Full of surprises

Need to know the electronegativity of carbon urgently? Then pick up your iPhone. Our much acclaimed Merck Periodic System of the Elements is now available to download directly from the Apple App Store. The interactive application is also compatible with the iPod touch. More >>

Wallpaper that changes from purple to green as you move? No it’s not an optical illusion; it’s a new generation of effect pigments from Merck. As these pigments change color depending on the viewing angle, they add something special to a room. And they’re attracting huge interest from the most influential architects and designers around.

The UK BSkyB television broadcaster has been testing 3D TV. Viewers taking part watched a football match where the pitch was optically extended and players seemed close enough to touch as they passed, shot and scored. Naturally, fast-reacting TV screens were key – and the liquid crystals needed for them were developed by Merck. More >>

Taste tests can't be carried out on prescription drugs in the laboratory. So we use an 'electronic tongue' to analyze how active ingredients and medication are perceived by the tongue and nose. This robot helped us develop a much easier to swallow form of Glucophage®, one of the most effective treatments for type 2 diabetes. This easily administered, water soluble powder has an almost neutral taste. More >>