VOLUME 17, NO. 4 DECEMBER 1995

AMERICAN SOCIETY OF PARASITOLOGISTS NEWSLETTER

ASP EDUCATION COMMITTEE FORMS SPEAKERS BUREAU
At the annual meeting of ASP in Pittsburgh in July, 1995, the Priorities Committee charged the Education Committee with the responsibility of forming a Speakers Bureau for the Society. In response to a notice placed in the registration packet at the meeting, the Education Committee has already heard from several members of the Society who have volunteered as Speakers. This newsletter announcement is intended to provide additional information regarding the Speakers Bureau, and serves as a call to the entire membership for additional volunteers.
The motivation for the Speakers Bureau is an attempt to reach out to non-parasitologists and increase awareness of our profession among other members of the scientific community, students at all educational levels, and the general public. Members of our Society who volunteer as speakers may be called upon to present seminars or other oral presentations in their areas of interest to groups that contact the ASP. Once a database of speakers has been compiled by the Education Committee, we will advertise the existence of the ASP Speakers Bureau and announce the availability of volunteer speakers. To inform potential user groups of our willingness to reach out to them and share our expertise in parasitology, we intend to use various media such as newsgroups on the internet and various scientific and educational journals.
Our first task is to develop a database of potential speakers. We hope that you will volunteer to serve ASP as a Speaker. If you wish to participate, please provide the Education Committee with your name, postal address, telephone and FAX numbers and e-mail address in a letter, by FAX or e-mail. Please provide a tentative title followed by a brief description of your talk (a few sentences should suffice). In addition, indicate the audience for which the talk is intended (e.g. lower elementary students, high school students, science students in grades 9-12, non-science students, undergraduates, graduate students, high school teachers, scientists in other disciplines, sanitation workers, politicians, physicians, medical technologists, or whatever audience you desire). Note, you may select more than one of these groups as a potential audience. Please do not feel limited to one talk or topic. For example, you may volunteer to give a seminar on the subject of your research which might be appropriate for an audience of other scientists, a second talk at a regional hospital on zoonotic parasites, and a more general talk on a topic like Parasites in Your Pets to elementary students at a local public school. For each talk that you list please give title, description and appropriate audience. If you wish to provide additional information on your talk, or if you have suggestions concerning the Speakers Bureau, please feel free to include them in your correspondence.
After compiling our Speakers list and identifying outside groups interested in utilizing this service, the Education Committee will try to match requests with the most appropriate speaker available. The ASP Council has authorized a limited amount of funds to cover travel expenses for a few selected speakers. Geographical considerations will be among the factors used in making these matches in an effort to utilize the Societys resources as efficiently as possible.
The Education Committee believes that the Priorities Committee has instigated a bold new initiative which will enable our Society to reach out and preach the gospel of parasitology. But we also believe that in addition to the benefits that can be derived directly through the Speakers Bureau, for maximal effect, each volunteer might also initiate his or her own outreach program at the local level. If each member makes it known to local schools, regional universities, civic groups, professional organizations, etc. that he or she is willing to talk to them about parasitology, then much more information about our discipline can be disseminated to people and institutions to a degree that would go far beyond what we can accomplish with the Speakers Bureau alone. We encourage you to volunteer and participate in the Speakers Bureau, but we especially urge you to take your own initiative to spread the word about parasitology to others in your local area.
If you wish to participate in the ASP Speakers Bureau, please send the requested information to:
Dr. William F. Font
Department of Biological Sciences
Southeastern Louisiana University
Hammond, LA 70402
FAX: (504) 549-3851
E-mail: wffont@selu.edu

ATTENTION: ALL ASP AFFILIATE SOCIETIES WISHING TO SELL T-SHIRTS AT TUCSON

Any affiliate society wishing to sell t-shirts at the ASP Annual Meeting in Tucson, Arizona (June 11-15, 1996) should contact Dr. Charles R. Sterling, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Arizona, Bldg. 90, Rm. 202, Tucson, AZ 85721. Telephone: (520) 621-4580. FAX: (520) 621-2799. E-mail: sterling@ccit.arizona.edu.

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS FOR MENTOR AWARD

The American Society of Parasitologists invites nominations for the 1996 Mentor Award. This award honors an individual who, during his or her career, has demonstrated extraordinary leadership in the training of young scientists who have successfully pursued the independent study of parasites or aspects of the host-parasite relationship. Further, the individual shall have influenced the research and/or graduate education of a department, college or institution to significantly increase the number of students completing graduate level training in the various disciplines of parasitology.
A prize of $1000, a certificate and travel expenses to the Annual Meeting of the Society will be awarded to the recipient. The recipient will be expected to deliver a 30 minute oral presentation to the membership of the Society emphasizing his or her views and experiences related to mentoring. Criteria for selection include but are not limited to one or more of the following: evidence of scholarship in research and graduate education, evidence of success of his or her graduates or postdoctoral trainees, innovative teaching methods, innovative or unique aspects of bench training and letters of support.
The ASP Mentor Award is administered by the Mentoring Award Committee which has been appointed by the President and approved by Council. Deadline for Nominations shall be 15 March 1996. If an award is made, the presentation will be at the Annual Meeting of ASP in Tucson, Arizona (June 11-15, 1996). For more information or for submission of nominations, contact Dr. Daniel Brooks, Secretary-Treasurer of ASP, Department of Zoology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A1, CANADA.

OBITUARY

Professor J. Teague Self (ASP member since 1944) died September 9, 1995 following a long illness. Dr. Self most recently served as Reagents Professor Emeritus of Zoology in the Department of Zoology at The University of Oklahoma. He was an internationally recognized parasitologist and talented teacher. Teague obtained his Ph.D. from the Department of Zoology at The University of Oklahoma in 1936 under the guidance of Dr. Aute Richards. During his long and distinguished career, Dr. Self conducted research around the world, was both Acting Director and Director of the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory in Colorado, and served as chair of the Department of Zoology from 1945 to 1956. Teague Self was a kind and gentle man who had a strong positive influence on the lives and careers of many students and colleagues. He will be fondly remembered and deeply missed. Details will be presented in an In Memoriam to be printed in the Journal of Parasitology. Submitted by Dr. James Thompson, Chair of Zoology, The University of Oklahoma.

