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I have periodically posted images of molecules. This particular entry is the structure of Lipitor, aka Atorvastatin, one of the highest selling drugs in the world. Among the classes of statin drugs, this molecule is used to lower blood cholesterol.

Another reason I’m posting this molecular image is that it was generated by a new feature [...]

One of the challenges as a new professor is that you’re starting everything from scratch. Right now, I have no graduate students at all. (In this department, graduate students do not typically join a group until January.)

So I’m recruiting.

Last year, I commented on National Mole Day, celebrated on Oct. 23rd here in the United States (written 10/23).

It’s a great day for chemistry — it celebrates Avogadro’s number, which defines a mole of particles: 6.02 x 1023. It’s so popular, that I had two chemistry dinners happening tonight here in Pittsburgh. One honors Richard [...]

Nature’s “Sceptical Chymist” blog recent wrote about endangered elements.

Certainly in the context of sustainable, environmentally-responsible chemistry, this is an important issue along side questions of energy. I’ve heard that availability of cobalt might be a limiting factor in lithium-ion batteries. For example, is there enough of the element to put batteries in every car, truck, [...]

I almost forgot. It’s National Chemistry Week here in the U.S., including the annual celebration of National Mole Day. (NPR had coverage too.)

Mole Day (October 23rd, or 10/23 as we write here in the States), celebrates a key concept in chemistry: Avogadro’s number, which defines a mole of particles. 6.02 x 1023

I’d like you to [...]

MIT and a stellar, world-wide collection of scientists (including 7 Nobel Prize winners) in molecular/chemical sciences have founded a group called Molecular Frontiers.

Molecular Frontiers will create synergism between different fields of molecular science and inspire young people allover the world to participate in scientific discovery.

The program involves a cross-disciplinary forum, a website for children, and [...]