IN THIS ISSUE: (click on a topic to take you there)

An Essay Address from the ASP President - Larry Roberts
Check out the 1999 ASP Monterey Meeting
The Book Nook - Books for Research and Teaching
Tenth International Conference on Trichinellosis
Call for Nominations for the Clark P. Read New Investigator Award.
The Job Mart:  Don't be a Deadbeat: Find and Get a job
Vredevoe Changes Address
MBL Course -- Biology of Parasitism
Researcher Hopes to Stimulate Research on Large Scale Patterns of Parasite Ecology
Bioinformaticsand Trends Journal
Calendarof Events
Council of Scientific Societies Position Statement

RAISING THE PROFILE OF PARASITOLOGY

Larry S. Roberts, ASP President

In his perceptive Presidential Address, John Oaks said that one threat to the Society was that we have "always maintained a very small public profile." I agree with John completely that we need to increase our public profile to assure both our future supply of research funding and the future supply of students interested in studying our field. To address this problem, it seems to me that we have three principal constituencies of concern: (1) the public in general, (2) governmental decision makers, especially members of Congress, and (3) our colleagues in science education at all levels, including K-12 and college/university.

Influence on public opinion is an especially daunting task, but there are some actions that could have significant effect. ASP's Priorities Committee recommended to Council that we create a traveling, informative exhibit on parasites. Many local science centers, nature centers and museums routinely rent and display such exhibits for several weeks or months at a time. We will seek to implement this recommendation in the near future. Our "Speakers Bureau," in which ASP members make themselves available to speak to local groups in their community, is now publicized only through our web page. It ought to be made more highly visible. Ideas on how to accomplish this, within our budget, are welcome.

Members of Congress present a more well-defined, concentrated "target", and members of the ASP Public Advocacy Network have been involved intensively in informing Representatives of our position on pending legislation. Every member of the ASP-PAN, and for that matter, every member of the Society should be acquainted personally with his/her Representative and Senators. As citizens and professionals, it is absolutely appropriate that we try to influence legislation by exercising our right to speak out. As John Oaks said, "Our representatives in the Congress want to be educated in order that they may support funding bills from a position of knowledge. They need your counsel." Furthermore we should maintain ASP's membership and activity in the Council of Scientific Society Presidents (CSSP), which is headquartered in Washington, D.C. CSSP is a valuable resource on actions of governmental agencies, and it serves as an important voice for scientists in Washington.

It seems to me that a significant aspect of our current situation is perception of parasitologists and parasitology by our colleagues in other biological sciences. In her book "The Coming Plague" Laurie Garrett observed, "If many young scientists of the mid-1960s considered bacteriology passe...the study of parasitology was thought to be positively prehistoric." Unfortunately, the perception of parasitology the Garrett dates to the 1960s seems to persist to the present in the minds of many. In fact, much research with parasites is not only mainstream but at the forefront of biological research today. Many exciting discoveries in molecular biology, cell biology, immunology, genetics, development, biochemistry, ecology, evolution, and others have been or are being described using parasite systems. However, many biologists work with parasite systems without prior training in parasitology and neither do they identify with parasitology or with ASP. If such investigators had taken a course in parasitology, they would be aware of other potential models for their system and of the biological significance of their own model. Obviously, they would also be better qualified to teach a course in parasitology themselves.

Parasitology has much to offer other areas in biology. We need to acquaint our colleagues with our programs and Journal. I believe that the ASP should consider meeting and interacting with a more comprehensive group, such as the Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology (formerly American Society of Zoologists). Members of other societies could hear our quality papers, and we could learn from their presentations.

At the Kona meetings, the Education Committee presented an imaginative and challenging report to Council, which, when implemented, will increase at all levels. Among their recommendations was that we establish a "National Parasite Day," preferably on 4 March (H.B. Ward's birthday), beginning in 1999. On that day, members of the ASP would visit a third grade class in their city to talk about parasites. We would seek local and national publicity for this activity. Whether we call it "National Parasite Day" or some other name, I am convinced that this is a win-win event - Every Member of ASP Should Participate! - The kids will love it, we will help their education in science, and we will establish a good relationship with the teachers and schools. Call the head of the science division for your local school district and work with him/her to arrange details. I'm going to do it. I've talked to elementary school audiences a number of times in the past (although never about parasites), and I have always enjoyed it.

Parasitism is the most common form of animal relationship. We must let people know how important and fascinating parasites are.

