Get to Know
Katsuko Saruhashi
Discover why we turned Katsuko into a superhero
ABOUT KATSUKO
Superhero Backstory
Katsuko captures and releases carbon dioxide on her opponents inducing deep sleep.
Katsuko has played multiple roles over the course of her long life - from rainmaker to weather monitor. She gained her powers after coming into contact with in a mysterious green sludge in the waters near Tokyo, Japan. A curious and compassionate person, Katsuko may be shy but she is quick to make friends and quicker still to help her fellow superheroes. She is considered by many to be the defender of the oceans and planets.
Katsuko has played multiple roles over the course of her long life - from rainmaker to weather monitor. She gained her powers after coming into contact with in a mysterious green sludge in the waters near Tokyo, Japan. A curious and compassionate person, Katsuko may be shy but she is quick to make friends and quicker still to help her fellow superheroes. She is considered by many to be the defender of the oceans and planets.
Katsuko Saruhashi
Born: 1920
Died: 2007
Occupation: Geochemist
Nationality: Japanese
Katsuko studied CO2 levels in seawater and developed the first method for measuring CO2 using temperature, pH, and chloride levels, called Saruhashi's Table. Saruhashi also studied the nuclear contamination of oceans.
Died: 2007
Occupation: Geochemist
Nationality: Japanese
Katsuko studied CO2 levels in seawater and developed the first method for measuring CO2 using temperature, pH, and chloride levels, called Saruhashi's Table. Saruhashi also studied the nuclear contamination of oceans.
Radioactive Fallout
Radioactive Fallout turns real-life scientist, Katsuko Saruhashi, into a science superhero, superpowers and all. Loosely based on Katsuko's life and incredible accomplishments, the Radioactive Fallout comic book traces the amazing adventures of young Katsuko as she gains her superpowers, battles supervillains and discovers her passion for science.
Katsuko also features in our signature card game, Top Quarkz. We've explained her playing card below so you can learn more about both her superhero and her real-life identity.
Katsuko also features in our signature card game, Top Quarkz. We've explained her playing card below so you can learn more about both her superhero and her real-life identity.
THE DRAWING EXPLAINED
Katsuko can capture gases, including carbon dioxide (and other dangerous toxics) and release them on her opponents.
The chemical reaction in the drawing, CO2 + H2O → (H+) + (HCO3-), was developed by Katsuko. This is the reaction for ocean acidification. Katsuko provided evidence that seawater in the Pacific releases twice as much CO2 as it absorbs.
Superpower
Discovery
Katsuko Saruhashi is known for discovering the dangers of radioactive fallout in seawater.
After World War II, the US carried out nuclear tests in the Pacific Ocean. Katsuko helped to stop above ground testing.
Location
SideKick
Chika Kuroda was a Japanese chemist. She was the first woman in Japan to receive a Bachelor of Science.
Katsuko's superhero weakness is Radiation. Nuclear weapons emit large amounts of thermal radiation.
Weakness
Top Quarkz Card Explained
Each drawing we create has one or more hidden treasure(s) about our superheroes' life experiences, depictions in art, jobs or discoveries. Did you find the one(s) hidden in this drawing?
Hidden Treasures
We have packed a lot into our cards - from amazing imagined superpowers to biographical information and hidden treasures.
EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
What Does A Geochemist Do?
Geochemistry is the study of the chemical processes which form and shape the Earth, and other planets.
Acids & Bases
Acids and bases are important not only in the chemistry lab, but in cooking, medicine and our everyday lives. Download this free educational resource to learn more.
Did you know?
* Our stomachs use an acid - hydrochloric acid - to help us digest foods. This is a strong acid which also kills many types of bacteria and can prevent us from getting sick.
* Strong bases can be slippery and slimy feeling.
* The oceans are growing more acidic, and scientists think the change is happening faster than at any time in geologic history. This change is stressing out the creatures that live in the seas and oceans. It confuses fish, disturbing their sense of smell.
* Strong bases can be slippery and slimy feeling.
* The oceans are growing more acidic, and scientists think the change is happening faster than at any time in geologic history. This change is stressing out the creatures that live in the seas and oceans. It confuses fish, disturbing their sense of smell.
Video: University of Cambridge
Source: The Remarkablz
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Ask a Scientist- by Robert Winston
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