October 1994

The New York-based foundation presented its Albert Lasker Clinical Medical Research Award to John A. Clements, Julius H. Comroe, Jr. Professor of Pulmonary Biology and a professor of pediatrics at the University of California, San Francisco. The Albert Lasker Basic Medical Research Award was bestowed on Stanley B. Prusiner, a professor of neurology and biochemistry at UC-San Francisco. The foundation gave its Albert Lasker Special P

The Albert and Mary Lasker Foundation this year has chosen as the recipients of its prestigious Winged Victory statuettes three researchers who, according to awards program director Jordan U. Gutterman, exemplify "persistence and tenacity, intuition and intelligence." The New York-based foundation presented its Albert Lasker Clinical Medical Research Award to John A. Clements, Julius H. Comroe, Jr. Professor of Pulmonary Biology an

One such investigator is Denham Harman, a professor, emeritus, at the University of Nebraska College of Medicine in Omaha. The 78-year-old Harman for many years has argued that aging research deserves far more attention and financial support than it traditionally has received--especially because the United States population, according to demographic statistics, is rapidly getting older. "We need to spend more money on basic biomedic

Sidebar: WHERE GERONTOLOGISTS GET TOGETHER ACCESSING AGING ASSETS Despite a substantial increase in the flow of financial support for gerontological research during the past several years, ambitious investigators of aging-associated phenomena continue to lament that their field is underfunded. One such investigator is Denham Harman, a professor, emeritus, at the University of Nebraska College of Medicine in Omaha. The 78-year-old

Redistribution of federal financial backing may have drastic implications for cancer studies, they warn With federal research funds increasingly being earmarked for such publicly visible areas of biomedical investigation as AIDS and women's health, cancer research institutions in the United States are finding themselves in a bind. Saddled with a shrinking piece of the budgetary pie, heads of the nation's basic cancer research cente

Neuroscientist Ira B. Black: "So many of the diseases facing us involve behavioral patterns." A search committee will stop accepting applications for the directorship of the newly chartered Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research (OBSSR) at the National Institutes of Health this week. The deadline's passing sets the stage for the appointment, by year's end, of a leader whose task will be to effective- ly integrate behavior

Sidebar: WHERE GERONTOLOGISTS GET TOGETHER ACCESSING AGING ASSETS Despite a substantial increase in the flow of financial support for gerontological research during the past several years, ambitious investigators of aging-associated phenomena continue to lament that their field is underfunded. One such investigator is Denham Harman, a professor, emeritus, at the University of Nebraska College of Medicine in Omaha. The 78-year-old

Redistribution of federal financial backing may have drastic implications for cancer studies, they warn With federal research funds increasingly being earmarked for such publicly visible areas of biomedical investigation as AIDS and women's health, cancer research institutions in the United States are finding themselves in a bind. Saddled with a shrinking piece of the budgetary pie, heads of the nation's basic cancer research cente

The New York-based foundation presented its Albert Lasker Clinical Medical Research Award to John A. Clements, Julius H. Comroe, Jr. Professor of Pulmonary Biology and a professor of pediatrics at the University of California, San Francisco. The Albert Lasker Basic Medical Research Award was bestowed on Stanley B. Prusiner, a professor of neurology and biochemistry at UC-San Francisco. The foundation gave its Albert Lasker Special P

The Albert and Mary Lasker Foundation this year has chosen as the recipients of its prestigious Winged Victory statuettes three researchers who, according to awards program director Jordan U. Gutterman, exemplify "persistence and tenacity, intuition and intelligence." The New York-based foundation presented its Albert Lasker Clinical Medical Research Award to John A. Clements, Julius H. Comroe, Jr. Professor of Pulmonary Biology an

One such investigator is Denham Harman, a professor, emeritus, at the University of Nebraska College of Medicine in Omaha. The 78-year-old Harman for many years has argued that aging research deserves far more attention and financial support than it traditionally has received--especially because the United States population, according to demographic statistics, is rapidly getting older. "We need to spend more money on basic biomedic

