A Ph.D. student in chemistry at Virginia Tech has been selected to attend the 53rd Meeting of the Nobel Laureates, focusing on biochemistry. The student will have personal interactions with Nobel laureates and engage in seminars and roundtable discussions.
The ACS survey found mixed results, with new bachelor's-level chemistry graduates facing a median salary of $31,000, down $1,200 from the previous year. Despite this, unemployment rates remain low. In contrast, master's and Ph.D. level graduates saw increases in salaries, but full-time employment rates declined significantly due to mor...
Scientists estimate a significant increase in low-energy cosmic ray flux, leading to enhanced heating and ionization in diffuse interstellar gas clouds. This finding implies the production of more complex molecules than previously thought, with potential implications for the origin of life.
Researchers have improved the bonding in mechanically linked molecules by developing a method to increase the association constant of host-guest interactions, allowing for longer self-assembled chains. By utilizing hydrogen bonding instead of covalent chemistry, they were able to overcome the difficulty of creating rigid macrocycles.
Virginia Tech researchers discovered that tert-butoxyl radicals are more reactive than initially thought, making them a poor model for studying oxygen-free radicals in biological systems. This finding challenges previous assumptions about the behavior of these radical species.
This year's winners include Jacqueline K. Barton, Jillian A. Buriak, Linda K. Ford, Martha Greenblatt, and Madeleine Jacobs, who have made significant contributions to biomimetic chemistry, semiconductor surface chemistry, high school chemistry teaching, solid-state materials science, and encouraging women into careers in the chemical ...
The American Chemical Society's editor-in-chief, Jacobs, has won a national award for her efforts to encourage women in chemistry careers. Despite complex issues such as family life and career demands, Jacobs continues to advocate for women in the field through publications and public speaking.
Rochester chemist Rich Eisenberg has won a national award for his outstanding contributions to the field of inorganic chemistry, including advancements in artificial photosynthesis and flat-panel displays. His work has been recognized for its potential impact on energy production and electronic device technology.
Brookhart's research team has made new polymers by constructing metal catalysts that insert monomers in the middle of chains, resulting in branched polypropylene with improved properties. His work expands the range of available polymers, with several licensed for commercialization.
Miller develops accurate chemical models by simulating traffic flow and manipulating equations to predict real-world outcomes. He aims to use these models to save laboratory time, money, and point to new avenues of research.
Christensen studies carotenoids' role in photosynthesis, a process by which plants turn light into chemical energy. His work draws students to the basics of physical chemistry, influencing his teaching at Bowdoin College.
A Rochester chemist has developed a new method to activate hydrocarbons directly with small, extremely reactive metals, cutting out an inefficient middle step in the process. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient production of plastics and other products.
Bodner's approach to teaching chemistry emphasizes the importance of understanding the underlying ideas and history behind chemical concepts. He has successfully developed a division of chemical education at Purdue, which has granted over 40 doctorate degrees to graduates who become chemistry professors or train future teachers.
A Pennsylvania chemist has won a prestigious national award for his groundbreaking work on peptides, which have the potential to revolutionize the treatment of neurological conditions. The researcher designed lactams, chemical bridges that stabilize peptides and make them less digestible to enzymes.
Manzer has led the development of commercially viable replacements for CFCs, including HFC 134A in automobile air conditioners. He also designed catalysts that can make polycarbonate without generating another ozone-depleting compound as a byproduct.
Hancock's pioneering work on separating proteins using HPLC has significantly contributed to understanding complex disorders like cancer and Alzheimer's disease. His research utilizes mass spectrometry to analyze protein fragments and identify patterns in blood, paving the way for personalized medicine.
Ford, a veteran teacher, has been recognized for her unique approach to teaching chemistry, which combines process-based learning with interactive activities to capture students' enthusiasm. Her efforts have led to numerous civic awards and recognition within the scientific community.
Nicolaou and his graduate student Phil Baran have synthesized highly complicated compounds from a species of juniper, showing potential as cholesterol-lowering and anti-cancer drugs. The breakthrough was achieved in an international race to synthesize CP molecules, showcasing the team's expertise in organic synthesis.
Chemist Denmark develops reactions to make mirror-image compounds with simpler, cheaper materials. His work impacts the pharmaceutical industry and improves access to essential substances.
A renowned chemist, Stang has made significant contributions to the field of petroleum refining, including the discovery of vinyl carbocations and self-assembly. His work has the potential to redefine the industry with its innovative compounds.
