Products created through chemistry – from drugs to solar and fuel cells – play critical roles in energy independence, commerce, manufacturing and human health. For this reason, it’s important to understand the mechanisms of chemical reactions – the transformations of molecules into new materials. Because less than 1 percent of molecules might react at any given time, it’s often difficult to pinpoint the trigger of a chemical change. Suzanne Blum (pictured), assistant professor of chemistry at UC Irvine, has developed a fluorescence technique that makes molecules glow, allowing chemists to see the triggers of chemical reactions. She’ll discuss the technique at a public breakfast lecture 7:30-9 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 12, in the UCI Student Center.