Dr. Howard Ferris (e-mail: hferris@ucdavis.edu)
    Department of Nematology
    University of California, Davis
    Davis, CA 95616
    Phone: 916-752-2124 (Orchard Park)
    Phone: 916-752-8432 (Storer Hall)
    FAX: 916-752-5809

This meeting will constitute the 74^th annual meeting of ASP and the 38^th annual meeting of SON. The venue is the Monterey Marriott Hotel in Monterey, California and the meeting will be held July 6-10, 1999.

The facilities will accommodate council and committee meetings, receptions, a plenary session, symposia, multiple concurrent paper sessions, a poster session, society business meetings, society banquet and ceremonial activities. Joint social functions include a welcome session at the Monterey Bay Aquarium and the ASP annual auction accompanied by wine and cheese. Joint professional functions include a plenary session, to be held in the magnificent Steinbeck Forum of the Monterey Convention Center, the posters session, and symposia and paper sessions. Dr. Don Duszynski (ASP) anf Thierry Vrain (SON) are collaborating in developing a highly integrated program.

A one-day agricultural tour of the Salinas Valley will be conducted on July 6 for those attendees not involved in committee meetings. Monterey is readily accessible by air and sea, and the Monterey Marriott is a 15-minute taxi ride from the airport. Alternatively, Monterey is a 120-mile drive from San Francisco or a 60-mile drive from San Jose.

Attractions of the Monterey Peninsula

Henry Miller described the Monterey Peninsula as "A place of grandeur and eluquent silence." It is world-famous for its majestic beauty and magnificent coastline. The stunning landscape and colorful history have captivated explorers, visitors and residents alike for centuries. The unspoiled beauty and the legacy of cultures, including Native American, Spanish and Mexican have inspired some to proclaim Monterey a "Mosaic of cultures." There are many attractioons in Monterey and on the Monterey Peninsula for attendees and accompanying family members. Fisherman's Wharf, Cannery Row, and many restaurants are within easy walking distance of the hotel

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Located on Cannery Row and housed in the Row's first cannery, the Monterey Bay Aquarium established a worldwide reputation within a few years of its opening in 1984. Focusing on the mysteries and wonders of the Monterey Bay, the aquarium contains more than 6,500 live creatures including a towering three-story kelp forest, hands-on touch pools, a walk-through aviary, and the ever popular exhibit of playful sea otters. The new Outer Bay Wing, opened in March 1996, has increased the exhibit area by 50 percent and features a million gallon depiction of the open ocean.

Cannery Row

The heart of the thriving sardine industry in Monterey during the 1920s and '30s, today is a popular visitor area which includes, along with the Monterey Bay Aquarium, galleries, shops, wine-tasting rooms, a factory outlet center and specialty stores. Cannery Row was immortalized by Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist John Steinbeck in his works Cannery Row and Sweet Thursday.

Historic Landmarks/Culture

Monterey State Historic Park includes buildings and adobes that represent some of the oldest and culturally significant structures on the West Coast. Professionally-guided walking tours depart daily from the Stanton Center.

The Path of History

A self-guided walking tour takes visitors on a stroll through Monterey using landmark signs which identify historic sites and buildings, such as Colton Hall, now a museum and the site of the signing of California's first constitution in 1849.

Museums

The Maritime Museum of Monterey, the Monterey Museum of Art and the Monterey Museum of Art at Mirada all feature the seafaring heritage of the area, California art, including works by Ansel Adams and Edward Weston, and magnificent gardens, and contemporary galleries showcasing California and Asian art.

Recreation/Leisure

The Monterey Recreation trail is an oceanfront path popular with walkers, joggers, skaters and bicyclists. In addition, the countryside is traversed by miles of beautiful trails. Kid-pleasing activities include an afternoon at Dennis the Menace Playground, a unique park designed by Hank Ketcham; a ride on Cannery Row's "Fastest Carousel in the World"; and on Fisherman's Wharf, an organ grinder and his monkey. The Monterey Peninsula is known as the "Golf Capital of the World." There are 17 golf courses including Pebble Beach Course, the site of the annual AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-AM Championships, and the United States Open Golf Championship.

Big Sur

A 90-mile stretch of coastline that begins in Monterey County a few miles south of Carmel and ends at San Louis Obispo County at San Simeon (Hearst Castle). Big Sur is well known around the world for its spectacular beauty. Bixby Bridge, a massive 174-ft bridge that spans Bixby Canyon, was completed in 1932 by prisoners. The Henry Miller Memorial Library is located in Big Sur and is approximately 31 miles south of Carmel.

