Lords of the Ring
PETROCHEMISTRY
Was the structure of benzene really illuminated by a chemist’s dream of a snake devouring its own tail? Historians of science are skeptical of this persistent chemistry legend. But there...
Read More >>Mighty enzymes
BIOCHEMISTRY
David Zechel of Queen’s University. Is it possible for chemists to make the perfect molecule? David Zechel, associate professor at Queen’s University Department of Chemistry in Kingston, Ont., says there...
Read More >>Women’s world
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
Women have — often quietly and anonymously — contributed to scientific innovation since time immemorial.
Read More >>Drilling into Canada’s Petroleum History
PETROCHEMISTRY
James Miller Williams, a carriage maker from Hamilton, Ont. and the founding father of Canada’s petroleum industry, was drilling for water in 1858 when he struck...
Read More >>Safeguarding the central science
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
At the time of confederation in 1867, chemistry was already well on its way to becoming a mature and powerful scientific discipline that would usher in profound changes in our world,...
Read More >>New Prescription
PHARMACEUTICALS
Humanity’s search for medicinal agents undoubtedly extends into our prehistoric past. Only since the 19th century, however, has this endeavour taken on the full trappings of scientific investigation. While plenty...
Read More >>Responsible Care
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
Between November 1995 and June 1996, 109 Haitian children inexplicably developed acute renal failure, hepatitis and pancreatitis, leading to coma and death. Of the 87 youngsters who remained in Haiti...
Read More >>The Greening of Chemistry
GREEN CHEMISTRY
Ask most people in the chemistry community and they'll tell you green chemistry seems to be everywhere these days. Depending on the context, this is either mentioned with pride...
Read More >>Simply the Best
HISTORY
In chemistry, as in every branch of science, major breakthroughs happen rarely. Knowledge creation more typically comes from the incremental advances of diligent scientists toiling in obscurity.
Read More >>Sparks of Genius
EDUCATION
Chemistry research in Canada pre-dates Canada itself. In the 1840s, decades before confederation, British ex-pat Henry Holmes Croft became the first chemistry professor at the University of King’s College, the precursor...
Read More >>Petrochemical Heartland
HISTORY
Hewers of wood and drawers of water is the oft-repeated narrative used to describe Canada’s historical reliance on natural resources. It is true that Canada has been, and continues to...
Read More >>Target on methane
PETROCHEMISTRY
A high-efficiency incinerator at Cenovus Energy’s terminal near Edmonton destroys all noxious hydrocarbon emissions as tank cars are loaded with crude oil. Photo credit: Questor Technology Decades before climate change became...
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