Toluene

Invented more than a century ago (1873, hat tip to Mr. Levi Strauss), blue jeans have evolved from humble origins into an American wardrobe staple.

Advances in petrochemicals – which are already helping transform medical science – are creating a new, more efficient and more cost-effective way to remove salt from ocean water.

In a health care revolution, the Cardiac 3D Print Lab at Phoenix Children’s Hospital is making model organs out of plastics to help save children’s lives.

Anyone who has dropped their smartphone into a sink, pool or mud puddle can recall the flash of dread that occurs when the devise splashes into the water.