Carmel-by-the-Sea/Carmel Valley

A village in a forest setting located above a breathtaking white-sand beach five miles south of Monterey just off Highway One. With its winding tree-lined streets, just over 50 inns, 60 restaurants and hundreds of unique boutiques and shops, is often likened to a quaint, European village. More than 70 art galleries reflect the artistic heritage of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Twelve miles east of Carmel-by-the-Sea, Carmel Valley is situated in a pastoral setting of rolling ranch land, valleys, streams and forests. It offers wine-tasting, excellent recreational opportunities and more than 30 restaurants.

Marina

located eight miles north of Monterey, Marina is the gateway to the Monterey Peninsula. Situated in a coastal area with gently rolling hills, it is home to a unique state beach, beautiful parks and recreational facilities. Marina State Beach, with its hang-glider launch pad and facilities, is exceedingly popular with the hang-gliding set. Several companies located at the Marina airport offer exhilarating aerial recreation, including sail planes, skydiving, helicopter rides and more.

Weather

The Monterey Peninsula enjoys a unique weather pattern. In summer, early morning fog is prevalent. Average summer highs are 68F. The pleasant climate allows for comfortable, light-to-medium-weight clothes year-round, whether the style is casual, elegant or business. Sweaters, jackets and coats are advisable.
 

We look forward to welcoming you to Monterey, California

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

1. Markell and Voge's Medical Parasitology, 8^th Edition, E.K. Markell, D.T. John and W.A. Krotoski, W.B. Saunders Co., 1999, 501 pages, $49.95, ISBN 0-7216-7634-0.

2. Malaria: Parasite Biology, Pathogenesis, and Protection, I. W. Sherman (ed), ASM Press, 1998, 590 pages, $85.95, ISBN 1-55581-131-0H.

3. Emerging Infections 2, W.M. Scheld, W.A. Craig and J.M. Hughes (eds), ASM Press, 1998, 350 pages, $69.95, ISBN 1-55581-141-8H.

4. Pathology of Emerging Infections 2, A.M. nelson and C.R. Horsburgh (eds), ASM Press, 1998, 460 pages, $79.95, ISBN 1-55581-140-XH.

5. Cryptococcus neoformans, A. Casadevall and J.R. Perfect, ASM Press, 460 pages, $89.95, ISBN 1-55581-107-8H.

6. Molecular Biotechnology: Principles and Applications of Recombinant DNA, 2^nd Edition, B.R. Glick and J.R. Pasternak, ASM Press, 1998, 708 pages, $49.95, ISBN 1-55581-136-1H.

7. Escherichia coli 0157:H7 and other Shiga Toxin-Producing Strains, J.B. Kaper and A.D. O'Brien (eds), ASM Press, 1998, 492 pages, $94.95, ISBN 1-55581-129-9AH.

8. Essential Procedures for Clinical Microbiology, H.D. Isenberg (ed), ASM Press, 1998, 1,282 pages, $125.00, ISBN 1-55561-118-3H.

9. Fish Diseases and Disorders, Volume 2: Non-infectious Disorders, J.F. Leatherland and P.T.K. Woo (eds), CAB International, 1998, 400 pages.

10. Fish Diseases and Disorders, Volume 3: Viral, Bacterial and Fungal, P.T.K. Woo and D.W. Bruno (eds), CAB International, 1998, 896 pages.
 

XTH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON TRICHINELLOSIS TO BE HELD OUTSIDE PARIS IN 2000

The International Commission on Trichinellosis announces its 10^th Conference for 20-24 August 2000 at Fontainebleu, France. The scientific program will be organized in plenary sessions. These will include workshops and symposia with invited and participant speakers and organized discussions on all contributed papers. The program will include:

Systematics

Experimental Immunology

Molecular and Cellular Biology

Human and Animal Pathology

Epidemiology

Control

At the beginning of a new millennium, a special session on the history of trichinellosis and Trichinella will be arranged. Fontainebleu is located 40 miles south of Paris in a protected forect and offers good hotels, restaurants, museums and shopping.