Warner, a Baton Rouge chemist, has won a national award for his efforts to mentor minority students in chemistry. He has opened his laboratory to high school, college, and bachelor's level students, providing them with hands-on experience and inspiring them to continue formal studies in science.
The Merck/AAAS Undergraduate Science Research Program awards fifteen grants annually to qualified institutions in the US and Puerto Rico. The program aims to enhance undergraduate education through research experiences that bridge chemistry and biology.
Paul Chirik has been recognized with the NSF's Early Career Award for his innovative work in synthetic chemistry. His research focuses on using transition metal complexes to expand the scope of chemical reactions, leading to the discovery of a new method for activating atmospheric nitrogen.
Scientists at the University of Illinois discovered that insects can change plant chemistry to attract mates, using a substitute for sex pheromones. Male gall wasps recognize uneven chemical ratios and use volatile cues to locate females emerging from plants.
A UCI research team will study the chemistry of water-air interaction, shedding light on air pollution and atmospheric chemistry in Southern California. The five-year project involves international collaborations and will incorporate experiments and theory to understand dissolved particles and gas interactions.
Patrick Harran, associate professor of biochemistry at UT Southwestern Medical Center, has won the AstraZeneca Excellence in Chemistry Award for his discovery of a synthetic alternative to an anticancer compound. His research reveals that the initial structure reported for the natural product was incorrect.
Researchers have gained a new understanding of how quinoline-based drugs work against the Malaria parasite, slowing crystal growth to toxic levels and killing the parasite. The study provides insights into physical chemistry and crystalline surface structure to explain drug action, offering potential solutions to drug resistance.
Gaby, a dedicated chemistry teacher, has developed problem-based learning activities that utilize real-life experiences to enhance students' motivation. Her approaches have led to numerous student awards and scholarships, solidifying her reputation as an outstanding educator.
High school chemistry teacher Crowley has been honored with a regional award for her efforts to challenge and inspire students, provide high-quality instruction, and participate in extracurricular activities. She leads her students in research projects, including analyzing omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in French fries.
Huckabee inspires students to strive for excellence, resulting in high scores and record-breaking awards. He elevates the quality of chemistry programs in South Texas through his dedication and extracurricular activities.
Dr. Bowman-James exemplifies and promotes diversity, increasing female representation in the chemistry faculty to over 25%. She is a leader in research and academic leadership, expanding the curriculum and establishing new courses.
Peter Rensberger has been recognized with the American Chemical Society's James T. Grady-James H. Stack Award for Interpreting Chemistry for the Public. The award aims to promote outstanding reporting that fosters a public understanding of chemistry, chemical engineering, and related fields.
The American Chemical Society's Scholars Program received a $100,000 boost from Procter & Gamble to emphasize the importance of diversity in the chemical sciences. The program supports academically accomplished African American, Hispanic and Native American students pursuing undergraduate studies in chemistry-related disciplines.
DuPont scientists have developed an innovative process for converting hydrocarbons to fluorocarbons without generating waste, producing water as a byproduct. The alternate synthesis process uses principles of inorganic chemistry to produce fluorinated aromatics in environmentally and economically efficient manners.
George Kauffman, a renowned Fresno chemist, has won the ACS Helen M. Free Award for his outstanding contributions to public outreach in chemistry. With over 1750 scientific papers and 16 books on science for general readers, Kauffman is celebrated for his work in making chemistry accessible to the public.
Grubbs's specialty is designing catalysts that can selectively target specific parts of molecules, critical for making pharmaceuticals. The award recognizes his work on improving the precision and control of these catalysts.
Richard W. Rees, a Wilmington researcher, has been awarded the Hero of Chemistry title by the American Chemical Society for his work on laminated safety glass technology that protects people from flying glass shards and other debris in explosions.
James R. Moran, a fellow at Solutia Inc., has developed a laminated safety glass that can absorb blast pressure and energy, protecting people from flying glass shards and debris in explosions. This technology was recognized by the American Chemical Society's Heroes of Chemistry program for its contribution to improving public safety.
The US team achieved top honors with three gold medals in 1999, including the top gold, and one silver. The students were selected from a rigorous two-week training camp and received college-level training on organic chemistry.
Allen, a Thomas Worthington High School chemistry teacher, has won the American Chemical Society's Regional Award in High School Chemistry Teaching. Her student-centered approach and extracurricular activities have inspired over 70% of her students to continue studying physics.