IN MEMORIAM

Alvin Harvey Rothman, Sc.D. (ASP member since 1992) died August 1, 1995. Al was born on February 25, 1930 in Brooklyn, New York, to Rose and Hy Rothman. He spent much of his youth traveling on the subway system to his favorite haunts at Central Park, the American Museum of Natural History and the Hayden Planetarium. At home, in the family basement, he raised fish, mice and various other critters. His life-long love of specimen collecting and photographing began here.
In 1945, Rose, Hy, Al at 15, and younger brother Jerry, at 12, headed for California. They settled in the Los Angeles area. UCLA was Als choice for higher learning. He received his Bachelors degree and Masters degree in Biology with specialities in microbiology and bacteriology.
In 1954 Al married Lorraine and headed back east to Baltimore. He was accepted at the Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health as a doctorate candidate. During summers he worked and studied at the Marine Biological Laboratories at Woods Hole, Massachusetts.
After receiving his doctorate in 1958, Al continued to teach and study at Johns Hopkins on a postdoctoral fellowship. He spent his valuable time perfecting his electron microscopy skills. In 1960, Al and the growing family moved to Houston, Texas, where he headed the Parasitology Lab at Rice University. Two years later he and family were off again to the Biology Department at the University of Maryland.
By 1964, Al and the family were looking for one more move - professionally and personally. Al wanted to work in the California university environment and Al and Lorraine wanted to return and settle in California where they would be near their families and friends. Cal State Fullerton was his school of choice. Southern California became his families home.
Als family was the love of his life. Wherever he and Lorraine settled, children would come into their lives. Murray and Kenneth were born in Baltimore. Theresa was born in Houston, and Andrea was born in southern California.
Al had enjoyed Boy Scouting in his youth so it was natural that he would enjoy Cub and Boy Scouting with his sons. When his sons grew up and out of scouting Al continued to counsel other boys working on science merit badges and Eagle Scout projects. As a boy, Al was one of the youngest scouts in his district to receive the Eagle Scout Award.
Theresa and Andrea also enjoyed Als camping and hiking expertise. The Sierra Clubs Mt. Baldy ski hut was a favorite destination for them. Al had also been a life-long member of the Sierra Club and an active Mt. Baldy ski hut committee member.
Als relationships with his children were very special. He was very proud if his sons; and daughters successes and was always there to help during difficult times. They, in turn, have given him six super grandkids: Katie, Andy, Jonathan, Bobby, Ashleigh and Anthony. He took great pleasure in their company.
Al was a supporter of feminist causes. He strongly supported Lorraines work in redefining womens health care delivery and believed deeply that women had the right to control their own bodies, reproduction and lives. Als legacy lives on. Submitted by Austin Mac Innis.

THE JOB MART

Parasitologist
Tenure-track position at the beginning or experienced assistant professor level. Candidates must have a Ph.D. and be qualified to teach courses in general parasitology, medical parasitology and introductory biology. The candidate should also be able to direct graduate and undergraduate student research. Applicants with molecular and immunological training are encouraged to apply.
All applications received by February 1, 1996 will receive full consideration. However, the application period will remain open until the position is filled. Send letter of application, curriculum vitae, transcripts and names, addresses and telephone numbers of three references, and statement of professional goals to: Dr. Thomas G. Froiland, Department of Biology, Northern Michigan University, Marquette, MI 49855-5341. Telephone: (906) 227-2310.
Northern Michigan University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender disability or age in its programs or activities. Persons having civil rights inquiries may contact the Affirmative Action Office at (906) 227-2420. Persons having inquiries regarding Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) may contact the ADA Coordinator at (906) 227-1737.

Postdoctoral Fellow in Microbial Pathogenesis
A postdoctoral position is available immediately to study surface-exposed, immunogenic outer membrane proteins of Pasturella haemolytica. Projects involve analyses of the role for these proteins in the pathogenesis of bovine shipping fever pneumonia and in eliciting immunity to P. haemolytica infection. Research will utilize molecular genetic techniques (DNA cloning and sequencing, Polymerase Chain Reaction, mutant construction, and transcriptional analyses), protein analyses (protein expression, protein purification, fusion protein production, epitope mapping), and analyses of host immunity. The project is funded at the state and national levels. Opportunities are available for collaborative interactions with other members of the Oklahoma State University Bovine Respiratory Disease Project.
Candidates must have a Ph.D. in an appropriate field with experience in several of the areas mentioned above. Competitive salary with benefits package is available for up to three years, dependent on progress. The position will be open until a suitable candidate is located. Send curriculum vitae, a letter describing experience and research interests, and three letters of recommendation to Dr. George L. Murphy, Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078-20007; Fax - (405) 744-5275; email - gmurphy@okway.okstate.edu. Oklahoma State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

Pre- and Postdoctoral Fellowships in Molecular Parasitology
The Molecular Parasitology Training Program in the Division of Biological Sciences, University of Georgia has immediate openings for pre- and postdoctoral fellows with an interest in the Molecular and Cell Biology of Parasites and Vectors. This NIH-sponsored program offers training in parasitology with emphasis in the areas of molecular biology, biochemistry, immunology, cell biology and vector biology. With a staff of 20 faculty participants from the University of Georgia and the Centers for Disease Control, this program combines the expertise of classical and modern parasitologists and immunoparasitologists with that of molecular biologists, cell biologists and biochemists to provide comprehensive and modern training in molecular parasitology. Funding is restricted to U.S. citizens or permanent residents. For further information contact: Molecular Parasitology Training Program, Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602. The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

RAY FETTERER FIELDS QUESTIONS ON ATCC

Ray Fetterer serves as the American Society of Parasitologists representative to the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC). ASP members should contact Ray if they have any questions or concerns related to ATCC. Telephone: (301) 503-8762. Fax: (301) 504-5306.

