ASM News Vol 62, Num 2, February, 1996

February, 1996

FORUM

Lessons and Challenges of Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases p64 David Satcher Not so many years ago, many of the best scientific and public policy minds were ready to close the book on infectious diseases. As events of recent years have shown, these pronouncements were premature. We must use the lessons we have learned to deal more effectively with these microbial invaders.

CURRENT TOPICS One Panel Recommends Changes to Gene Therapy Approval p66 Changes in U.S. Polio Vaccination Strategy Recommended p67 Data Still Lacking for AIDS Viral Burden Assays p68 IOM Revisits Emerging Infectious Disease Issue p69 Institute of Technology Assessment: Successor to OTA? p70 Assessing Benefits of NIH Research p71 National Science Education Standards p72 CLIA Update: Legislative and Regulatory Rigamarole p73

FEATURES Slick Ways Cryptococcus neoformans Foils Host Defenses Juneann W. Murphy p77 While the human host has multiple means to attack this fungus, the fungus in turn can counteract host defenses in numerous ways. Researchers Use Molecular Immunology and Technology to Combat Fungal Pathogens Dennis M. Dixon, Rebecca Cox, Jim Cutler, and George Deepe p81 The current focus on peptides and cell wall polysaccharides as candidate vaccines is part of a much broader NIAID vaccine development program. Engineering Cellulases: Catalysis, Binding, and Modules R. Anthony Warren p85 The conserved structures of cellulases make them good targets for systematic structural analysis.

ASM NEWS 1996-1997 Election Results p91 Stanley Falkow has been elected president-elect of ASM for a one year term beginning July 1, 1996 New Features Enhance Web Page p92 Starting in February, users will be able to preview the new public television series that ASM is producing, download documents via anonymous file transfer, find a specific topic with a full text search, and access the membership directory online.

Microcosmos Links Society to Science Education Reform p93 Jointly supported by ASM and selected Branches, microbiologists and precollege teachers can participate in a workshop on using microbiology to enhance claasroom teaching of biology.

Changes to Placement Service p93 Beginning in 1996, the Placement Service will offer low cost employment clearinghouses at both the ASM General Meeting and at ICAAC, and a comphrehensive year-round referral service through ASM headquarters.

Undergraduate Faculty Respond to FAX BACK p94 A number of undergraduate faculty do use ASM News as a teaching resource for discussions on contemporary issues and topics in the microbiological sciences. American Academy of Microbiology p96 Membership p96 Branch Activities p99

DEPARTMENTS Letters COMMENT p61 Public Affairs Report p75 Journal Highlights p89 Reviews and Resources p101 Application Deadlines p104 Meetings and Conferences Calendar p107 Continuing Education Calendar p107 Employment p114

[ ASM News Issues | ASM News | ASM Journals | ASM Programs, Products and Services| ASM Home Page]

For more information, send email to executivedirector@asmusa.org