Chemical research gets a new look

摘要

Serendipity historically has played a major role in chemical research.We've all grown up on the legendary stories of Harvey Firestone accidentally discovering how to vulcanize rubber and Wallace Carothers unexpectedly stumbling onto nylon.However,we all know that even fortuitous discoveries only happen when a very smart,focused researcher is looking at a specific problem.The question is:Are enough new discoveries - from well-planned programs,serendipity or otherwise - occurring to sustain the health of the chemical industry?