NATIONAL CENTER FOR RESEARCH RESOURCES FEATURES GERHARD SCHAD AND COLLEAGUES IN NCRR REPORTER

The May/June issue of the NCRR Reporter (Vol. XVIX, No.3) included an article on the work of Drs. Francis Ashton and Gerhard Schad of the University of Pennsylvania who are using an NCRR-supported electron microscope and computers to map the chemosensory and developmental neurons of Strongyloides stercoralis larvae. The project is supported by the Biomedical Research Technology Program of the National Center for Research Resources and by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. The two scientists are particularly interested in the neurons that control the infective process in the parasite. Having mapped many of the key neurons of the parasite, Ashton and Schad are identifying the functions of specific neurons by applying differential interference contrast optics and laser technology.

PIONEER PAPERS

George L. Grahams Studies on Lines of Strongyloides ratti Established by Single Lines of Larvae.
Almost from the first description of species of Strongyloides, it was recognized that the life cycle of this nematode genus is characterized by the occurrence of two forms of development. Numerous investigations have shown the eggs produced parthenogenetically by the parasitic female develop into the infective filariform larva stage (homogony or direct development) or into free-living males or females (heterogony or indirect development) whose progeny, in turn, become filariform larvae. The external and inherent factors determining the direction the parasites eggs will take have been of interest for a long time and studies of this phenomenon have continued to date.
The research of George L. Graham, published in a series of eight papers from 1936 to 1940 while he was associated with the Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research in Princeton, New Jersey, has served as a landmark for this kind of investigation and has provided models and methods for laboratory experimentation with Strongyloides in rodents. The findings in the laboratory may, of course, be of more than academic interest in that they may have a bearing on species of Strongyloides causing disease in humans and animals of economic importance.
The results that Graham reported in the papers of particular concern here were based on infections in rats established with a single S. ratti filariform larva. Such a procedure firmly demonstrated that the parasite reproduces in the absence of a male and that free-living males and females are not required for the continuation of the organism (Graham, 1936). Initially, Graham (1936) found that for 18 parasitic generations, infections from homogonic larvae yielded only homogonic lines. However, in his next paper in this series (34 generations), Graham (1938) reported the presence of heterogony, albeit at a low level, indicating that homogonically-derived organisms even of advanced age retained the capacity to produce free-living males and females. This led Graham (1938) to conclude that
"the mode of development pursued by the progeny of single, homogonically-derived S. ratti was not determined in the environment encountered by the young larvae in the fecal cultures during incubation. Presumably the mode of development is already determined at the time of oviposition."
Graham (1939a) also recognized that physiological changes in the host in response to seasonal changes may affect the parasites progeny but, again, this would be due to internal influences rather than external. Further evidence for an hereditary basis for the life cycle was found in a comparison of homogonic and heterogonic lines (Graham, 1939b). Basically, the progeny form the indirect life cycle were primarily heterogonic while the homogonic line gave rise mostly to its kind. However, two homogonic lines differed from each other, and Graham (1940a) thought that differences in the lines came through heterogony. This opinion was strengthened through subsequent work with giant (his terminology) filariform larvae derived from free-living females (Graham, 1940b). These abnormally large infective forms produced homogonic lines with distinctive characteristics.
For various reasons, not the least of which was World War II, Graham did not pursue the next logical steps for this series of investigations until 1957 -- at which time he and a graduate student at the University of Pennsylvania examined the cytological or embryological components of the eggs which resulted in the three kinds of progeny from the parasite (Chang and Graham, 1957). By this time, however, others with more training and experience than Graham in such matters, notably Nigon and Roman (1952), had entered this avenue of research and offered their explanations for the Strongyloides life cycle.
While Graham did not present the final word on homogony and heterogony in Strongyloides, his contributions to such research still stand; they continue to be recognized and cited by those who followed him in studying this intriguing nematode.

References:
Chang, C.H. and G.L. Graham. 1957. J. Parasitol. 43, Sect 2:13.
Graham, G.L. 1936. Am. J. Hyg. 24: 71-87.

. 1938. Am. J. Hyg. 27: 221-234.
. 1939a. Am. J. Hyg. 30, Sect. D: 15-27.
. 1939b. J. Parasitol. 25: 365-375.
. 1940a. J. Parasitol. 26: 207-218.
. 1940b. J. Exp. Zool. 84: 241-260.
Nigon, V. and E. Roman. 1952. Bull. Biol. France et Belgique. 84: 404-448

THE BOOK NOOK
Listed below are recent publications of possible interest to ASP members.

  1. Synopsis of the Parasites of Fishes of Canada: Supplement (1978-1993), T.E. McDonald and L. Margolis, Canadian Special Publication of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 122, 265 pages, $45.00, ISBN 0-660-15902-3.
  2. Echinococcus and Hydatid Disease, R.C.A. Thompson and A.J. Lymbery (eds), CAB International, 1995, 477 pages, $115.00, ISBN 0-85198-910-1.
  3. Indian Anophelines, B.N. Nagpal and V.P. Sharma, Science Publishers, 1995, 416 pages, $88.00, ISBN 1-886106-09-6.
  4. Antimicrobial Peptides, H. Boman, J. Marsh and J.A. Goode (eds), John Wiley and Sons, 1994, 283 pages, approximately $84.00, ISBN 0-471-95025-4.
  5. Calcium Regulation of Cellular Functions, A.R. Means (ed), Raven Press, 1994, 404 pages, $125.00, ISBN 0-7817-0233-X.

