Examines techniques used to make ultrasensitive spectroscopic measurements. They include excitation, thermal lens, photo acoustic, and ionization spectroscopies. Guidelines and methods are provided for each technique; common uses and applications are explained. (DH)

Discusses: (1) the conflict about the importance of research at predominantly undergraduate schools; (2) sources of funding for undergraduate research (several of which are targeted at predominantly undergraduate institutions); and (3) undergraduate research at doctoral-granting institutions. (JN)

Describes an apparatus developed for photochemical studies, particularly those involving the fluorescence of halogenated acetones. The apparatus is constructed from equipment normally found in a moderately sized physical chemical laboratory. Also provides background information on some aspects of the photophysics of halogenated propanones. (JN)

Describes a set of experiments (for senior-level biochemistry students) which permit evaluation and estimation of rate and equilibrium constants involving an intermediate in the alpha-chymotrypsin mediated hydrolysis of ortho-hydroxy-alpha-toluenesulfonic acid (I). The only equipment required for the experiments is a well-thermostated double beam…

The advantages of DNA hybridization procedures for classroom and clinical use can now be realized by the recent development of nonradioactive DNA labeling/detection procedures. These methods (which are described) can replace the use of isotopes in standard DNA hybridization procedures. (JN)

Findings from an American Chemical Society survey show that the pessimism that characterized the job market in 1983 has given way to a much brighter outlook as employers hire more chemists and chemical engineers. Data from the survey on the supply and demand of chemical professionals are provided and discussed. (JN)

Traces the history of using mice for medical research and discusses the benefits of using these animals for studies in bacteriology, virology, genetics (considering X-linked genetic homologies between mice and humans), molecular biology, immunology, hematology, immune response disorders, oncology, radiobiology, pharmacology, behavior genetics,…

The use of a microcomputer as the basis of a multichannel analyzer (MCA) system is described. Principles of microcomputer MCA, choice of microcomputer, input-output port, data display, MCA program, and interrupt routine (with flowchart) are the topic areas considered. (JN)

Discusses structural and chemical features of muscle tissue. Emphasizes chemical and physical changes which occur during processing and storage and how these changes affect the eating quality of meat and fish. (JN)

Examined the influence of college housing assignments on retention of freshmen science majors, in a study of 103 students housed in proximity to other science majors and 43 housed at random. Results showed freshmen science majors housed near other science majors were more likely to be retained. (JAC)

Discusses major events leading to the development of the octet rule. Three conclusions based on the work of Mendeleev, Abegg, Thompson, Kossel, Lewis, and Langmuir are considered as is the debate over the rule's validity. (JN)

Discusses a theory suggesting that thoughts, feelings, dreams, and other workings of the mind are produced by chemical and electrical activity in the networks of nerve cells that make up the bulk of the brain. Opinions of a neuroscientist, anatomist, cognitive scientist, philosopher of science, and a biophysicist are provided. (BC)

Describes a demonstration in which the pattern on a rotating turntable can be affected by humming and adjusting the pitch of the hum. At some frequency, if conditions are right, the pattern can be stopped, or "strobed." Also describes a way to introduce humor into physics instruction. (JN)

Describes the nature of gradient refractive index (GRIN) lenses, focusing on refraction in these materials, focal length of a thin Wood lens, and on manufacturing of such lenses. Indicates that GRIN lenses of small cross section are in limited production with applications suggested for optical communication and photocopying fields. (JN)

Highlights findings from National Science Foundation's National Survey of Academic Research Instruments and Instrumentation which examined the amount, condition, and cost of existing equipment systems for 1982 in computer sciences, physical sciences, and engineering. Indicates that one-fourth of the equipment is classified as obsolete by…