For further information contact:

Dr, Jean Dupouy-Camet, Hopital Cochin, Universite R. Descartes, 27 7bg St., Jacques, 7501, Paris, France Tel: 33142341497 Fax: 33142341496 E-mail: dupouya@imaginet.fr
 

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS FOR THE ASP CLARK P. READ NEW INVESTIGATOR AWARD

Nominations for the Clark P. Read New Investigator Award are requested. Please note the short time-line below. This is necessary in order to meet deadlines for the July 1999 meeting. Nominations must be processed by the Clark P. Read New Investigator Award Committee and approved by Council.

The award will consist of travel and accommodation expenses, a $500 cash award and a certificate to be presented during the Annual Meeting of the Society.

Rules governing eligibility for this award are as follows: (1) Given to a new investigator who has, within the last two years, been awarded a Masters or Doctoral degree in Parasitology. Selection will be based on the body of research accomplished during the candidate's graduate studies. This "body of research" will be documented through (a) peer-reviewed journal or book publications directly related to research conducted in pursuit of and contained in the accepted graduate student thesis or dissertation, (b) other peer-reviewed journal publications unrelated to the primary thesis or dissertation work, but derived from research conducted as a graduate student, (c) papers and/or posters presented at scientific meetings as a graduate student, (d) any outside recognition of research excellence which may include, but is not restricted to, best student paper awards, dissertation improvement grants, student-initiated research grant support and the like. The achievements under consideration for the Clark P. Read Award must have occurred during the immediate five years surrounding the awarding of the degree for which the candidate is nominated, e.g., five years before, four years before and one year after, or three years before and two years after. (2) Nominations must be made within two years following the awarding of the Masters or Doctoral degree, and the nominee must be a member of ASP at the time the award is made. (3) The required documents for award consideration are: (a) Nominating letter by the student's graduate advisor critically evaluating the quality and significance of the student's research. Note: the advisor must be a member of ASP at the time of nomination. (b) A list of at least five individuals who are qualified to review the contributions of the nominee including their names, addresses, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses. (c) The nominee will provide eleven copies of the following documentation: (i) letter providing a self-evaluation of research accomplishments; (ii) thesis/dissertation abstract (two page limit); (iii) curriculum vitae; and (iv) reprints of all research publications (published or in press) produced during the time frame defined in 1(d) above. In the case of multi-authored papers (more than two authors), the nominator should explain the role of the nominee in the research under consideration. Completed nomination packages must be received by the ASP Secretary-Treasurer by January 15, 1999. Please send nominations to: Dr. George D. Cain, Secretary-Treasurer, American Society of Parasitologists, Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242.
 

THE JOB MART
 

Parasitologist: The Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, invites applications for a tenure-track position at the Assistant Professor level for fall 1999. Ph.D. is required and postdoctoral experience is preferable. Successful candidates must have an established research record, the potential for extramural funding of a research program that includes supervision of Masters students, and a commitment to excellence in teaching. We are seeking a parasitologist with research interests in molecular genetic or cellular mechanisms underlying parasitism. Responsibilities will include teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in parasitology and participation in cell and molecular biology courses at various levels.

The Department of Biology at SFSU offers a dynamic and comprehensive program in biology with 41 tenure-track faculty with diverse research interests. The Department hosts the Conservation Genetics Laboratory and is closely affiliated with The Romburg Tiburon Center for Environmental Studies, the Sierra Nevada Field Campus of SFSU, and the Moss Landing Marine Laboratory. For more information about the Department see our website: http://www.sfsu.edu/~biology.

Send letter of application, curriculum vitae, a statement of teaching interests, a description of research program, and three letters of reference by January 15, 1999 to the Parasitology search Committee, Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Ave., San Francisco, CA 94132. Women, ethnic minorities and persons with disabilities are especially urged to apply. SFSU is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
 

ADDRESS CHANGE FOR LARISA VREDEVOE

Larisa Vredevoe announces a change of address:

Old Address: Department of Entomology, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA 95616

New Address: 1212 Raintree Drive #M256, Fort Collins, CO 80526
 

COURSE IN BIOLOGY OF PARASITISM: MODERN APPROACHES OFFERED AT MBL

A unique course entitled "Biology of Parasitism: Modern Approaches" is being offered between June 10 and August 13, 1999 at the Marine Biological Laboratory at Woods Hole for advanced graduate students, postdocs and independent investigators, who are seeking thorough training in modern approaches to the study of protozoan and helminthic parasites. Limited to 16 students.

The focus of this course is on the molecular basis of parasite function and the host/parasite interaction, with special emphasis on the most recent and exciting developments in these areas.