PARASITOLOGY SECTION OF THE CANADIAN SOCIETY OF ZOOLOGISTS REPORTS ON 1995 ANNUAL MEETING

The Parasitology Section of the Canadian Society of Zoologists (CSZ) held its annual meeting May 10-13, 1995 at Rimouski, Quebec. There was a symposium, 18 oral presentations, and four posters, on a broad range of topics in parasitology. The Section honored Dr. Patrick T.K. Woo, University of Guelph, as the recipient of the 1995 Wardle Award. Dr. Woo presented a lecture entitled A tale of my two loves: Trypanosoma and Cryptobia.
Two awards were made for student presentations. The Murray Fallis Prize went to Ms. Emmanuelle Bergeron of the University of Laval (Co-supervisors: Dr. L.N. Measures, Maurice Lamontagne Institute, and Dr. J. Huot, University of Laval), for the paper Biology of Otostrongylus circumlitus, a lungworm of ringed seals in Eastern Arctic Canada. The ASP Prize recipient was Ms. Jacqueline Faulkner of McGill University, (Co-supervisors: Dr. L.N. Measures, Maurice Lamontagne Institute, and Dr. F.G. Whoriskey, McGill University) for the paper Study of the cranial sinus nematode, Stenurus minor, in the harbor seal, Phocoena phocoena.
The Section organized a successful symposium, Parasitism in Aquaculture: Strategies for Immunological Control. Dr. Simon Jones (Aqua Health Ltd.) introduced the symposium. Dr. S.M. Bower (Pacific Biological Station) discussed some of the common parasites of shellfish, and Dr. B.M. MacKinnon (University of New Brunswick) talked about common parasites of finfish. Dr. W.B. Van Muiswinkel (The Netherlands) discussed features of the teleost immune system that bear on parasitic infections. Dr. P.T.K. Woo (University of Guelph) described current efforts to control cryptobiosis in salmon, and Dr. H.W. Dickerson (University of Georgia) discussed recent advances in the immunization of fishes against Ichthyopthirius. The Section is pleased to acknowledge financial support for this symposium provided by the Maurice Lamontagne Institute, the Canadian Society of Zoologists and the American Society of Parasitologists.
The next meeting of the Parasitology Section will be held in St. Johns, Newfoundland, Canada, from 7-11 May, 1996. Report submitted by Dr. Al Shostak, Secretary of the Parasitology Section, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, T6G 2E0. FAX: (403) 492-9234. Phone: (403) 492-1293. E-mail amy@fungi.ars-grin.gov

BROAD RANGE OF TOPICS IN PARASITOLOGY TO BE ADDRESSED IN MOLECULAR HELMINTHOLOGY SYMPOSIUM

A symposium entitled Molecular Helminthology: An Integrated Approach is scheduled to be held February 22-28, 1996 in Santa Fe, NM. Arranged by Keystone Symposia and organized by James Bennett, Timothy Geary, Donald Riddle, Richard Maizels, Phil LoVerde and Valerie Williamson, this symposium will touch on a variety of timely subjects including: helminth genomes - techniques and progress; structure and function of helminth surfaces; antioxidants; helminths and their environment; helminth development; host and helminth resistance; and helminth FMRF-like peptides. For more information contact: Keystone Symposia, Drawer 1630, Silverthorne, CO 89498. Telephone: (303) 262-1230. Fax: (303) 262-1525. Email: symposia@keystone.org

AIBS ANNOUNCES 1996-1997 LIFE SCIENCES CONGRESSIONAL SCIENCE FELLOWSHIPS

Program and Purpose: The American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS), the Society for Conservation Biology (SCB), and the Ecological Society of America (ESA) will cosponsor the 1996-1997 Life Sciences Congressional Fellow. Applications are sought from postdoctoral or midcareer biologists with a strong interest in contributing to the public policy process. The Congressional Science Fellows spend one year working as special assistants in legislative areas requiring scientific input on the staffs of Members of Congress or congressional committees. The American Association for the Advancement of Science coordinates the program beginning September 1, 1996 with a two-week orientation on congressional and executive branch operations, followed by a year-long seminar series on issues involving science and public policy.
The purpose of the program is to make practical contributions to more effective use of scientific knowledge in government policy-making; to educate the scientific and engineering community about the public policy process; to familiarize members of Congress and congressional staff with scientific concerns implicit in policy-making; to broaden the perspective of both the science and policy-making communities regarding the value of such mutually beneficial interactions; and to provide a unique public policy learning experience.
Selection Criteria: Depending on the availability of funds, there is usually one fellowship. It is open to all biologists. Prospective fellows must hold an earned doctorate in the life sciences; have a broad professional background; be cognizant of many matters outside their particular area; and perhaps most importantly, have a strong interest and some experience in applying scientific knowledge toward the solution of societal problems. Candidates are expected to be articulate, literate, adaptable, and interested in working on a range of public policy problems. They should be able to work with a variety of people from diverse professional backgrounds, function well during periods of intense pressure, and have a high tolerance for ambiguity.
The fellowship is not an award. It is a contribution by the Fellow and sponsoring societies to upgrade public policy decision making. Thus, in addition to the candidate qualifications, major consideration will be given to the compatibility between the candidates disciplinary expertise to the anticipated congressional agenda at the time of selection. The 1996-1997 Life Sciences Congressional Fellow will be selected by an evaluation committee of representatives from AIBS, ESA and SCB.
Application Information: AIBS, ESA and SCB invite interested biologists to apply for a Congressional Science Fellowship. The program will select one outstanding scientist to work for a year on the staff of a congressional committee or Member of Congress. The annual stipend will be $31,000. Although no fringe benefits are included, the fellow is eligible for group health care benefits at his/her own expense through AIBS.
Applications are invited from candidates in any of the life sciences, with the one-year appointment beginning September 1, 1996. To apply, candidates must submit four copies of a complete application to AIBS by February 1, 1996. Applications consist of a letter from the candidate stating his or her qualifications and career goals, three letter of reference, and a complete curriculum vitae. Send to Jennie Moehlmann, Office of Public Policy, American Institute of Biological Sciences, 730 11th Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20001.

ASP NEWSLETTER DEADLINES 

   TO EDITOR BY       FOR      

   JAN 20             MAR. #1  
   APR 20             JUN. #2  
   JUL 20             SEP. #3  
   OCT 20             DEC. #4

ALERT: ALL POLITICALLY ACTIVE ASP MEMBERS

Please note that according to Congressman Robert Walker (R-PA), members of Congress are much more likely to respond to a face-to-face visit than to a letter from a constituent. Congressman Walker on Scientific Grassroots: Congressman Robert Walker, House Science Committee Chairman, was interviewed in a recent issue of Science (Vol. 269, 11 August 1995, p. 750-751) and provided information that should be of interest to politically active scientists. Most telling was the Congressmans response to the following question which illustrates that grassroots political activity is often far more effective than having the head of an organization or institution testify before Congress or sign a resolution in support of science programs.
Question : A group of scientific societies recently made a joint statement warning about cuts to federal research. Is this sort of coordinated effort helpful?

