The Japanese government wants US life scientists to help transform Japan into a science and technology powerhouse, according to Koji Omi, minister of state for science and technology policy. Many jobs are available in laboratories and university research centers. "Because we believe that the life sciences have great potential to benefit humanity, the plan [the Second Basic Plan for Science and Technology, effective April 1] places strategic importance on this field," Omi recently told representatives of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) in Washington, D.C. The five-year plan calls for developing proteomics, single nucleotide polymorphisms, regenerative therapies based on embryonic stem cells; and plant and bacteria genomics. Nevertheless, just because Japan rolls out the red carpet doesn't mean life scientists will cross the Pacific on it. "Most people in the US think nothing good happens scientifically in Japan," says Michael Snyder, director of the Pacific...

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