FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | August 14, 2017

American Chemical Society meeting in Washington, D.C., features wide-ranging science talks and events

Washington, D.C., children to conduct chemistry activities during chemists' national meeting

WASHINGTON, Aug. 14, 2017 — A GUINNESS WORLD RECORDSTM official attempt to make history with the largest chemistry lesson. Science storytelling activities for kids. Alligator and dragon blood chemistry. The 254th National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society (ACS) will feature these events and presentations as thousands of researchers from all over the U.S. and the world gather in the nation’s capital for the meeting later this month.

The meeting officially kicks off Sunday, Aug. 20, and runs through Thursday, Aug. 24. During this time, scientists will give nearly 9,400 presentations on a wide range of science topics. Outreach events begin Saturday, Aug. 19.

Here’s a sampling of events and talks that will take place:

ACS Kids Zone — Science storytelling, hands-on activities and giveaways
Kids will get a chance to put their reporting hats on and interview real scientists about their work. Other hands-on science activities will also be available.
When:
Saturday, Aug. 19, from noon to 4 p.m.
Where:
ACS Headquarters, 1155 16th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20036

GUINNESS WORLD RECORDSTM official attempt at the largest chemistry lesson
The number to beat for the largest chemistry lesson is 1,018 attendees, which was set in Antwerp, Belgium, in 2015. ACS will attempt to break that record during its national meeting. Everyone who comes will receive a commemorative T-shirt.  
When:
Monday, Aug. 21, at 10 a.m.
Where:
Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Ballroom A/B.

Bioprospecting: Alligator and dragon blood
George Mason University researchers talk about mining alligator and Komodo dragon blood for antimicrobial peptides that could someday be used to fight drug-resistant infections.
When:
Monday, Aug. 21, from 4 to 4:20 p.m.
Where:
Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Room 145B

How to talk climate change with your skeptical neighbor
A one-size-fits-all approach to communicating doesn’t always work. A communications researcher will discuss how to talk effectively about climate change with different audiences.
When:
Tuesday, Aug. 22, from 8:05 to 8:35 a.m.
Where:
Renaissance Washington, DC Downtown, Meeting Room 3

Pesticides in organic and non-organic foods
Georgetown University researchers report on their study looking for pesticides on imported and domestic foods, both organic and conventionally produced.
When:
Tuesday, Aug. 22, from 1:40 to 2:10 p.m.
Where:
Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Room 144C

For more information about the above presentations or about the meeting in general, contact the ACS Newsroom at newsroom@acs.org. Press can register for free at this link or onsite at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Room 154A.  

The American Chemical Society, the world’s largest scientific society, is a not-for-profit organization chartered by the U.S. Congress. ACS is a global leader in providing access to chemistry-related information and research through its multiple databases, peer-reviewed journals and scientific conferences. ACS does not conduct research, but publishes and publicizes peer-reviewed scientific studies. Its main offices are in Washington, D.C., and Columbus, Ohio.

To automatically receive press releases from the American Chemical Society, contact newsroom@acs.org.

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