Researchers at the National Cancer Institute in Frederick, Md. have developed a new tool for editing and repairing bacterial DNA in vivo using *-mediated homologous recombination. Originally used with chromosomal genes in yeast and Escherichia coli, this technique soon could be used with genes cloned on plasmids, which would allow scientists to study other pathogens and correct mutations or create markers in eukaryotic cells. A team led by Donald Court, head of the molecular control and genetics

The Stowers Institute for Medical Research recently received an additional gift of $1.1 billion in securities from Jim and Virginia Stowers, who founded the Kansas City, Mo., research facility in 1998 (S. Bunk, "Big Plans for Kansas City," The Scientist 14[23]:14, Nov. 27, 2000). Their latest contribution raises the total value of the institute's endowment above $1.6 billion. The Stowers family originally intended for this gift to pass to the institute following their deaths, but by giving it no