The course is divided into four major modules of two weeks each: cell biology, immunology, molecular biology, and biochemistry of parasites. Each section includes daily lectures juxtaposed with intensive laboratory experiments. In the cell biology weeks, students will examine motility and invasion of Toxoplasma and study endocytic trafficking in cells infected with Toxoplasma and Leishmania. During the immunology section, the host's immune response to protozoan and helminth infections will be examined.

During the molecular biology weeks, students will investigate gene expression in malaria parasites using DNA transfection and in trypanosomes using both in vivo and in vitro approaches. The focus in the biochemistry section will be on the elucidation of pathways that might serve as chemotherapeutic targets against parasitic nematodes and African trypanosomes.

The laboratory portion of the course strikes a balance between ensuring that students acquire the technical expertise necessary to pursue these areas of research in their own careers while maintaining the element of the search for the unknown. Each section is taught by a different group of faculty recognized as leaders in their respective fields.

Additionally, about 45 invited speakers will give a lecture in their area of expertise and meet informally with students. These lectures will cover virtually all the systems and areas of active research in modern parasitology.

Workshops in vector biology, marine parasitology, drug design and flatworms will expose students to subjects not covered in-depth in the four major modules. Funding for this course is provided in part be the Burroughs Wellcome Fund. Application deadline is March 1, 1999. Admission to MBL courses is competitive; student selection is determined by review committees appointed for each course. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

Tuition is $3,750. Financial aid is available and students who request financial aid generally receive substantial awards toward their tuition costs. Scholarships are available for U.S. citizens and non-U.S. residents holding proper visas. Financial aid requests are not a factor in admissions decisions.

For application forms and information contact: Carol Hamel, Admissions Coordinator, Marine Biological Laboratory, 7 MBL Street, Woods Hole, MA 02543-1015

(508) 289-7401. E-mail: admissions@mbl.edu Web site: www.mbl.edu

The MBL is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action institution.

RESEARCHER HOPES TO PROMOTE STUDIES ON LARGE-SCALE PATTERNS OF PARASITE ECOLOGY

Dr. Per Arneberg, a Research Fellow for the Norwegian Research Council has submitted the following open letter aimed broadly at the community of parasitologists in an effort to promote scientific cooperation in studies on large-scale patterns in parasite ecology.

SPECIES RICHNESS PATTERNS HIDDEN IN FILING CABINETS

Per Arneberg, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Tromsø, N-9037 Tromsø, Norway. Telephone: +47 776 44 776. Fax: +47 776 45 600. E-mail: pera@ibg.uit.no

Dear Colleagues:

Does host population density affect species richness in parasite communities? This question is important in epidemiology and indeed also for a general ecological understanding of species diversity, as most animal species are parasites (Price, 1980). Working as a Research Fellow for the Norwegian Research Council, I am addressing this issue using the comparative method. I am writing to request a particular type of raw data not normally reported in the literature.

I am interested in the densities of nematodes in mammals. Analyses of data on mammalian nematodes have shown that the comparative method is a potentially powerful approach for understanding the factors determining parasite densities. Despite substantial within-species variation in density, there are repeatable patterns across species (Arneberg et al., 1997). Moreover, strong positive relationships between host population density and parasite abundance are detectable using comparative methods (Arneberg et al., 1998). Theoretically, the mechanism underlying this relationship is likely to cause parasite species richness to scale positively with host densities (May and Anderson, 1979).Thus, as the effect of host population density on parasite abundance is readily detectable using a comparative approach, then using the same kinds of data, the prospects look good for detecting a potential effect of the same mechanism on species richness.

However, a potential problem is that estimates of parasite species richness can be seriously biased by the number of hosts examined. One way to deal with this problem is to look at how accumulated number of parasite species changes with increasing number of hosts examined and estimate species richness from the shape of such curves (Walther at al., 1995). Alternatively, species richness may be estimated using capture-recapture simulations on the data (Boulinier et al., 1998). However, both approaches require intensity data for each parasite species in each host individual, which, unfortunately, are rarely available form the literature. I would therefore be grateful to those colleagues who would be willing to share this type of data from their studies on densities of mammalian nematodes. What I need is a complete overview of the numbers of each parasite species in the first host individual, similar data for the second host, and so on for all examined host individuals.