Yochum has received the Regional Award for Contributions to Diversity for her efforts to promote women's participation in science. She has established scholarships and programs to encourage female students from underrepresented groups to pursue STEM careers.
The 'What's That Stuff?' column in Chemical & Engineering News is one of five top sites recognized by Scientific American for informative and engaging chemistry content. The column has been widely shared among scientists, students, educators, and industry professionals, who appreciate its ability to make everyday materials fascinating.
Geraldine Richmond, a renowned Oregon chemist and educator, has been recognized for her efforts to foster diversity in the chemical workplace. She founded the Committee on the Advancement of Women in Chemistry (COACh) to support women chemists and promote gender equality.
Nancy Treasure, a chemistry teacher at Layton High School in Utah, has been recognized with the American Chemical Society Regional Award in High School Chemistry Teaching. She is known for her ability to tailor instruction to all ability levels, resulting in an advanced placement pass rate of 80-85 percent.
Lynn Levinson, a veteran chemistry educator from the Chicago area, has been recognized with the ACS Regional Award in High School Chemistry Teaching. Her dedication to hands-on, laboratory-based learning and extracurricular activities has inspired her students to excel in chemistry competitions and research projects.
Pisciotta has inspired students throughout Montgomery, Carroll, and Prince George's Counties for over 30 years. She is recognized by the ACS Regional Award in High School Chemistry Teaching for challenging and inspiring her students.
Harden McConnell, a renowned Stanford University chemist, has been awarded the 2002 Welch Award for his pioneering discoveries about cell membranes. His work has provided new insights into how the body regulates cholesterol and activates its immune system.
Dr. McConnell's groundbreaking work on cellular behavior at the molecular level has shed light on interactions between cholesterol and phospholipids, as well as protein-peptide reactions. His research aims to improve understanding of immune surveillance and cholesterol function in cells.
Chemical engineers have developed a novel process to grow crops of nanowires, which could lead to improved design of advanced military and space gear, fuel cells, sensors and solar devices. The process uses pools or thin films of low-melting metals like gallium to create the nanowires.
Brown, a renowned chemist and educator, has been recognized for her efforts to promote diversity in the chemical workplace. Through various initiatives, she has acted as a mentor and role model for underrepresented groups, serving on committees and participating in programs that encourage STEM education.
Middlecamp has designed programs to increase representation in sciences for women and students of color over the past 20 years. She directs a tutoring center and teaches a course applying chemistry to society, exploring real-world issues.
Scientists at Purdue University have made breakthroughs in understanding the chemistry of aluminum and sodium compounds in high-level radioactive waste. Their study documents the transformation of liquid to solid waste, shedding light on how to minimize nuclear waste volume and predict leakage.
Researchers at Kansas State University have developed a new protective process using phosphates to bond with metal surfaces, preventing corrosion and improving safety. The technology has potential applications in industries such as healthcare, where it could be used to create safer implants.
Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered a chemical species that defies conventional theory on stability. The pentamethylcyclopentadienyl cation is stable in the solid state and solution, challenging traditional understanding of antiaromaticity. This finding has significant implications for the field of organic chemistry.
McGrath has made significant contributions to the development of thermoplastic elastomers, which are widely used in fuel cells and other applications. His work on block copolymers and phosphorous-containing polymers has enabled the creation of materials with improved durability, reliability, and safety.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have successfully synthesized a higher molecular weight polymer, which promises to create stronger materials. The new end groups and synthesis of the monomer could lead to improved mechanical properties, including increased elongation and stretchiness.
Computers can now simulate complex molecular reactions with larger molecule sizes, expanding the capabilities of quantum chemistry. Researchers aim to reduce computation time without losing accuracy.
Researchers at Virginia Tech are developing 'bursting' polymer molecules that can change their architecture in response to stimuli, offering potential solutions for drug delivery and novel wound dressings. The breakthroughs are driven by responsive groups on the ends of the polymer chain.
Thomas C. Werner, a chemistry professor at Union College, has won the 2002 Award for Research at an Undergraduate Institution from the American Chemical Society. He uses undergraduate students as assistants in his research on cyclodextrins and their applications in chemical sensors.
Lester, a renowned chemist from Salem, Virginia, has won the ACS E.V. Murphree Award in Industrial and Engineering Chemistry for his pioneering contributions to catalytic converter technology. This innovation has significantly reduced pollutants in automobile exhaust by 99 percent since 1975.