Answer (Walker) : Its always useful to have the scientific societies speak. But its also important for scientists to go in and visit with their local congressman. They should not just concentrate on whether or not the president of the society has met with the Science Committee chairman. Members of Congress respond most positively to constituents who explain why the basic research work in their own district is valuable to the national interest. My guess is there arent three members of Congress who read that statement from the societies.

Submitted by J.R. Seed.

WASHINGTON UPDATE
The following news items are compiled from AIBS Forum and are intended for publication in affiliate society newsletters.

Biological Research Discounted, Funding Slashed in House.
In the first of an expected assault on research funding, the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee delivered a crippling setback to research conducted by the National Biological Service. The Interior agency has been the subject of continual sniping form many Members of Congress since its inception two years ago. Although the chairman of the subcommittee, Rep. Ralph Regula (R-OH), recommended a 10% decrease from the agencys current budget of $167 million, subcommittee members went further. The subcommittee agreed to cut the NBS budget by about one-third.
In a letter to the full committee objecting to the cursory manner in which biological research was dimissed, AIBS stressed that cutting the agency budget by a third will only disengage the coordination of efforts, leading to Department of Interior policy decisions based on incomplete science.
Research conducted at NBS is vital to ensuring that the policies implemented by the Departments other agencies are based on sound science. Without credible, peer-reviewed data, land-use policies would be subject to short-term considerations that are often politically fashionable, but not necessarily scientifically sound. By incorporating all DOI research on our nations resource capital into one agency, the NBS serves to eliminate duplicative efforts while providing objective analysis on how to understand, manage, and evaluate the effectiveness of managerial protocols.
Biology Societies Convey Importance of Research Funding to Congress
Several Biological Societies associated with AIBS endorsed a letter recently sent to all members of the House and Senate emphasizing the jeopardy that many biological research programs will face under the current budget resolution. The letter states in part that the quality of our nations health, agriculture and environment are directly related to federally financed research efforts. Biological research supported through the mission agencies (e.g., NIH, USDA, DOI) and by the National Science Foundation needs to be nourished, not starved, if Congress intends to maintain U.S. leadership in scientific and technological discovery.
Projected overall reductions in funding of up to 30% from current levels will have a devastating effect on the biological research conducted in federal and university laboratories. These reductions will adversely affect industries ranging from our nations dynamic but still fledgling biotechnology industry to agriculture, which accounts for about 1/6 of our nations GDP...In addition, our nations dwindling natural resource base will be negatively affected due to insufficient biological data, which allows for sustainable development and management.
Societies signing the letter were AIBS, the American Phytopathological Society, the American Society of Agronomy, the American Society of Parasitologists, the American Society of Zoologists, the Association of Southeastern Biologists, the Ecological Society of America, the Entomological Society of America, the Organization of Biological Field Stations, the Phi Sigma Biological Sciences Honor Society, the Poultry Science Association, the Society of Industrial Microbiology, the Society of Nematologists, and the University of Kansas Natural History Museum.
Cabinet Level Department of Science Under Consideration
House Science Chairman Robert Walker (R-PA) may soon introduce legislation to establish a Department of Science within the federal bureaucracy. The proposal would consolidate most of the non-defense, non-medical research into a single department. Proponents of the change argue that by improving coordination of research activities within the federal government, costs will decrease. Those opposed are concerned that consolidation will provide a large target for deficit hawks intent on trimming the federal budget.
In a letter to Chairman Walker and ranking minority member George Brown (D-CA), several scientific societies including AIBS requested Congress consider a wide range of issues before establishing such a department.
Biomedical Research Funding Increases at Educations Expense
Difficult funding choices due to severe budget constraints were evident in the House subcommittee mark-up of the FY 1996 Labor-HHS-Education appropriations bill. Representative John Edward Porter (R-IL), chairman of the Labor-HHS Subcommittee on Appropriations, managed to give the National Institutes of Health nearly a 6% increase in the face of tremendous pressure to reduce funding. The increase makes NIH one of only a few research budgets to see an increase over FY 1995 funding. However, in order to provide the increase, other programs within the subcommittees jurisdiction were reduced by a comparable amount. The Department of Education, under consideration for reorganization or elimination under the 104th Congress, took the primary hit. One of the biggest programs under DoED, and a favorite of President Clinton, is Goals 2000. The program received over $360 million in funding for 1995, and Clinton had asked for nearly double that in his 1996 budget request. No funding was allocated for the program under the subcommittee-passed bill.
OTA Eliminated, Botanic Garden Budget Zeroed
In the first appropriations bill passed in the 104th Congress, the Office of Technology Assessment (OTA) was eliminated while $7million in funding for renovation of the Botanic Garden conservatory was deleted. OTA is the congressional research arm, providing Congress with advice on science and technology issues.
New York Times Letter
In a joint letter to the editor published in the New York Times, AIBS and the Ecological Society of America stressed the critical role of habitat in fostering preservation of endangered species. W. Hardy Eshbaugh and Judy Meyer, current presidents of the two societies, wrote the letter. The full text follows:
When Congress enacted the Endangered Species Act in 1973, it established a national commitment to preserve the Nations rarest biological resources. With reauthorization of the Act expected soon, the life science community is increasingly concerned that short-term gains to individuals will overshadow long-term benefits for society.
Since passage of the original Act, biologists have developed a more comprehensive understanding of how the natural world works, especially with estimating risks and causes of extinction. Congress has the opportunity to consolidate this scientific knowledge into the reauthorization of the Act. Two recent reports, conducted independently by the National Research Council and the Ecological Society of America, agree that the Act itself is firmly based on scientific principles.
Both reports also emphasize that proactive habitat conservation is the most scientifically sound and cost-effective way to achieve the goals of the Act. Unfortunately, many proposals to reform the Act eliminate or greatly reduce habitat protection.
We believe the principles and intent of the Endangered Species Act are sound. If the 104th Congress overlooks the biological consequences of continued habitat alteration in reauthorizing the Act, our Nations biological heritage will be jeopardized.
The 25-page report from the Ecological Society of America entitled Strengthening the Use of Science in Achieving the Goals of the Endangered Species Act is available from ESA, 2010 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20036. Telephone: (202) 833-8733. Email: esahq@esa.org.

