Introducing chemistry in its simplest terms, The New Chemistry set provides an overview of some fascinating areas of research, supplementing information that students may have received from classes in general science, physical science, or chemistry. Current and comprehensive, this six-title set covers topics ranging from the most fundamental fields of chemistry, such as the origins of matter and of the universe, to those with important applications to everyday life, such as the composition of foods and drugs. Emphasis is on recent research and advances in each of the fields of chemistry covered in the set. Each accessible volume provides a broad, general introduction to the field, including a historical overview; coverage of specific aspects and recent developments; informative biographical sidebars; and a bibliography, a glossary, and an index. This indispensable set offers students a thoroughly engaging reference to a complicated science in language that is easy to understand.

Vol 1: Chemistry of Drugs
Drug development and research offer some of the most challenging and exciting research in the field of chemistry. Chemistry of Drugs provides an introduction to the most common processes by which chemists design and develop drugs today. It describes the chemical principles on which those processes are based, along with an overview of the applications and hazards associated with a variety of drugs available both legally and illegally.
Coverage also includes attempts to find and develop new natural products for use as drugs; the potential for curing diseases, such as cancer; the growing field of biotechnology; and combinational chemistry, a method of producing, evaluating, and developing new chemical compounds with possible value as drugs. Designer drugs are also discussed, as well as important social, economic, and political issues related to the development and use of drugs. Biographical information on many influential figures involved in the advancement of this field throughout history completes this enlightening volume.
Chapters include: Understanding the Way Drugs Work in the Body • Natural Products • Recombinant DNA as a New Source of Drugs • Designer Drugs • Rational Drug Design: Structure-Activity Relationships and Combinatorial Chemistry

Vol 2: Chemistry of New Materials
Nature has a remarkable variety of ways of assembling atoms and molecules to form natural products, and people still have a great deal to learn from these processes. But natural methods provide no more than a hint of the host of new products that can be made. These new products are changing—and will continue to change—the way in which scientists and engineers build the substances that make human civilization what it is today.
Chemistry of New Materials reviews some of the exciting fields of materials research. An introduction to the evolution of materials is followed by an exploration of various examples of composites in new products and materials. This volume examines the many advances in the development of new materials and products by scientists and researchers, ranging from everyday consumer products to medical applications. Biographical information on noteworthy researchers is also included.
Chapters include: The Evolution of Materials • Composites • Biomaterials • Nanomaterials • Smart Materials • New Polymers.

Vol 3: Chemistry of Space
The field of astrochemistry is constantly changing, and new space probes are sent into the solar system on a regular basis to research astronomical bodies. Chemistry of Space offers an overview of the latest information about the solar system, the planets, comets and meteors, and other features of our universe. Beginning with an explanation of the origin of the universe, otherwise known as the Big Bang theory, this new book discusses recent developments in our understanding of the chemical composition and chemical changes within new stars, comets and meteors, interstellar space, the planets, and the moon. Biographical sketches of important researchers in this field complete this enlightening volume, giving students a broader perspective of chemistry’s role in space exploration.
Chapters include: The Birth of the Universe • The Chemistry of Interstellar Space • Formation of the Heavy Elements • The Inner Planets • The Outer Planets • Comets, Meteors, Asteroids, and the Moon

Vol 4:Chemistry of the Environment
Chemistry of the Environment provides a general introduction to the role of chemistry in environmental issues, including air and water pollution, solid wastes, and the relatively new field of green chemistry. Some of the most obvious examples of pollution are smoke produced by industrial operations, carbon dioxide and other gases released into the atmosphere as a by-product of burning fuels, silt and sediment washed off land by rainwater, and garbage dumped on land. This accessible new book discusses the chemical nature of air, water, and solid waste pollution; the biological, chemical, and physical effects of pollutants; and the methods available for the control of each type of pollution. In addition to purely scientific information, this volume presents some historical background and a brief introduction to social, political, economic, legal, and other issues related to the environment. Biographical information on important researchers in the field is provided.
Chapters include: The Road to Earth Day • Chemistry of the Air: Pollutants • Chemistry of the Atmosphere: Changes in the Atmosphere • Chemistry of Water Pollution • Chemistry of Solid Waste Disposal • Green Chemistry

Vol 5: Food Chemistry
Finding new, safe ways to consume food has become complicated as people become more health conscious about the foods they put into their bodies. Food Chemistry offers a wealth of information on the field of altering foods for human consumption. After an introduction outlining methods of food preservation and enhancement throughout the years (improved taste, odor, color, and nutritional content), this volume describes the differences between synthetic, engineered, irradiated, and organic foods. New foods created synthetically, such as sugar and fat substitutes, as well as genetically engineered foods and irradiated foods, have scientific and social issues attached to their development, drawing much controversy from the public. On the other end of the spectrum, general interest in consuming natural or organic foods has become more popular. This illustrated volume explores the values and harms of consuming these different types of foods, and also outlines the questions surrounding organic versus non-organic foods, including the replacement of natural vitamins and minerals with synthetically produced substitutes. Biographical information on the people involved in this field of chemistry is also included. This is an informative reference for students who want to learn more about the types of food they consume, how they are produced, and how they affect the human body.
Chapters include: The History of Food Modification • Food Additives • Synthetic Foods • Genetically Modified Foods • Foodborne Illnesses and Irradiation of Foods • Organic and Natural Foods.

Vol 6:Forensic Chemistry
From the study of explosives and bodily fluids to drug analysis and fingerprints, chemical methods have played a major role in crime investigation in the last few decades. Forensic Chemistry examines the many ways these scientific techniques have infiltrated crime investigation in today’s world. This accessible book examines the chemical characteristics of fuels and explosives, as well as arson-related methods; other ways of identifying criminals through chemical processes, including blood and bodily fluid analyses, the chemical characteristics found in fibers and hair, and latent and DNA fingerprinting; and the chemical properties of drug analysis. Biographical information on important researchers in the field is also included. This volume is an excellent resource for students interested in the chemical methods used behind the crime scene.
Chapters include: The Origins of Forensic Science • Fingerprinting • Forensic Serology • Toxicology and Drug Testing • Arson and Explosives Investigations • DNA Fingerprinting.