Neuroscientist Ira B. Black: "So many of the diseases facing us involve behavioral patterns." A search committee will stop accepting applications for the directorship of the newly chartered Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research (OBSSR) at the National Institutes of Health this week. The deadline's passing sets the stage for the appointment, by year's end, of a leader whose task will be to effective- ly integrate behavior

"Our meeting is unique in that it draws a large proportion of society members," remarks Larry Squire, the current president as well as a professor of psychiatry and neuroscience at the University of California, San Diego, and a staff research scientist at the San Diego Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC). "It would be hard to pick any special themes of interest--we have everything from molecular and cellular research to cognitive

Decade of the Brain Lecture, 8:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.: "Consolidating the gains in brain" Presidential Special Lecture, 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.: "Cell death in development and disease" History of Neuroscience Lecture, 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.: "Evolving concepts of function of the neocortex" 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.: "Molecular studies of physiological functions of glutamate receptor" 4:15 p.m.-5:15 p.m.: "The molecular biology and biophysi

"Our meeting is unique in that it draws a large proportion of society members," remarks Larry Squire, the current president as well as a professor of psychiatry and neuroscience at the University of California, San Diego, and a staff research scientist at the San Diego Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC). "It would be hard to pick any special themes of interest--we have everything from molecular and cellular research to cognitive

Decade of the Brain Lecture, 8:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.: "Consolidating the gains in brain" Presidential Special Lecture, 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.: "Cell death in development and disease" History of Neuroscience Lecture, 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.: "Evolving concepts of function of the neocortex" 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.: "Molecular studies of physiological functions of glutamate receptor" 4:15 p.m.-5:15 p.m.: "The molecular biology and biophysi

Following are some of the funding sources for research on aging, including basic biomedical research, clinical research, and training: American Federation for Aging Research (AFAR) AFAR Research Grants: awards of up to $40,000 for one year to junior faculty for preliminary research projects. Merck/AFAR Fellowships in Geriatric Clinical Pharmacology: awards of $100,000 over two years, cosponsored by Merck & Co. Inc., Rahway, N.J.,

Following are some of the professional societies whose memberships include biological, social science, and clinical researchers in the fields of geriatrics and gerontology. American Aging Association (AAA) American College of Clinical Gerontology (ACCG) 2129 Providence Ave. Chester, Pa. 19013 (610) 874-7550 Fax: (610) 876-7715 Arthur K. Balin, executive director of AAA and president of ACCG American Geriatrics Society 770 Lexingto

Following are some of the funding sources for research on aging, including basic biomedical research, clinical research, and training: American Federation for Aging Research (AFAR) AFAR Research Grants: awards of up to $40,000 for one year to junior faculty for preliminary research projects. Merck/AFAR Fellowships in Geriatric Clinical Pharmacology: awards of $100,000 over two years, cosponsored by Merck & Co. Inc., Rahway, N.J.,

Following are some of the professional societies whose memberships include biological, social science, and clinical researchers in the fields of geriatrics and gerontology. American Aging Association (AAA) American College of Clinical Gerontology (ACCG) 2129 Providence Ave. Chester, Pa. 19013 (610) 874-7550 Fax: (610) 876-7715 Arthur K. Balin, executive director of AAA and president of ACCG American Geriatrics Society 770 Lexingto

Benkovic's research over the years has focused on understanding how enzymes catalyze chemical reactions. "My early work involved looking at the mechanisms of organic reactions of small molecules that mimic biological processes, and extrapolate that information to how an enzyme might work," he explains. During his years as a graduate student at Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y.--where he received a doctorate in 1963--and a postdoctor

Benkovic's research over the years has focused on understanding how enzymes catalyze chemical reactions. "My early work involved looking at the mechanisms of organic reactions of small molecules that mimic biological processes, and extrapolate that information to how an enzyme might work," he explains. During his years as a graduate student at Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y.--where he received a doctorate in 1963--and a postdoctor

