Based on the insights of leading scientists, ethicists, and other authorities, the book offers authoritative recommendations regarding the use of existing stem cell lines versus new lines in research, the important role of the federal government in this field of research, and other fundamental issues.

Stem Cells and the Future of Regenerative Medicine

"The purpose of these nanoparticles is to introduce a new type of therapy -- to actually go inside individual cells ... and repair them, or, if there's a lot of damage, to get rid of those cells," explains James Leary of the University of Texas Medical Branch. Leary is leading the research along with Stephen Lloyd, and Massoud Motamedi, also from the University of Texas; Nicholas Kotov of Oklahoma State University; and Yuri Lvov of Louisiana Tech University.

Voyage of the Nano-Surgeons

Viruses like HIV and Ebola are enabling researchers at the University of Pennsylvania to construct effective tools for gene therapy. Carefully combined and modified, these dangerous viruses could one day become an integral part of live-saving treatments for serious genetic disorders.

You can read the full text of the research article in the March 2001 issue of Nature Biotechnology. Subscription required for full text. Here's the URL:

http://www.nature.com/cgi-taf/DynaPage.taf?file=/nbt/journal/v19/n3/abs/nbt0301_225.html

Attaching Good Genes to Bad Viruses

Here's true comedic science writing as only the Brits can produce it ... from the 19 November issue of Nature:

"Cross-species coupling is generally frowned upon. But in the liberal labs of California it is actively being encouraged. Bugs that are persuaded to get down and dirty with hamster cells are rewriting sex manuals in the act."

Bugs enjoy hamster sex

Having a bad day? Stuff yourself with raw fish and feel refreshed!

"Scientists think they have evidence that fish oil could cure mental disorders such as depression and dyslexia -- conditions increasingly common in the Western world."

Perhaps this explains why Tux always looks so happy ...

Depressed? Eat Some Sushi, Scientists Say

"An Italian research team has developed an optical control method that alters the structure of green fluorescent protein (GFP), which allows the fabrication of single-biomolecule optical toggle switches, offering the possibility of biological memory devices."

A subscription to APL is required for access to full text. For a news article about this paper (from which the above summary was excerpted), see

    http://www.edtneurope.com/printableArticle?doc_id=OEG20011114S0030

Abstract: "A single-biomolecule optical toggle switch is demonstrated based on a mutated green fluorescent protein (GFP). We have exploited molecular biology techniques to tailor the GFP molecular structure and photophysical properties and to give it optically controlled bistability between two distinct states. We present optical control of the fluorescence dynamics with two laser beams at 476 and 350 nm down to the ultimate limit of single molecules. These results indicate that GFP-class fluorophores are promising candidates for the realization of biomolecular devices such as volumetric optical memories and optical switches"

Green fluorescent proteins as optically controllable elements in bioelectronics

NCBI is part of the National Library of Medicine. The site offers research publications, unique software, access to "raw" data, news, and more. Several recent books on genetic analysis and cell biology are available in full-text. PubMed Central also provides access to electronic archives of several journals in the life sciences.

National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI)

Caffeine for the Sustainment of Mental Task Performance: Formulations for Military Operations

Here's the latest research from the Institute of Medicine regarding the use of caffeine in military operations.

From the executive summary:

The goal of any employer, regardless of the field of endeavor, is optimal job performance without compromising the health and well-being of the worker. Intermittent or prolonged physiological and psychological stressors that employees bring to the workplace have an impact not only on their own performance but also on those with whom they work and interact. These stressors are compounded by the physical and mental stressors of the job itself. Military personnel in combat settings endure highly unpredictable timing and types of stressors, both personal and job related, as well as situations that require continuing vigilance for extended periods of time.

Changes in military operations over the last 50 years have required continued assessment and adoption of technologies that will sustain or enhance physical and cognitive performance of the individual service member. This urgency in maintaining and enhancing performance is fostered by increased reliance on the individual's cognitive skills in the operation and maintenance of complex military equipment in an increasing variety of environmental conditions. [...]

These scenarios can have severe impacts on the individual's level of fatigue, alertness, response time, mood, judgment, reliability in decision making, and other cognitive skills. Increased likelihood of decrements in cognitive function coincides with greater dependence on the individual's performance, and both have a profound impact on the success or failure of a mission.

Caffeine for the Sustainment of Mental Task Performance

Equal parts fragile and tenacious, development continues unabated across the entire life span through five specific stages: gestation, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and old age. [...] The Secret Life of the Brain explores each of these five stages in detail. Like the PBS series of the same name, the complex subject of leading-edge brain science is presented in terms accessible to all and brought to life through anecdotes and real-life stories. Told by best-selling author Dr. Richard Restak, the majesty and the mystery of human intelligence are unveiled.

The Secret Life of the Brain

A well-designed authoritative web site devoted to biodefense operated by Johns Hopkins University. The site includes a comprehensive library on related subjects containing publications, testimonies, book reviews, reading lists, and online resources.
In particular, I would point out an article in the News section entitled "The Changing Face of International Security: Challenges for the New Millennium." This is a speech given earlier this year by John Steinbrunner, who is author of a Brookings publication _Principles of Global Security_, which I own and also recommend. Read it online at

http://www.brookings.edu/press/books/global_security.htm

JHU Center for Civilian Biodefense Studies