Researchers warn of risks posed by ‘contaminants of emerging concern’ found in crops, agricultural soil

A new international study offers insights into the health risks posed by crops’ absorption of “contaminants of emerging concern” (CECs) and flags knowledge gaps the authors say must be addressed.

David Harpp (1937-2026)

It is with a heavy heart that we write to inform you know that David Harpp, the Tomlinson Professor Emeritus in Science Education, our colleague, but also to many of us in the department a teacher, mentor and friend for many decades, passed away Saturday February 14th, peacefully and in the presence of those closest to him.

McGill researchers develop a cheaper, safer material for use in solar panels, sensors and optical devices

Using proteins from a common tobacco plant virus, McGill chemistry researchers have developed a simple, eco-friendly way to arrange gold nanoparticles into ultrathin sheets, strengthening the particles’ optical properties. The result: cheaper, safer materials for solar panels, sensors and advanced optical devices. 

Professor Audrey Moores (Chemistry) awarded the Canadian Pacific Chair in Biotechnology

Congratulations to Professor Audrey Moores (Chemistry), who has been awarded the Canadian Pacific Chair in Biotechnology!

The Canadian Pacific Chair in Biotechnology is an endowed chair created in 1984 to promote research in the field of biotechnology. The chair is awarded for a five-year term and rotates among McGill's Faculties of Medicine, Science and Agriculture.

McGill Magnetic Resonance Facilities (MMRF) are now recycling helium

In late April 2021, a helium recovery system was installed for the Chemistry NMR/EPR Facility in Otto Maass and the QANUC high-field NMR facility in Pulp and Paper.  This technology, one of only a few in Canada, allows for up to 90% of the helium used in the facilities to be recycled, thus protecting a valuable, and limited, natural resources, and limited greenhouse gas emissions.  Funding was obtained fr

NMR facilities managers trying to solve helium problem

Department members Tara Sprules, manager of the national high-field NMR facility QANUC, and Robin Stein, chemistry department (MC2) NMR/EPR manager, have just had an article published in the CIC newsletter about helium. Together, they use about 2900 L of helium annually to make their eight NMR spectrometers function, and recent cost increases have left them feeling nervous about the future.