Scientists Online

Scholastic Network has established an online program for students in grades 2-12 to chat with scientists specializing in various disciplines. Scientists are assigned a specific time period, and answer questions from the kids. For more information, contact Adrienne Schure at adriennes@aoL.com

DEBATE RAGES OVER XENOTRANSPLANT ETHICS

As successful xenotransplants move closer to reality, the medical community and government continue to wrestle with thorny ethical issues and questions of safety. In the shadow of scheduled use of baboon bone marrow and pig liver in treatment of humans, disputes raged over benefits and concerns about cross-species viruses.
In July, an FDA advisory committee approved an experiment in which bone marrow would be transplanted from a baboon to a human with HIV. The FDA had blocked the procedure earlier this year out of concern over introduction of new viruses across species.
Also in July, researchers at Duke University Medical Center and the Nextran Corporation, a biotechnology company in New Jersey, announced that they will attach the liver from a pig that has been bred for increased tissue compatibility with humans to the circulatory system of a human whose liver has failed. If the genetic manipulation prevents problems of tissue incompatibility, researchers foresee a future in which baboons and pigs would routinely provide bone marrow, heart, lungs and kidneys for humans.
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) sponsored a three-day meeting in late June to discuss the risks and ethics of xenotransplants. At the meeting, an epidemiologist with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) warned of the possible risk to the general population of using xenotransplants and that this procedure should be carefully monitored. A number of researchers have voiced fears that a virus lying dormant in an animal could become lethal in a human host, either by itself or by combining with a human virus.
In addition to fears of viral outbreaks are ethical objections to taking an animal life to save that of a human. Although the public would probably not object to using organs from pigs, which already are slaughtered for food, they might be troubled by using organs form primates such as baboons. This article appeared in Vol. Xii, No.4 of the Foundation for Biomedical Research News.

ANIMAL RIGHTS FRONT

Animal Liberation Front watching Ohio State University

According to an article in Update, a publication of the National Association for Biomedical Research (Vol. XV, No.14, July 12, 1995), forty-four hanging photos of distinguished alumni, faculty and chairmen were marked with black swastikas and the message Be Careful, ALF is Watching You sometime during the weekend of June 2, 1995 at the Animal Science Building on the campus of Ohio State University (OSU) in Columbus. Meat is Murder was also written above the departments meat lab sign. Investigation of this vandalism is still underway.

Religious Leaders Oppose Genetic Patenting

It was recently reported in Vol. XVI, No. 13 (June 7, 1995) of Update that more than 80 religious leaders from all mainstream faiths issued a public statement opposing engineering and patenting of human and animal genes. The Joint Appeal Against Human and Animal Patenting, organized by the General Board of Church and Society of the Unified Methodist Church, issued the following: We the undersigned religious leaders, oppose the patenting of human and animal life forms. We are disturbed by the U.S. Patent Offices recent decision to patent human body parts and several genetically engineered animals. We believe that humans and animals are creations of God, not humans, and as such should not be patented as human inventions.
According to reports in the Washington Post, Kenneth Carder, a Nashville area Methodist bishop, claimed that the religious coalition does not oppose all genetic engineering or patenting and understands its role in science and medicine. He explained, our opposition is based on the view that the patenting of life forms fails to recognize the sacredness of life. The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) released a response on the necessity of maintaining efforts in genetic patenting to ensure future cures and treatments in medicine. BIO also explained that a patent on a gene does not confer ownership of that gene to the patent holder. It only provides temporary legal protections against attempts by other parties to commercialize the patent holders discovery or invention. This is a critical distinction because no one, in our view, can or should own life itself. The Joint Appeal religious coalition hopes to gain congressional support for its position requesting that the federal government cease issuance of the patents.

Rewriting History to Fit Animal Rights Philosophy

According to an article entitled Historical Revisionism and Intellectual Dishonesty that appeared in FBR Facts (Vol. II, No. 3), a publication of the Foundation for Biomedical Research, animal rights activists often take statements out of context to create the illusion that a particular scientist was opposed to animal research. In addition, medical history is often grossly misrepresented to argue that animal research was not essential to a particular discovery. In this article FBR provided some of the more flagrant examples for use in refuting the claims of animal rights activists. A sampling of these examples follows: Some Historical Myths The discovery of insulin and its role was made without the aid of animal research. This argument is often presented by Brandon Reines, D.V.M., who has even claimed that a book by Michael Bliss called The Discovery of Insulin supports this argument. In a letter written to Charles S. Nicoll and Sharon M. Russell in 1989, Bliss denied Reines claims in the strongest possible terms, writing Reines interpretation of my work is thoroughly distorted, wrong-headed and silly. I informed him of this several years ago when I first read his mindless writing on the subject. I utterly repudiate his misunderstandings of my work. The discovery of insulin in the early 1920s stands as one of the outstanding examples in medical history of the successful use of animal experimentation to improve the human condition. Insulin would not have been isolated, at Toronto or anywhere else, without the sacrifice of thousands of dogs. These dogs made it possible for millions of humans to live. Research with the animal model of polio resulted in a misunderstanding of the mechanism of infection. Stephen Kaufman of the Medical Research Modernization Committee (MRMC) cites Dr. J.R. Pauls book, The History of Polio, as supporting this conclusion about animal research. But Dr. Pauls book refutes, rather than supports, Kaufmans claim (Miller, Psychological Science 2: No. 6, November 1991). In addition, there is support for animal research from the man credited with the oral polio vaccine--Dr. Albert Sabin. Thalidomide was tested on animals, yet its potential for causing birth defects went undetected. Thalidomide was not tested on pregnant animals before being put on the market because such tests were not required at that time. Thalidomide was not available in this country because the animal test data were considered incomplete. When tested on pregnant animals, including rats, mice, rabbits, dogs and monkeys, thalidomide produced birth defects in a variety of species.

