Major Challenges for the Modern Chemistry in Particular and Science in General

In the past few hundred years, science has exerted an enormous influence on the way the world appears to human observers. Despite phenomenal accomplishments of science, science nowadays faces numerous challenges that threaten its continued success. As scientific inventions become embedded within human societies, the challenges are further multiplied. In this critical review, some of the critical challenges for the field of modern chemistry are discussed, including: (a) interlinking theoretical knowledge and experimental approaches; (b) implementing the principles of sustainability at the roots of the chemical design; (c) defining science from a philosophical perspective that acknowledges both pragmatic and realistic aspects thereof; (d) instigating interdisciplinary research; (e) learning to recognize and appreciate the aesthetic aspects of scientific knowledge and methodology, and promote truly inspiring education in chemistry. In the conclusion, I recapitulate that the evolution of human knowledge inherently depends upon our ability to adopt creative problem-solving attitudes, and that challenges will always be present within the scope of scientific interests.     

The influence of phenobarbital on the glycogen concentration of rat liver

Résumé On a constaté qu'une injection du phénobarbital provoque la diminution de la concentration du glycogène libre de 34% et la diminution du glycogène total de 22,6% seulement 24 h après leur injection. La répétition des injections du phénobarbital diminue le glycogène libre respectivement de 36% et de 28%, le glycogène lié de 46% et de 27%, et le glycogène total de 41% et 24%.     

A2 adenosine receptors in human glomerular mesangial cells

A₂ adenosine receptors were characterized in human glomerular mesangial cells using [³H] 5-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA) as a tracer. There was a single group of receptor sites with a K_D of 184 nM, and a number of sites of 317 fmol/mg of cell protein. Adenosine agonists increased 5-nucleotidase activity via A₂ receptor stimulation. The specific A₂ agonist-NECA, at 0.1 and 1 m, was a potent inhibitor of DNA synthesis.     

Selective effect of noradrenaline on superoxide dismutase activity in the brown adipose tissue and liver of the rat

Summary Noradrenaline treatment results in a significant increase of superoxide dismutase activity in the intrascapular brown adipose tissue but not in the liver.     

Experimental allergic encephalomyelitis in T-lymphocyte deficient rats

Summary Thymectomized, lethally irradiated rats reconstituted with syngeneic bone marrow were injected with rat brain in complete Freund adjuvant mixture. Both, they and sham-thymectomized, irradiated and bone marrow protected rats displayed a higher incidence of leg paralysis than normal non-irradiated animals. Thymectomy lowered the incidence of the disease.Supported by the Research Fund of Croatia (Zagreb).     

Über die Entstehung von Dehydracetsäure und ihren Analogen bei der Oxydation derα, γ, δ, ζ-Tetraketone mit Bleitetraacetat

Summary Oxidation of, , , -Tetraketones (I) with lead-tetraacetate yields dehydracetic acid and analogous compounds (IV). The reaction can be understood if one assumes that acylketenes (III) are formed as intermediates through the glycol-fission of the dienolic form II of the tetraketones.     

Stilboestrol-induced depression of the antibody response

Résumé On a étudié l'effet du stilboestrol sur la formation d'anticorps contre de hématies de mouton chez les rats et les souris. Un traitement préliminaire au stilboestrol affaiblissait chez les rats et les souris la réponse exprimée en termes d'anticorps hémolytiques et agglutinants. On a montré que cet effet dépendait de la dose et de la voie d'administration de l'antigène. On discute brièvement les mécanismes susceptibles d'expliquer cette diminution.

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This work was supported in part by the Medical Research Council.

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G.G.W. is in receipt of a Medical Research Council Scholarship.