Small particles—ranging in size from about one nanometer to tens of microns—are ubiquitous in the natural and engineered worlds. They are in the air, soil, and water on Earth and at the farthest reaches of the universe. But their properties and chemical composition are little understood, restricting scientists' and engineers' ability to predict and control their applications and impacts in both natural and engineered systems. O... More >>

Could ancient microbes hold the key to making low-cost and efficient devices for future supplies of clean water? Are there patterns in protein structures that provide clues for creating artificial photosynthetic systems more robust than those found in nature? Can sulfur-loving bacteria living at the bottom of the ocean show us new ways to capture and utilize methane? These were just some of the topics explored in a workshop, held in Januar... More >>

Most Americans get their information about science from television, the Internet, and other informal venues rather than in the classroom. The chemical sciences and technology community could increase its impact on improving general chemical literacy by evaluating current approaches to informal education and learning how best to navigate both new and old media. The workshop "Chemistry in Primetime and Online: Communicating Chemistry in Informa... More >>

The potential of recent advances in science and technology to affect the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention was discussed at a recent workshop held at the Institute of Biophysics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The meeting was convened by IAP -- the Global Network of Science Academies, the International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, the International Union of Microbiological Societies, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, an... More >>

The United States will need a strong chemical workforce to address future challenges, including demand for renewable energy, advanced materials, and sophisticated pharmaceuticals. High school chemistry teachers play a critical role in engaging and supporting the chemical workforce of the future, but they must be sufficiently knowledgeable and skilled to produce the levels of scientific literacy that students need to succeed.<p> More >>