The Chemist Volume 86 | Number 2
ISSN 1945-0702
Editorial: Chemistry on the March David Devraj Kumar Florida Atlantic University (david@fau.edu)

Earlier this year in my editorial I expressed optimism about the future of chemistry and I continue to stand on it. The advancements in chemical sciences and the applications of chemistry in other areas of science and technology are mind-boggling. Chemistry helps molecular biologists solve complex problems, leads to better understanding of biological systems, and enables environmental scientists to understand and to suggest solutions to environmental issues.

Margot Hall and co-authors report a very important study comparing cancer antigens in diagnosing pancreatic, gastric and other gastrointestinal cancers. According to their findings CA 195 seems to be the best with CA 19-9, CA 50, and CA 242 for the detection of pancreatic cancer, and with CA 242 and CA 50 for the detection of gastric cancer. I hope their findings will lead to the development of procedures for the early detection of these cancers so that proper treatments can be implemented.

Divia N and co-authors report the synthesis 3,5-Bis[(2-methyl-naphthalene-1-yl)-phenyl-amino-phenyl]-butyl-(2-methoxy-naphthalene-1-yl)-phenylammoniumbromide (BPBPB) and its application as an efficient catalyst for certain organic reactions. David Manuta discusses a complicated legal case involving the combustion of denatured alcohol exposing the chemistry of certain colognes.

John Hill and co-author explore ways to implement the “Chemistry for All” vision initiated by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry in order to overcome ‘chemophobia’ by empowering the general public to understand the role of chemistry in the complex world in which they live. On the other hand, chemistry in the wrong hands for wrong motives is counterproductive.

James Smith argues in his eye-opening article that in the field of environmental forensics the peer-review process is being taken advantage of to establish expertise in litigations involving environmental issues. However, who is going to play gatekeeper to stop misuse of the peer review process in an age where poorly managed open-access journals run by for-profit industries with unknown whereabouts is a very important question.

Sue Rao makes an attempt to raise public awareness and understanding of the science of e-cigarettes. Kim Cavendish and Madelyn Reus briefly outline chemistry activities at the Museum of Discovery and Science in Fort Lauderdale. Fatimah Unnisa and Margot Hall offer thoughtful reviews of the instructors DVD of Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry (6^th edition) and the book Goldfrank’s Toxicology Emergencies (9^th edition).

It is impossible to edit and re-launch this important scholarly journal without the support of Dean Valerie Bristor at Florida Atlantic University providing a home base. Also, I would like to acknowledge the voluntary efforts of reviewers from the journal’s Editorial Review Board and of invited guest reviewer Dr. Penelope Fritzer at Florida Atlantic University. All these reviewers graciously provided timely and thoughtful reviews of manuscripts, thus enhancing the quality of this issue of The Chemist.

Thank you.