Eminent Scientists Supposedly Opposed to Animal Research Charles Darwin. Darwins name surfaces occasionally in antivivisectionist literature, although his support for animal research could not be more explicit. In a letter to a Swedish professor of physiology in 1881, Darwin wrote, I know that physiology cannot possibly progress except by means of experiments on living animals, and I feel the deepest conviction that he who retards the progress of physiology commits a crime against mankind (The Life and Letters of Charles Darwin. 1959. Darwin, Frances [ed], New York, Basic Books, Inc., 382-382.). Albert Schweitzer. In a letter to the New York Times, James A. Pittman, M.D., recalled visiting Schweitzer in 1957 in French Equatorial Africa, At that time, I asked him specifically about his views on the use of laboratory animals for biomedical research. His response (as translated from the German) was: ‘It is necessary for the advance of medical understanding. There was absolutely no equivocation in his statement (letter from James A. Pittman, M.D., Dean, University of Alabama School of Medicine, to the New York Times, May 26, 1990, p. 22.). Schweitzers written words on animal research may be read in The Teaching of Reverence for Life (Holt, Rinehart, Winston; 1965). Passages in this book show that the distinction made by Schweitzer is the same moral distinction made by the research community: while all life is meaningful, the goal of improving human and animal health requires the sacrifice of some life in order to preserve others.

Americans for Medical Progress Exposes PETAs Extremist Stance in Nationally Televised Debate

Like the cause for which he stands, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) spokesman Dan Mathews has become a media darling. In recent months his face has been splashed in high-profile publications such as USA Today and Penthouse and on television programs such as NBCs Dateline. His comments had been printed and aired without opposition -- that is until he clashed with Americans for Medical Progress (AMP) President Susan Paris on PBSs Technopolitics, which aired nationwide in June, 1995.
Mathews was finally faced with someone to challenge his false charges against biomedical research. Ms. Paris forced Mathews on the defensive and did not allow him to portray his extreme organization as mainstream. In fact, when asked whether or not he would support animal research if it would save the life of a child, Mathews quipped, I take the animals side in every case. This is the same person who when asked in a USA Today article how he felt about patients desperately awaiting the results of animal research responded, Dont get diseases in the first place, AMP seizes every opportunity to challenge PETA misinformation and to represent the interests of biomedical research in the media. This article appeared in Americans for Medical Progress Educational Foundation News and Notes, Vol. 2, Issue 3.

Summary of Animal Rights-Related Legislation at State Level for 1995

According to an article in the Foundation for Biomedical Research News (vol. XII, No. 4), 39 bills that would affect the use of animals in research, education or testing have been or continued to be considered in 17 states. In this article, FBR summarizes the most pertinent state legislation.
Facility Protection : In January, New Jersey became the 35th state to protect research and/or agricultural facilities from crimes carried out by animal rights extremists. New Jerseys new law makes specific activities, such as unauthorized entry, damaging or defacing property or receiving, releasing or stealing research property including animals, illegal under the states criminal code. Similar legislation is pending in Pennsylvania.
Product Safety Testing : Since the mid-80s, many state legislatures have considered measures that would ban the use of animals in consumer product safety tests, though none have been enacted. The California legislature passed bills in 1989 and 1992, but they were subsequently vetoed by the governor.
Only five product safety bills were introduced in two states this session. However, the language in the bills is severe. A New York bill would prohibit cosmetic manufacturers from conducting any eye or skin irritancy tests using animals and would prohibit the sale of any cosmetic tested on animals after January 1, 1996.
Another proposal in New York would require manufacturers of animal tested products, except prescription drugs, sold in the state to conspicuously label them with the words this product has been tested on laboratory animals. Illinois companion bills that carry over to the 1996 session would prohibit the use of live animals for the Draize eye or skin irritancy test for determining the toxicity of cosmetics and household washing, cleaning or laundry products.
Education : While rare five years ago, legislation restricting classroom animal dissections is becoming a regularly debated issue at state and local levels. Commonly, these bills would grant students the right to refuse to participate in animal dissection projects on various moral or religious grounds and would direct school administrators to provide alternative nonanimal projects. Six states -- California, Florida, Maine, Massachusetts, New York and Pennsylvania -- have enacted such laws.
Animal Cruelty : About half of the states provide some form of exemption for research from animal cruelty statutes. While many bills are introduced to amend animal cruelty laws during a typical legislative session, most often these proposed changes do not adversely affect research. During the 1995 session, legislation that would provide or extend an exemption for research was introduced in four states.
Regulation of Research : Most states defer to federally-mandated regulations that govern animal research facilities. However, 20 states and the District of Columbia do have specific laws that regulate and/or license animal research facilities. Currently, regulatory legislation is under consideration in Massachusetts. The bill would further regulate inspections at certain research facilities by allowing inspectors to also examine records pertaining to animals.
Availability of Animal Models : Legislation restricting the availability of unclaimed pound animals for research was once the most frequent type of state legislation initiated by animal rights activists. During the 1990s, however, such pound legislation has decreased considerably. Currently, 13 states prohibit research facilities from obtaining abandoned dogs and/or cats to be used as research and education models. During the 1995 legislative session, ten bills affecting the availability of animals to be used as research models were considered in seven states, including legislation approved in Iowa and New York. With the signature of the Governor, Iowas law mandating the release of unclaimed pound dogs for research purposes was amended to make such release discretionary. The New York legislature approved a bill that rewords and strengthens the existing prohibition of research use of unclaimed pound dogs or cats. New York lawmakers are also considering a bill that would prohibit transporting animals obtained from pounds or shelters in other states into the state for research, education or testing. In New Jersey, where the use of abandoned pound animals is prohibited, legislation is being considered to increase penalties for making such animals available. Pennsylvania, also a pound dog prohibition state, is considering a bill to expand the prohibition to include all pound animals, dead or alive!

