenter pointed out the relatively low concentration of amygdalin in apple seeds and the potential difficulty in achieving a lethal dose, even with a large quantity of seeds. This prompted further discussion on the variability of amygdalin content across different apple varieties and the importance of precise measurements for any would-be experimenter (though strongly discouraged). The overall consensus seemed to be that while theoretically possible, extracting a dangerous amount of cyanide from apple seeds would be a complex and inefficient undertaking.
Safety was another prominent concern. Several comments highlighted the dangers of working with cyanide, emphasizing its toxicity and the potential for accidental poisoning. One user specifically mentioned the risks associated with hydrogen cyanide gas, a byproduct of the extraction process. This led to a brief discussion about appropriate safety precautions and the importance of conducting such experiments in a well-ventilated area, preferably with professional equipment and expertise. The thread underscored the significant risks involved and implicitly discouraged any attempts to replicate the experiment.
A few commenters also delved into the historical and cultural aspects of cyanide. One user mentioned its use in Nazi concentration camps and the tragic consequences. Another commenter discussed the role of cyanide in various natural processes and its presence in certain foods like cassava, highlighting the importance of proper preparation to mitigate risks.
Finally, some comments addressed the ethical implications of publishing such information. While acknowledging the scientific curiosity behind the blog post, concerns were raised about the potential for misuse of the information. The thread briefly touched upon the balance between freedom of information and the responsibility to prevent harm.
Overall, the comment section provides a nuanced perspective on the original blog post, exploring the scientific, practical, safety, historical, and ethical dimensions of cyanide extraction from apple seeds. The prevailing sentiment seemed to be one of caution, emphasizing the dangers involved and discouraging replication of the experiment.