The National Science Foundation's division of environmental biology recently announced a special grant competition-- called Partnerships for Enhancing Expertise in Taxonomy--to stimulate taxonomic research and training. The initiative is spurred by concern over dwindling numbers of younger scientists taking up taxonomy--the study of the general principles of scientific classification--and systematics and the limited knowledge that ex

The National Science Foundation's division of environmental biology recently announced a special grant competition-- called Partnerships for Enhancing Expertise in Taxonomy--to stimulate taxonomic research and training. The initiative is spurred by concern over dwindling numbers of younger scientists taking up taxonomy--the study of the general principles of scientific classification--and systematics and the limited knowledge that ex

Interview By:, Franklin Hoke and Karen Young Kreeger, pp.12 Date: October 17, 1994 In May 1994, preeminent bioethicist Arthur Caplan moved his base of operations from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, where he had established the Center for Biomedical Ethics, to the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. There, he launched the Center for Bioethics, hoping to expand the purview of his activities through association with

Interview By:, Franklin Hoke and Karen Young Kreeger, pp.12 Date: October 17, 1994 In May 1994, preeminent bioethicist Arthur Caplan moved his base of operations from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, where he had established the Center for Biomedical Ethics, to the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. There, he launched the Center for Bioethics, hoping to expand the purview of his activities through association with

The Scientist, Sept. 5, 1994, page 13), contains several misperceptions. While it is true that the use of triage in peer review would relieve some pressure on review staff at the National Institutes of Health, it has never been suggested, as Musacchio implies, that it would "solve the problems undermining American science." As now applied at NIH, triage focuses on reducing time spent at review meetings by eliminating discussion on a

The Scientist, July 25, 1994, page 1) says that "many of the attendees [at the 'Convocation on Scientific Conduct'] note with some dismay that active research scientists were largely absent from among the approximately 250 people [in the audience]." Did they really think that many would come? Displaying an interest in misconduct is not a path to advancement in science. Remember what happened to Walter Stewart and Ned Feder. Only sci

The Scientist, Sept. 5, 1994, page 13), contains several misperceptions. While it is true that the use of triage in peer review would relieve some pressure on review staff at the National Institutes of Health, it has never been suggested, as Musacchio implies, that it would "solve the problems undermining American science." As now applied at NIH, triage focuses on reducing time spent at review meetings by eliminating discussion on a

The Scientist, July 25, 1994, page 1) says that "many of the attendees [at the 'Convocation on Scientific Conduct'] note with some dismay that active research scientists were largely absent from among the approximately 250 people [in the audience]." Did they really think that many would come? Displaying an interest in misconduct is not a path to advancement in science. Remember what happened to Walter Stewart and Ned Feder. Only sci

As Bob spoke about his boyhood in Philadelphia, his coming of age as a young Harvard intellectual, and the factors that fueled his preoccupation with the history of science and the behavior of scientists, I was touched by a variety of emotions. As often during the 30 years or so that I've known him, I was fascinated by his capacious intellect and his knack for originating concepts and expressing them in clear, evocative terms. (Whet

As Bob spoke about his boyhood in Philadelphia, his coming of age as a young Harvard intellectual, and the factors that fueled his preoccupation with the history of science and the behavior of scientists, I was touched by a variety of emotions. As often during the 30 years or so that I've known him, I was fascinated by his capacious intellect and his knack for originating concepts and expressing them in clear, evocative terms. (Whet

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. It was established in 1974 when Congress passed the Research on Aging Act, charging the institute to conduct and support biomedical, social, and behavioral research as well as training and education on the process of aging and the diseases and special needs of older individuals. "Our research is very far-ranging, from basic research into cell regul

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. It was established in 1974 when Congress passed the Research on Aging Act, charging the institute to conduct and support biomedical, social, and behavioral research as well as training and education on the process of aging and the diseases and special needs of older individuals. "Our research is very far-ranging, from basic research into cell regul