The analyses will be based on data from a total of 30-40 mammalian species, and any contribution to an estimate of parasite species richness in one of these host species would be valuable and greatly appreciated. Your data will not be used for any other purpose than the one stated here. Contributions will be acknowledged in any papers that arise, and I would be happy to show contributors any manuscripts at the draft stage.

References:

Arneberg, P., A. Skorping and A.F. Read. 1997. Is population density a species character ? Comparative analyses of the nematode species of mammals. Oikos80: 289-300.

Arneberg, P., A. Skorping, B. Grenfell and A.F. Read. 1998. Host densities as determinants of abundance in parasite communities. Proceedings of the Royal Society of London, Series B, 265: 1283-1289.

Boulinier, T., J.D. Nichols, J.R. Sauer, J.E. Hines and K/\.H. Pollock. 1998. Estmating species richness: the importance of heterogeneity in species detectability. Ecology 79: 1018-1028.

May, R.M. and R.M. Anderson. 1979. Population Biology of Infectious Diseases: Part II. Nature 280: 361-367.

Price, P.W. 1980. Evolutionary Biology of Parasites. Princeton University Press, Princeton, NJ
 

Walther, B.A., P. Cotgreave, R.D. Price, R.D. Gregory and D.H. Clayton. 1995. Sampling effort and parasite species richness. Parasitology Today11: 306-310.
 

TRENDS GUIDE TO BIOINFORMATICS PROVIDES STRAIGHTFORWARD ACCESS TO INTERNET INFORMATION IN BIOLOGY

We have witnessed the emergence of a new area within science called Bioinformatics. Bioinformatics integrates biology with mathematics and computer science. The recently published Trends Guide to Bioinformaticsexamines the background to this new and rapidly growing scientific discipline. It provides a series of tutorials explaining concepts and techniques for exploiting this new area of science.

Bioinformatics - a new era defines the term "bioinformatics", how, why and where it originated and how it may be applied to a variety of different problems in biology. An article on Text-based database searching discusses the volume of biological data on the WWW and the speed with which this pool of information is increasing. It addresses the performance of searches, with focus on three tools - Entrez, the Sequence Retrieval System and DBGET that allow text searching of multiple molecular biology databases and provide links to relevant information for entries that match the search criteria. The advantage of these retrieval systems, is that they not only return matches to a question, but also provide directions to related databases with important information. These three systems differ with respect to the databases they search and the links they establish with other available information. This article elaborates on search concepts, and provides a text-based searching example.

Fundamentals of database searching addresses the principles and terms underlying the computational tools that can be applied to evaluate global and local sequence alignments. An article entitled Practical database searching discusses the basic requirements of database searching, the factors that can affect the search results and interpretation of the results obtained from database searches. An article on Computational genefnding describes how to analyze genomic DNA sequence to find the functional sites that encode elements responsible for gene structure, regulation and transcription. Multiple-alignment and -sequence searches describes the key parameters in multiple-alignment and multiple-sequence-based searches using an example from Caenorhabditis elegans.

An article dealing with Protein classification and functional assignment discusses the use of web-based searches of collections of amino acid sequence motifs that indicate particular structural or functional elements in analyzing a novel sequence for which one wishes to obtain a reasonably good prediction of function. Phylogenetic analysis and comparative genomics describes some of the pitfalls and practical solutions in the area of comparative genomics and discusses its relationship with bioinformatics. An article entitled Databases of biological information talks about the new wealth of biological data generated by ongoing genome projects and how this data is being used to develop new tools for biologists. Such data can be interpreted from many viewpoints - from molecular interactions to interactions among organisms.

Functional genomics has emerged as a new field to deal with the massive amounts of DNA sequence data provided by genome projects. It discusses how this method will provide novel insights into the pathways to which specific genes belong and will provide clues to their roles in health and disease. The last article in this publication deals with the topic, The future of bioinformatics. The author speculates that the future of biology will be increasingly shaped by interactions between bioinformatics and classical biology, and that the applications and commercial ramifications of bioinformatics are considerable. A point will be reached in the future where participation in drug development, for example, will require a thorough understanding of bioinformatics. A glossary of bioinformatic terms is provided at the back of this issue.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

American Society of Parasitologists Meeting Schedule:

1999, July 6-10: Joint Meeting with the Society of Nematologists, Monterey, CA

2000, dates TBA: Joint Meeting with the Society of Protozoologists, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR

Contact: Dr. George Cain, Secretary-Treasurer, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, U.S.A. Tel: (319) 335-1061. FAX: (319) 335-1069. E-mail: george-cain@uiowa.edu
 

British Society for Parasitology Spring meeting

April 11-14, 1999: University of Warwick, UK

Contact: Dr. Graham Medley, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, U.K. Tel: 44 0 1203 524 456. FAX: 44 0 1203 524 619. E-mail: medley@oikos.wawick.ac.uk
 

British Society for Parasitology Autumn Symposium, Veterinary Parasitology.

