There is a delicate balance between theory and reality in chemistry, as a formula that works on paper may not behave in predicted ways when applied to actual experiments. For instance, Depakote, commonly known as valproic acid, is synthesized through several chemical processes, some of which are difficult to produce due to variances in temperatures or pressures or in efficiency of the reactions. "This synthesis works in theory, but the trouble is in getting the conditions right so it works in reality," said Phil Silverman, the lab coordinator for the University of Missouri's chemistry department.

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MU junior Joe Shadduck observes the location of Saturn while looking through the telescope on Wednesday night at Laws Observatory. MU's physics and astronomy department opens the observatory most Wednesday evenings from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. to allow the public to take a look through the telescope.

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