Ferbruary 1998

ASM News Issues

ASM News February 1998

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FORUM

Survival of Ancient Bacteria Desiccated within  Amber: Believe It or Not? Philipp Gerhardt

p.68

Controversy persists whether bacteria trapped within amber really are
preserved and revivable after millions of years

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CURRENT TOPICS

Year End Brings Two More Microbial Genome Sequences	p.70
FDA Approves Inhaled Antibiotic for CF	p.71
FDA Approves Irradiation of Meats to Improve Safety	p.71
NIH Drops Young Investigator Grants, Revamps Review System	p.73
Reports on Worldwide HIV Paint Ever-Grimmer Picture	p.73
Vaccine Goals: Preventing Cancer, Developing Delivery Systems	p.75

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FEATURES

Microbial Control of Trace Metals in the Oceans Andrew S. Gordon

p.79

Potent but mysterious organic chelators are thought to derive from equally mysterious microbes in marine settings

Clinical Microbiology Eyes Nucleic Acid-Based Technologies William Check

p.84

New techniques and devices face both technical and financial obstacles as they are readied for diagnostic uses

Beta-Lactamases Are Changing Their Activity Spectrums Timothy Palzkill

p.90

Mutations enable these enzymes to inactivate a broadening spectrum of 
antibiotics and other beta-lactam inhibitors

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ASM NEWS

1998-99 Election Results

p.98

Winners of national and divisional elections are announced

1998 General Meeting Awardees

p.99

Names and biographies of ABMM Professional Recognition Award, Dade Microscan Young Investigator, Vector Laboratories Young Investigator, Scherago-Rubin, Raymond W. Sarber, and Alice C. Evans Awards

BET Sets New Directions

p.104

The Board has developed a vision statement and a plan to provide broad and general direction for the next three to five years

Academy Governors Meet in Seattle

p.05

The BOG approved establishment of nominating committees to ensure that Fellows are nominated for national and international awards, and strongly endorsed and supported the colloquium program

Division Newsletters Are Useful Communication Tools

p.106

An increasing number of divisions are regularly publishing newsletters, 
either by print or on line to keep members informed of activities and/or 
related scientific issues

Education and Training	p.108
Membership	p.108
Divisions	p.109

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DEPARTMENTS

Letters	p.67
Public Affairs Report	p.77
Journal Highlights	p.96
Reviews and Resources	p.110
Application Deadlines	p.112
Calendar	p.115
Employment	p.118