Coronado Gets Maximum Prison Term for Michigan State Arson

A federal judge sentenced animal rights activist Rodney Coronado to 57 months in prison while requiring him to pay over $2.5 million in restitution for a 1992 arson at Michigan State University and related activities. Coronado pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting an arson and an unrelated charge of theft of government property. After a Michigan grand jury indictment in 1993, Coronado fled authorities and went into hiding. Federal agents found and arrested him in November of 1994 while he was living on a reservation near Tucson. The former fugitive has been closely linked with the Animal Liberation Front (ALF), which has claimed responsibility for similar arsons at other facilities.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

American Society of Parasitologists Meeting Schedule:

Contact: Dr. Dan Brooks, Secretary-Treasurer, American Society of Parasitologists, Department of Zoology, University of Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A1, Canada. Fax: (416) 971-2381.

Molecular Basis for Drug Resistance in Bacteria, Fungi and Parasites. March 11-17, 1996: Park City, Utah.
Contact: Keystone Symposia (see item this issue)

TNF and Related Cytokines: Clinical Utility and Biology of Action. March 10-16, 1996: Hilton Head Island, SC.
Contact: Cambridge Symposia, 1037 Chestnut Street, Newton Upper Falls, MA 02164. Fax: (617) 630-1395.

Spring Meeting of the British Society for Parasitology (BSP). April 1-3, 1996: University of Wales, Bangor.
Contact: Dr. M. Doenhoff, School of Biological Sciences, University of Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2UW. Telephone: 01248 382331. Fax: 01248 371644. Email: m.doenhoff@bangor.ac.uk

Ninth International Conference on Trichinellosis August 19-22: Mexico City
Contact: Dr. Guadalupe Ortega-Pierres Departmento de Genetica y Biologia Molecular, Centro de Investigacion y Estudios Avanzados, Av. Politecnico Nacional 2508, CP 07360, Mexico, D.F. Telephone: 52 5 747-7000 ext. 5328. Fax: 52 5 747-7100. Email: gortega@gene.cinvestav.mx

Malaria Meeting of the BSP September 9-11, 1996: University of Glasgow
Contact: Prof. R.S. Phillips, Wellcome Labs for Experimental Parasitology, The University, Bearsden Road, Glasgow, G61 1QH. Telephone: 0141 3304235. Fax: 0141 3304600. Email: gvwaLL@udcf.gla.ac.uk

Pasean*1996: The Australian Society for Parasitology and The Indonesian Parasite Control Association. September 15-20, 1996: Bali, Indonesia.
Contact: Conference Secretariat, P.O. Box 1321, Crows Nest, New South Wales 2065 Australia. Toll Free: (008) 226 059. Fax: (02) 429 8762.

BSP Molecular Biochemistry and Physiology of Helminth Neuromusculature Systems, September 18-19, 1996: The City University
Contact: Prof. D.W. Halton, School of Biology and Biochemistry, The Queens University of Belfast, Medical Biology Center, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland. Telephone: 10232 335792. Fax: 01232 236505. Email d.haLton@v2.qub.ac.uk

BSP Symposium: Molecular Basis of Drug Design and Resistance. September 20, 1996: City University, London.
Contact: Dr. Hilary Hurd, Centre for Applied Entomology and Parasitology, Department of Biology, Keele University, Keele, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG. Telephone: 01782 583035. Fax: 01782 630007. Email: bia37@keele.ac.uk

XIVth International Congress for Tropical Medicine and Malaria November 17-22, 1996: Nagasaki, Japan.
Contact: Professor Hideyo Itakura, Congress Secretariat, c/o Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Nagasaki 852, Japan.

AFFILIATES

Annual Midwestern Conference of Parasitologists
Helminthological Society of Washington
New Jersey Society for Parasitology
Northern California Society for Parasitologists
Parasitology Section, Canadian Society of Zoologists
Rocky Mountain Conference of Parasitologists
Southeastern Society of Parasitologists
Southern California Society of Parasitologists
Southwestern Association of Parasitologists

EDITOR

George L. Stewart
Center for Parasitology
Box 19498
University of Texas at Arlington
Arlington, TX 76019
Tele: (817) 273-2423
Fax: (817) 273-2855
e-mail: STEWCNTRPARA@UTA.EDU

ASSOCIATE EDITORS

Lillian Mayberry, President
Department of Biological Sciences
University of Texas at El Paso
El Paso, TX 779968-0519
Tele: (915) 747-6894
Fax: (915) 747-5808
e-mail: MAYBERRY@UTEP.EDU

Daniel R. Brooks, Secretary-Treasurer
Department of Zoology
University of Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A1
CANADA
Tele: (416) 978-3509
Fax: (416) 971-2381
e-mail: PARASITE@ZOO.TORONTO.EDU

H.R. Gamble
USDA,ARS,LPSI
Helminthic Diseases Laboratory
Building 1040, Room 2, BARC-East
Beltsville, MD 20705
Tele: (301) 504- 8220
Fax: (301) 504-5306

Michael W. Kemp
Department of Biology
Texas A&M University
College Station, TX 77843
Tele: (409) 845-3353
Fax: (409) 845-6077

Karl A. Western
6436 31st Street NW
Washington, DC 20015
Tele: (301) 496-6721
Fax: (301) 402-3255

George A. Conder, Industrial Liaison
Clinical Project Manager
Animal Health Product Development
Central Research Division
Pfizer Inc.
Eastern Point Road
Groton, CT 06340
Tele: (203) 441-4576
Fax: (203) 441- 4786

CORRESPONDENTS

Mark A. Farmer
Department of Zoology
University of Georgia
Athens, GA 30602
Tele: (404) 542-4080
Fax: (404) 542-4271

Tonie Rocke
National Wildlife Health Research Lab
6006 Shroeder Road
Madison, WI 53711
Tele: (608) 271-4640
Fax: (608) 264-5431

Peter Olson
ASP Student Correspondent
School of Biological Sciences
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Lincoln, NE 68588
Tele: (402) 472-8271