NEWS
Award to Janet Osteryoung Janet Osteryoung, professor of chemistry at the State University of New York at Buffalo, has won the ANACHEM Award. The award, which is given by the Association of Analytical Chemists of Detroit, will be presented to Osteryoung at the Federation of Analytical Chemistry and Spectroscopy Societies (FACSS) meeting this October in Cleveland. Osteryoung is being honored for her electroanalytical research, which includes development and application of pulsed voltammetric techniques and microelectrode studies. Currently she is employing electrochemical techniques to develop corrosion-resistant coatings that can be applied to metals without toxic cyanide baths. Osteryoung received her B.A. degree (1961) from Swarthmore College and her Ph.D. from the California Institute of Technology (1967). She joined the faculty at Buffalo in 1979.
Synchrotron Expansion The Cornell High-Energy Synchrotron Source (CHESS) has completed construction of new research facilities that nearly double its size. The centerpiece is an isolation room for obtaining X-ray structures of hazardous viruses such as hepatitis or poliomyelitis. Four other lead-lined research rooms have been added, including space for studying materials at ultra-high pressures. Three of the new CHESS stations are served by a beam line containing a wiggler—an array of 24 permanent magnets designed to oscillate the electron beam, thereby intensifying the synchrotron X-rays at least fivefold. The wiggler will produce X-ray beams with energies up to 100 kV.
Procter & Gamble Sells Industrial Analytical Chemistry Since 1983 analytical chemists from Procter & Gamble have been presenting undergraduate chemistry majors with a glimpse of life in an industrial analytical laboratory. During a lively one-day short course, students learn how analytical chemists have solved a series of real problems (with titles like "the bulging drum problem" or "the case of the purple surfactant") and even work on their own "problem." At the same time the instructors discuss the level of training necessary to solve these problems and career opportunities for industrial analytical chemists. Organizers hope these real-life examples will encourage participants to consider an advanced degree in analytical chemistry. Students participating in the short course have commented that they
were surprised to find the material so interesting. According to one of the instructors, Alan Ullman, "The course grew out of our concern that too few [analytical chemistry] graduates were available to meet the growing needs of industry and that most science students did not know what scientists do in industry." The course has been offered at numerous U.S. colleges and universities as well as at major chemical meetings such as the recent Pittsburgh Conference in New York. Material in the course is aimed at junior- and senior-level undergraduates who have completed instrumental analysis. For further information, write to Ullman, Procter & Gamble Co., 6250 Center Hill Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45224.
Arctic Ozone Hole Scientists participating in the Winter 1989 Airborne Arctic Stratospheric Expedition, conducted from Stavanger, Norway, report finding ozone depletions linked to chlorofluorocarbons and unique weather conditions. However, the Arctic losses are concentrated at certain altitudes, and total ozone levels—unlike those in Antarctica—still remain normal. During January 1989 unusually cold air helped to stabilize the Arctic vortex, a swirling column of air that isolates chemicals in the atmosphere like a beaker. Inside the vortex the scientists found chlorine atoms along with chlorine and bromine oxides involved in ozone-destroying reactions. In certain regions O3 had declined as much as 17%. From the concentrations of chlorine and bromine species, researchers calculate that during January O3 was lost at the rate of about 1% per day. The vortex broke down in late February, allowing outside air to flow in and restore normal conditions. The expedition members also found a layer of tiny particles in the stratosphere that they believe could contribute to the formation of polar stratospheric clouds. These clouds play a key role in the chemistry of ozone destruction. It has even been suggested that residue from solid fuel rockets and/or debris from reentering spacecraft may be contributing large particles to the stratosphere, which would also contribute to cloud formation.
For Your Information NIST will offer a workshop May 30-31 in Gaithersburg, MD, dealing with measurement as a process, statistical considerations in the evaluation of data quality, standard reference materials, quality assurance programs, and criteria for a good laboratory. The seminar, limited to 50 participants, is directed toward analytical laboratory supervisors, experienced analytical chemists, and individuals in charge of laboratory quality control programs. For more information, contact John Taylor, A309 Chemistry Bldg., NIST, Gaithersburg, MD 20899 (301-975-3148). ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY, VOL. 62, NO. 8, APRIL 15, 1990 • 475 A
