Periodic Tabloid

My first experience with an electronic calculator was in 1969 as a senior in college. The chemistry department bought a Hewlett-Packard device for about $3000. 

A new class of Beckman Center fellows are joining CHF’s scholarly community. Check out what they’re up to.

Looking at much of the popular history of science it might seem that women appeared on the scene only recently. Where are the female scientists of the 19th century? They did exist, and many were famous, though almost all are mostly forgotten now.

Today CHF’s First Friday will focus on dyes from bugs. Karen Karuza of the Philadelphia Art Institute’s Fashion Design Department will discuss her work with a Mexican red dye.

Last week was the biannual American Chemical Society meeting in Boston. They’ve done 240 of these previously so one expects—and generally gets—a good show. 

Ever wonder why that # sign is called a “pound sign”? Or, for that matter, why the abbreviation for pound is “lb.”? An alchemical manuscript in Sir Isaac Newton’s handwriting provides part of the answer.

At the American Chemical Society (ACS) Boston meeting I attended last week, some leading scientists convened to discuss the consequences of climate change. For every disagreement on how to tackle this problem (and whether it's a problem at all), agreements were made as well.

A breakthrough in oxidation coupling techniques shows how solutions can be found when different disciplines work together.

On Thursday, September 30th, come to CHF and watch a simulcast of the 2010 Ig Nobel Prize ceremony. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Sensible ________ policy. Readers may fill in the blank with whatever current issue is of high interest: scientific research, immigration, health care, economic development, jobs, climate change, space exploration, campaign financing, infrastructure renewal, etc.