Computational Chemistry Workshop - Oct. 14 and 15, 2009

Computational Chemistry Workshop

The field of computational chemistry can be defined as the use of computers to study chemical problems. This alternative, yet often complementary approach to traditional experimental techniques allows us to 'see' things that may be too difficult or impossible to measure experimentally.

Furthermore, it can be used to investigate highly reactive or toxic chemicals. In fact, computational chemistry is now commonly used by, for example, pharmaceutical companies to help design more effective therapeutic drugs, automotive companies for the design of new engine oils, and NASA for the study of rocket fuels and interstellar gas and dust clouds.

The workshop will run on Wednesday October 14 and Thursday October 15 from 1:00 to 2:00 in the Science Resource Centre (Essex Hall, room 182-1)
In this approximately one hour session we will learn about various chemistry related software that is available on the Science Resource Centre computers. Then, we will learn how we can apply such software to investigate the properties of chemical species.

Preregistration is required to insure that facilities are available. Space is limited to 20 students per workshop, so please register soon! Register by emailing Dr. James Gauld at gauld@uwindsor.ca

NMR workshop, Oct. 14-15, 2009

NMR Workshop

On October 14th and 15th from 9:00 am until 12:00 p.m. (in the Chemistry Resource Centre), the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry NMR Facility at the University of Windsor is offering a workshop entitled "An Introduction to Practical Aspects of NMR Data Acquisition and Processing". This introductory workshop is geared toward undergraduate students and/or graduate students with limited (or no) NMR experience, but who are expected to make use of the NMR spectrometers as part of their research projects. The workshop is meant as a supplement to the "one on one" training that new students receive and will allow an opportunity to go into greater depth on many topics.

The schedule will consist of a lecture to start each day followed by hands-on learning sessions where participants will get the opportunity to make NMR samples as well as to collect and process NMR data. The topics covered include:

* How an NMR spectrometer works
* NMR Magnet Safety
* Preparation of NMR Samples
* Set up of 1D 1H and 13C NMR Experiments
* Processing and Presentation of NMR Data

Coffee and doughnuts will be provided at break.
Go the Chemistry NMR Facility site for the workshop schedule and registration. http://www.uwindsor.ca/nmr

The workshop is free of charge to members of the Dept. of Chemistry and Biochemistry; however, enrollment is limited, so please register soon!

for more information, contact:
Matthew Revington NMR Facility Manager
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
University of Windsor 519-253-3000 Ext 3997
mrevingt@uwindsor.ca

Compound may halt Parkinson's, researchers say

A team of University of Windsor biochemistry and psychology researchers may have found a tool in the fight against Parkinson’s disease. The non-curable neurodegenerative disease is caused by the death of cells that produce dopamine, a chemical that carries signals between nerves in the brain and controls movement.

PhD student Mallika Somayajulu-Nitu, under the guidance of biochemistry professor Siyaram Pandey, found that a new formulation of the natural chemical compound Coenzyme Q10 halted the degeneration of neurons in the brains of rats exposed to an herbicide associated with the disease.

A group of 47 lab rats were first injected with paraquat, a toxic herbicide once used as a roadside defoliant and weed-killer. Previous research has demonstrated a link between exposure to paraquat and an elevated human risk for developing Parkinson’s.

Some of the rats were fed water, while others received a water soluble form of Co-Q10, which is found in all cells and is a key component in generating cellular energy. Rats that did not receive the Co-Q10 exhibited considerable brain damage and behavioural symptoms associated with Parkinson’s, while those that received the formula showed no degeneration of brain cells, or impairment of fine motor skills.

The team—which included members of Pandey’s research group, members of a group led by psychology researcher Jerome Cohen, and collaborator Marianna Sikorska from the National Research Council—published its work in the academic journal BMC Neuroscience.

Pandey said the team will continue to conduct further pre-clinical validation of its data, though the research is too new to begin clinical trials with the compound.

Water-soluble Co-Q10 was developed and patented by Dr. Sikorska’s group at NRC and has been licensed to an American company for further commercial development. Pandey said the oil-soluble Co-Q10 sold as a supplement and used in some cosmetics is not effective at protecting brain cells.

From the University of Windsor Daily News, Sept. 24, 2009

http://web4.uwindsor.ca/units/pac/nvdailynews/nvdn.nsf/ba/CEB2341C2C7B23C78525763A0055D801

Meeting for Outstanding Scholars - Sept. 18

Sept. 18, 2009 at 5 p.m. in Biology Building, Room 113

This event will enable the students to find a research supervisor for the current academic year, and meet the other outstanding scholars in Chemistry. Faculty members will present a brief (5 min) summary of their research activities to the students, and pizza and pop will be served.

Graduate Student Orientation and Mixer - Sept. 10

Orientation for new graduate students will take place at 3:30 p.m. on Thurs. Sep. 10, 2009 in Room 273 Essex Hall. This will be followed by a mixer at 4 p.m. All grad students, staff and faculty are welcome!

Welcome back! Important notices for incoming undergraduate students

Welcome back!
Important notices for undergraduates in Chemistry and Biochemistry programs:

1. All lab manuals and caution cards will be sold out at the University Bookstore starting in Fall 2009.

2. Lab coats and glasses go on sale starting Sept. 14, 2009. Click here for more information.

3. Windsor Welcome Week activities for first year students take place on Sept. 7 and 8, 2009.

4. Classes officially start for the Fall 2009 term on Sept. 9, 2009.

5. New hours for the Science Resource Centre are now posted. Click here for more information.

The faculty and staff of the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry hope that you have an enjoyable and productive fall term.

Lab coats and lab glasses on sale

LAB COATS AND SAFETY GLASSES
will be for sale by the
CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY CLUB

September 14-18 and September 21, 22 and 25
in ROOM 173-2, ESSEX HALL

FROM:
8:00am to 8:30am
1:30pm to 2:00pm
5:00pm to 5:30pm

COST:
$15.00 each for Lab Coats
$5.00 each for Safety Glasses

CASH ONLY - NO DEBIT, CREDIT or UWIN CARD