1970-1979

Highlights from the '70s

1970

• LCD patented
  • The Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) has grown to become one of the most versatile display technologies. Early displays were only capable of black and white (as in digital watches) but LCD technology is now used for colour displays     

1971

• First synthetic production of human growth hormone
  • As well as being used to treat growth problems Human Growth Hormone has been used to treat weight loss in cancer and AIDS patients     

1972

• Artificial synthesis of Vitamin B₁₂
  • After the discovery of the structure in 1955 an artificial synthesis was finally achieved in 1972. Vitamin B₁₂ is used to treat pernicious anaemia and is an essential part of our diet     

1973

• First CCD chip launched
  • Charge Couple Devices (CCD) are used in digital video cameras to capture images and turn them into electrical signals     

1974

• Production of Catalytic Converters commences
  • Catalytic converters are used in cars to convert exhaust gases into harmless compounds     

1975

• North Sea oil pipeline opened
  • North Sea oil is used not just to produce fuel but also a number of other useful chemicals such as plastics and fertilisers     

1976

• Tagamet^® launched
  • Tagamet^® (Cimetidine) is used for the treatment of peptic ulcers and gastrointestinal disorders. In 1997 the work was awarded an International Historic Chemical Landmark by the RSC and the ACS     

1977

• Conducting polymers discovered
  • Traditionally it was thought that plastics could not conduct electricity. This was disproved by the invention of conducting polymers which are now used in a variety of applications     

1978

• Insulin produced via genetic engineering
  • Insulin was one of the first substances to be produced with genetic engineering. By inserting sections of DNA into bacteria they can be made to produce a variety of substances. More than 80% of diabetics now use genetically engineered insulin     

1979

• Artificial Blood used for the first time in a patient
  • A number of blood substitutes are under development, though none has yet completely replaced blood from donation in a transfusion