Visions of the Future: Chemistry and Life Science

Leading young scientists give engaging reviews of their research areas and exciting visions of future developments.

J. M. T. Thompson (Edited by)

9780521805391, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 12 July 2001

208 pages, 82 b/w illus.
22.9 x 15.3 x 1.4 cm, 0.364 kg

'I enjoyed these glimpses of what is going on and (always a good sign) the book left me wishing for more.' David Birkett, Chemistry in Britain

Leading young scientists, many holding prestigious Royal Society Research Fellowships, describe their research and give their visions of the future. Re-written in a popular and well illustrated style, the articles are derived from scholarly and authoritative papers published in a special Millennium Issue of the Royal Society's Philosophical Transactions (used by Newton, this is the world's longest running scientific journal). Carefully selected by the journal's editor, Professor J. M. T. Thompson FRS, topics include studies of atoms and molecules in motion; new processes and materials; nature's secrets of biological growth and form; progress in understanding the human body and mind. The book conveys the excitement and enthusiasm of the young authors for their work in Chemistry and Life Science. Two companion books cover Astronomy and Earth Science, and Physics and Electronics. All are definitive reviews for anyone with a general interest in the future directions of science.

Preface J. M. T. Thompson
Part I. Atoms and Molecules in Motion: 1. Laser snapshots of molecular motions Gareth Roberts
2. Enzymology takes a quantum leap forward Michael J. Sutcliffe and Nigel S. Scrutton
Part II. New Processes and Materials: 3. World champion chemists: people versus computers Jonathan M. Goodman
4. Chemistry on the inside: green chemistry in mesoporous materials Duncan J. Macquarrie
5. Diamond thin films: a 21st century material Paul W. May
Part III. Biological Growth and Form: 6. The secret of nature's microscopic patterns Alan R. Hemsley and Peter C. Griffiths
7. Skeletal structure: synthesis of mechanics and cell biology Marjolein C. H. van der Meulen and Patrick J. Prendergast
Part IV. Understanding the Human Body: 8. The making of the virtual heart Peter Kohl, Denis Noble, Raimond L. Winslow and Peter Hunter
9. Exploring human organs with computers Paul J. Kolston
Part V. Understanding the Human Mind: 10. Reverse engineering the human mind Vincent Walsh.

Subject Areas: Popular science [PDZ]