50 Years Ago

In this paper we describe the synthesis from hydrogen cyanide of yet a further class of compounds—polymers that are readily converted by water to peptide like solids ... In the reducing atmosphere of primeval times direct synthesis of polypeptides would have been highly favoured as hydrogen cyanide was certainly a major component of the atmosphere. We suggest that after polymerization and modification in the presence of other reactive molecules such as hydrogen sulphide and acetylene, the prototypes of today's proteins were formed after the macromolecules settled into the cold oceans. As the process of molecular evolution continued, this protein-dominated material gave rise to protein-directed life.

From Nature 16 September 1967

100 Years Ago

During the year under review four new entomological field laboratories have been erected in several parts of Canada ... In a country like Canada, the administration of the Destructive Insect and Pest Act naturally involves a good deal of routine work. More than 2¼ millions of imported trees and plants were examined in 1914–15. This work had special reference to gipsy moth and brown-tail moths and other foreign insect pests ... It appears that the intensity of the infestation of these two moths in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick has decreased, though the area over which they have spread has become extended. An excellent feature is the co-operation which has taken place with the U.S. Government in suppressing these pests, and in introducing into Canada certain of their more important insect enemies.

From Nature 13 September 1917

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