September 17, 1999: City University, London

Contact: Dr. Richard Martin, Department of Pre-clinical Veterinary Sciences, Royal School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Summerhall, Edinburgh EH9 3QA. Tel: 44 0 131 650 6094. FAX: 44 0 131 650 6576. E-mail: r.martin@ed.ac.uk
 

British Society for Parasitology, Malaria Meeting

September 20-22, 1999: Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of London.

Contact: Prof. R. Sinden, Department of Biology, Imperial College, Prince Consort Road, London SW7 2BB. Tel: 44 0 171 594 5425. FAX: 44 0 171 594 5424. E-mail: r.sinden@ic.ac.uk
 

Oxford 2000: New Challenges in Tropical Medicine and Parasitology -

A joint meeting of the British Society for Parasitology, the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, and the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene

September 18-22, 1999: University of Oxford

Contact: Complete Congress Services, 19 King Edward Street, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK10 1AQ. Tel: 44 0 1625 624091. FAX: 44 0 1625 430544. E-mail: ccs@cmc.co.uk
 
 
 

COUNCIL OF SCIENTIFIC SOCIETY PRESIDENTS ISSUES POSITION ON FEDERAL SUPPORT OF SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS EDUCATION RESEARCH

The Council of Scientific Society Presidents (CSSP) recently issued a position paper on the issue of federal support of science and mathematics education research. The CSSP position calls for substantial increases in federal support of educational research and its applications in improving the education of students, citing the critical nature of this support in providing a solid mathematics and science education to the nation's children.

To remain competitive in a global economy and to ensure our nation's economic security and social well-being, the U.S. needs a populace that is well schooled in science and mathematics and a citizenry that is science and mathematics literate. In an increasingly technological world, where the workplace demands advanced skills to solve complex problems, and where public policies must be based on an understanding of science and technology, access to a world-class education in mathematics and science is essential for all citizens. The U.S. also needs superbly educated students who will become our future scientists and mathematicians.

*Americans overwhelmingly agree that science and technology occupy key places on the national agenda. 88% say that the U.S. should be the world leader in technological progress. 80% concur that the education of our children should be a top national priority. Yet in 1996, 40% of high school seniors failed to reach minimum competence in science, and only 27% were proficient in mathematics.

*Poor achievement is threatening our 21^st century leadership: In major international studies, U.S. students graduate high school at the bottom of the World's children in math and science achievement,

*Effective, educational research based on sound scholarship will help teachers and parents understand which teaching methods work and which ones do not. Research is needed in all aspects of education, from the preparation of new teachers to early childhood learning, and this research must be merit reviewed and ultimately directed to improving measurable learning outcomes. From state superintendents to classroom teachers---all must keep abreast of ongoing quality educational research, know how to use it and being committed to doing so.

*Without a coherent, research-based vision for mathematics and science education, many independent efforts at curriculum reform have a scattershot effect. The nation has developed Profession Teaching Standards, Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School mathematics, and National Science Education Standards. These new standards are the basis for needed improvements in teaching, curriculum, pedagogy, assessments of educational progress, and in school systems. The effective implementation of these, and future research-based standards, must be a national priority.

*Research in education and educational standards is a proper federal role. With federal support, expanded research on how to improve the teaching and learning of science and mathematics will catalyze improvements at state and local levels. The priorities for educational research adopted by the Department of Education's National Educational Research Policy and Priorities Board and by CSSP member organizations are appropriate guidelines for such increased investment. The September 1997 President's Committee of Advisors on Science and Technology recommendation of an added $1 billion/yr in federal educational research is a clarion call to action.

CSSP concludes that federal investment in mathematics and science educational research must be increased very substantially over the next decade; the results of this research must be put into practice quickly and effectively.
 

For more information contact: Dr. Martin Apple, President CSSP, (202) 872-4452. E-mail: cssp@acs.org

Contact Mark Sidall (msiddall@umich.edu) or Scott Gardner (slg@unl.edu) for information on posting materials to the newsletter or to the ASP home page.