G. Schaller, D. Schaerer, G. Meynet, A. Maeder, "New grids of stellar models from 0.8 to 120M; at Z=0.020 and Z=0.001," Astronomy & Astrophysics Supplement Series, 96:269-331, 1992. Georges Meynet (Geneva Observatory, University of Geneva): "The evolution of galaxies is intimately related to the evolution of one of their main components--the stars. Stellar evolution is responsible for the different colors of galaxies. When the gal

T. Braun, M.A. Rudnicki, H.H. Arnold, R. Jaenisch, "Targeted inactivation of the muscle regulatory gene Myf-5 results in abnormal rib development and perinatal death," Cell, 71:369-82, 1992. M.A. Rudnicki, T. Braun, S. Hinuma, R. Jaenisch, "Inactivation of MyoD in mice leads to up-regulation of the myogenic HLH gene Myf-5 and results in apparently normal muscle development," Cell, 71:383-90, 1992. M.A. Rudnicki, P.N.J. Schnegelab

G. Schaller, D. Schaerer, G. Meynet, A. Maeder, "New grids of stellar models from 0.8 to 120M; at Z=0.020 and Z=0.001," Astronomy & Astrophysics Supplement Series, 96:269-331, 1992. Georges Meynet (Geneva Observatory, University of Geneva): "The evolution of galaxies is intimately related to the evolution of one of their main components--the stars. Stellar evolution is responsible for the different colors of galaxies. When the gal

T. Braun, M.A. Rudnicki, H.H. Arnold, R. Jaenisch, "Targeted inactivation of the muscle regulatory gene Myf-5 results in abnormal rib development and perinatal death," Cell, 71:369-82, 1992. M.A. Rudnicki, T. Braun, S. Hinuma, R. Jaenisch, "Inactivation of MyoD in mice leads to up-regulation of the myogenic HLH gene Myf-5 and results in apparently normal muscle development," Cell, 71:383-90, 1992. M.A. Rudnicki, P.N.J. Schnegelab

SUPPLIERS OF DNA SEQUENCERS, SYSTEMS, AND SOFTWARE American Bioanalytical Inc. Natick, MA Circle No. 101 on Reader Service Card Amersham Corp. Arlington Heights, IL Circle No. 102 on Reader Service Card Applied Biosystems Division of Perkin-Elmer Foster City, CA Circle No. 103 on Reader Service Card Beckman Instruments Inc. Fullerton, CA Circle No. 104 on Reader Service Card Biomed Instruments Inc. Fullerton, CA Circle No. 105 o

SUPPLIERS OF DNA SEQUENCERS, SYSTEMS, AND SOFTWARE American Bioanalytical Inc. Natick, MA Circle No. 101 on Reader Service Card Amersham Corp. Arlington Heights, IL Circle No. 102 on Reader Service Card Applied Biosystems Division of Perkin-Elmer Foster City, CA Circle No. 103 on Reader Service Card Beckman Instruments Inc. Fullerton, CA Circle No. 104 on Reader Service Card Biomed Instruments Inc. Fullerton, CA Circle No. 105 o

The C4880 dual-mode, cooled charge coupled device (CCD) camera is designed for use in measurements requiring low light and high dynamic range as well as in photometry and precision still-image acquisition. It has a sensitivity of 10 lx to 10-7 lx and a resolution of 1 million pixels (1,000 x 1,018 pixels). The C4880 offers both fast- and precision- scan modes. It has an analog-to-digital conversion rate of up to 10 MHz per pixel. It

The C4880 dual-mode, cooled charge coupled device (CCD) camera is designed for use in measurements requiring low light and high dynamic range as well as in photometry and precision still-image acquisition. It has a sensitivity of 10 lx to 10-7 lx and a resolution of 1 million pixels (1,000 x 1,018 pixels). The C4880 offers both fast- and precision- scan modes. It has an analog-to-digital conversion rate of up to 10 MHz per pixel. It