Serving the chemical, life sciences, and laboratory worlds
VOLUME 90, NUMBER 50 DECEMBER 10, 2012
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COVER STORY
PHARMA YEAR IN REVIEW The patent cliff and changes to the health care market spurred a year of challenge and transformation. PAGE 15 QUOTE OF THE WEEK “We’re doing science at the speed of science, in a world that runs at the pace of Instagrams.”
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JOHN P. GROTZINGER,
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CURIOSITY MISSION PROJECT SCIENTIST, NATIONAL AERONAUTICS & SPACE ADMINISTRATION
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NEWS OF THE WEEK THE CHEMISTRY OF COLOR VISION
Manipulating chromophores—molecules that absorb light—could lead to new sensors and other technologies. NEW JERSEY RAIL ACCIDENT PROBE
34 DAIMLER QUESTIONS COOLANT SAFETY
German automaker’s concern prompts review of new air-conditioning fluid—and frustration.
GOVERNMENT & POLICY
36 CONCENTRATES 38 NSF CLARIFIES GRANT CRITERIA
Confusion over broader impacts requirements leads to analysis and revision.
42 NUCLEAR PLANT FUNDING
Energy Department funds first commercial small modular reactor, which could operate by 2022.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
44 CONCENTRATES 46 SEX SAFETY
Personal lubricants might increase risk of disease transmission during intercourse, studies suggest.
48 PROTEIN DRUG TO TREAT CELIAC DISEASE
Researchers modify soil enzyme to destroy the gluten peptides responsible for inflammation.
Old bridge and the involved train cars may be factors in a Nov. 30 derailment and chemical leak. BIG BIOFUELS FIRMS FEEL CONFIDENT
EDUCATION
Trio of companies move forward with investments that will use waste as feedstock.
49 SCIENTIFIC GIRL SCOUTS
In a sea of failures, Merck & Co. launches late-stage clinical trials for its drug targeting β-secretase.
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SEARCHING FOR ALZHEIMER’S TREATMENT
VISAS FOR SCIENCE GRADS
Bill passes the House of Representatives, but was rejected by the Senate. PATENTING GENES
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Supreme Court will rule on patents for human genes in Myriad Genetics case. TURNABOUT FOR FLUOROFORM
New protocols elevate a useless and problematic chemical by-product into a potential feedstock.
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ANOTHER WAY TO SPLIT WATER
Method shows a possible catalytic route to virtually limitless energy from the oceans. SASOL’S BIG PLANS FOR LOUISIANA
Firm moves ahead with design and construction of a $21 billion petrochemical facility.
BUSINESS
22 CONCENTRATES 24 SPINNING OFF, STARTING UP
Merck Serono helps create biotech start-ups after the closure of its headquarters in Geneva.
29 COLLABORATIVE STANDARD
Japanese firms join forces to standardize materials for OLEDs and other electronics.
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Graduate students mentor a Girl Scout troop to enrich the girls’ science education. BRADFORD PENDLEY
C&EN talks with the physician-chemist about how his medical practice informs his teaching.
BOOKS ON THE GLOBAL-WARMING HOT SEAT
Controversial scientist Michael Mann writes on the reality and consequences of climate change.
ACS NEWS FROM CLINIC TO CHEMISTRY
Indiana Section of ACS converts a waiting room to a chemistry-themed playroom.
THE DEPARTMENTS EDITOR’S PAGE LETTERS ACS COMMENT AWARDS OBITUARIES CLASSIFIEDS NEWSCRIPTS ▶
COVER: Visage/Stockbyte/ Getty Images
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