Contact Information Available for logged-in reporters only Newswise Esther M. Conwell, research professor of chemistry at the University of Rochester and recipient of a National Medal of Science, died in a motor vehicle accident Sunday at the age of 92. A pioneer in the field of semiconductor research that ultimately revolutionized modern computers, Conwell was recognized as one of Discover magazines Top 50 Women of Science in 2002 and awarded the National Medal of Science by President Barack Obama in 2010. Her expertise earned her the rare honor of memberships in both the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering. Esther Conwells death is a tragic loss for the world of science, as well as for the University community, said University President Joel Seligman. Professor Conwells many scientific contributions and her pioneering role as a leading woman in science made her a source of pride for our entire University of Rochester community. She was a deeply inspiring scientist for young women pursuing careers in science. Our thoughts are with her family and colleagues during this very difficult time. In addition to her own outstanding research contributions, Esther, over her career, mentored many postdoctoral fellows, graduate and undergraduate … Continue reading →

The sequel to Theodore Gray's acclaimed chemistry iPad app The Elements leads you into the wonderful world of molecules. Touch Press When it comes to learning about the building blocks of our universe, Theodore Gray's The Elements for iPad is the perfect gateway. It's comprehensive, covering every known element; each of which has its own entry, including applications, detailed properties, and interactive images and videos to explore. It's sort of a must-have for any suite of educational apps, or for anyone with even the vaguest interest in science -- and now it has its very own companion app, picking up where it left off. Theodore Gray has taken The Elements and extended it with the logical next step: Molecules. The iPad app (also available as a physical book, only without all the interactive bits) is, to be fair, a little less comprehensive; after all, when you have some 118 identified chemical elements, the number of combinations is astronomical. "There is no catalog of all the molecules in the universe, and there can't be," Gray explains in the introduction to the app. "There may only be six different chess pieces, but it's out of the question to list all the ways … Continue reading →