World’s largest scientific society convenes its regional meeting June 11-13 in Grand Rapids, Mich.

Each paper is embargoed for release until date and time of presentation, unless noted otherwise.

More than 450 research findings will be presented at the 33rd Central/Great Lakes joint regional meeting of the American Chemical Society, the world’s largest scientific society, in Grand Rapids, Mich. Over 500 scientists and students are expected to attend the meeting at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, 187 Monroe NW. (Telephone: 616-774-2000). Highlights include:

• Cosmetics and chemistry
• Drug complexities
• Green chemistry and the environment
• New and improved uses for and disposal of plastics
• The fun of chemistry

Richard J. McCabe, Pfizer Global Research and Development, New York, NY, and Brian Stockman, Pharmacia Corporation, Kalamazoo, Mich, are co-chairmen. For more information, visit: http://membership.acs.org/w/wmi/2001/

Monday, June 11, 2001
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

• Aquatic chemistry of singlet oxygen — What happens to the environment when we dispose of our cosmetics and other personal care products? The presenters will discuss the formation of reactive species in sunlit natural water from these products and pharmaceutical compounds. (Kristopher McNeill and Brian L. Stender, Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, 207 Pleasant St. SE, Minneapolis, Minn)
• Sequence analysis of whole protein ions from e-coli — Researchers discuss strategies and demands that are placed on chemical analysis technologies intended to prevent or mitigate harm from either chemical or biological weapons. (Gavin E. Reid and Scott A. McLuckey, Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Ind)

Monday, June 11, 2001
1:30 – 5:00 p.m.

• Nuclear communication issues — A look at public perception issues for the nuclear and chemical industries. The two industries deal with facts; however, they also need to gain the public’s trust before the public will accept the facts. (Mark A. Savage, Palisades Nuclear Plant, 27780 Blue Star Highway, Covert, Mich)

Tuesday, June 12, 2001
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

• From farm to fork — If we are to understand the evolution of drug-resistance in pathogens such as Salmonella and Campylobacter, it is necessary to characterize the gene pool from which the resistance genes originated. The researcher explains the mechanisms and genes responsible for resistance to a single antibiotic or class of antibiotics, and the ecology and evolution of drug resistance within the food chain. (John J. Maurer, Department of Avian Medicine, The University of Georgia, Athens, Ga)
• How to be part of the solution — The presenter examines the rewards of getting students and teachers excited about science, and outlines different styles of successful programs as well as useful and proven resources to keep students engaged in chemistry. (Michael D. Seymour, Department of Chemistry, Hope College, Holland, Mich)

Tuesday, June 12, 2001
1:30 – 5:00 p.m.

• How do flu drugs really work? — In the context of a biochemistry class for an undergraduate curriculum, the presenter will explain what happens when the flu virus infects us and how the virus is replicated. The virus’ life cycle will be examined as well as the drugs to combat the virus. (T. Andrew Mobley, Grinnell College, Grinnell, Iowa, and Jerry R Mohrig, Carleton College, Northfield, Minn)

Wednesday, June 13, 2001
1:30 – 5:00 p.m.

• Contaminants in the Great Lakes — The researchers will present an overview of what has been learned about the fate and effects of chemical contaminants, particularly PCBs, in the Great Lakes, and their effects on wildlife. (Paul D. Jones and John P. Giesy, Zoology Department, National Food Safety and Toxicology Center, Institute for Environmental Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Mich)
• Emerging issues of concern in the Great Lakes — This presentation summarizes available data on new chemical contaminants in the Great Lakes and the effect on organisms and ecosystems from the handling and disposal of chemical wastes. (Kurunthachalam Kannan and John P. Giesy, Zoology Department, National Food Safety and Toxicology Center, Institute for Environmental Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Mich)