PARASITE DAY 2000

The ASP Education Committee asks all of you to join in the celebration of Parasite Day by addressing on or shortly prior to Saturday, 4 March, a school, service club, fraternity/sorority or other group about parasites. The purpose of this program is to promote public interest in the significance of parasites. Since 4 march 2000 (selected as Parasite Day because it is the birthday of H.B. Ward) falls on a Saturday, you may have more success in scheduling a presentation during the preceding week in anticipation of the day. On the other hand, Saturday might be an excellent time to have a display on parasites at a local mall, featuring parasites of local significance. In the past, some participants have successfully used repeating sets of slides showing pathological effects of infection in such displays. The ASP Education Committee hopes you are able to participate. By making plans early and enlisting the help of undergraduate or graduate students, the activity can be less work and more fun.

ASP COMMITTEE CALLS FOR NOMINATIONS FOR HENRY BALDWIN WARD MEDAL

The ASP Awards Committee invites nominations for the Henry Baldwin Ward Medal Award. Rules governing eligibility for the Henry Baldwin Ward Medal are as follows: The recipient shall be a member of the Society for no less than three years at the time of the nomination and in mid-career, and who, by self-directed investigations, shall have attained a position of leadership in some phase of parasitological research. The field of Parasitology is considered to include, in general, those aspects of the science which are represented by reports published in the official organ of the Society, The Journal of Parasitology.

In accordance with the action of ASP Council, the following are the requirements for nomination: (1) Members in good standing, who nominate candidates for the Henry Baldwin Ward Medal, should carefully determine the eligibility of their candidate according to the above eligibility rules. (2) Nominations for the Henry Baldwin Ward Medal should be supported by sufficient documentation to enable the Awards Committee to exercise critical evaluations. At the least, this documentation should consist of: (a) a complete curriculum vitae providing a bibliography in which the authors are listed in the same sequence as the published papers, and (b) three supporting letters, including the original nominating letter. These letters should include a serious evaluation of the major aspects of the nominees scientific work. Nominations will close on January 15, 2000.

Please send nominations and supporting documentation to:

Michael Sukhdeo, Department of Ecology, Evolution and Natural Resources, Rutgers University, 84 Lipman Drive, Bartlett Hall, Cook College, New Brunswick, NJ 08903. Tel: (732)-932-9406. Fax: (732) 932-6996

THE JOB MART

Postdoctoral Position in Human Nutrition: A postdoctoral position is available through the University of Wisconsin-Madison training program in Biochemical/Molecular and Human Nutrition. Research areas and faculty include: gastrointestinal physiology ( Ney, Carey and Marklett) ; oxidative stress (Weindruch and Mares-Pearlman); basic and applied aspects of vitamins A, D E, and K (Claggett-Dame, DeLucca, Smith and Suttie); energy and metabolism (Schoeller and Atkinson); lipoprotein and lipid metabolism (Attie and Ntambi); and iron metabolism (Eisenstein). Information on the University of Wisconsin-Department of Nutritional Sciences can be found at: http://wiscinfo.doit.wisc.edu/nutrisci/

To apply for this position submit a complete CV, contact information for two references, and a statement of research interests to: D. Ney (ney@nutrisci.wisc.edu) or J. Suttie (suttie@biochem.wisc.edu) at the Department of Nutritional Sciences, 1415 Linden Dr., Madison, WI 53706.
 

Research Scientist in Parasitology: Biological Mimetics, Inc. (BMI), a rapidly growing infectious disease company is seeking a postdoctoral-level scientist experienced in molecular parasitology. The successful candidate will have a comprehensive knowledge of parasitology, experience with current methods in molecular biology with emphasis on biochemistry; protein expression and purification; immunologic assays; and tissue culture. Preference will be given to those who are available to accept the position and be on site within two months of hiring, have high self-motivational qualities, excellent problem-solving skills, and strong oral, written and organizational skills. The successful candidate will work independently and in a team environment. BMI, a equal opportunity employer, offers an excellent salary and benefits package. Please send resumé and curriculum vitae to Dr. Peter Nara, Biological Mimetics, Inc., 431 Aviation Way, Fredderick, MD 21701-4756. Fax: (301) 620-7691. E-mail: nara@sri.org.
 

Two Predoctoral Fellowships: The Center for Research and Training in Parasitic Diseases at the University of Wisconsin-Madison announces the availability of two predoctoral fellowships starting in Fall 2000. Funding is through a NIH training grant in the area of cellular and molecular parasitology. This program offers a variety of courses and seminars in advanced parasitology, and exciting opportunities for research training in immunoparasitology, molecular parasitology, vector biology and parasite biochemistry, neurobiology and physiology. For more information regarding graduate training at the University of Wisconsin, visit our website at http://www.vetmed.wisc.edu/pbs/cmp or contact Dr. Timothy Yoshino, Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin, 2115 Observatory Drive (Biotron), Madison, WI 53706-1087. E-mail: yoshinot@svm.vetmed.wisc.edu
 

Assistant Professor in Parasitology/General Zoology: A full-time, tenure-track position as assistant professor is available at the Metropolitan State College of Denver, in Denver, Colorado. Responsibilities of the position include teaching undergraduate courses in introductory biology for science and/or non-science majors, General Zoology, Parasitology, and possibly another advanced course in the candidate's field of specialty. Requirements include an earned doctorate in zoology, with graduate-level specialization in parasitology. Candidates with experience in molecular genetics and a background of successful teaching at the college level preferred. For qa full description of responsibilities, qualifications, and application procedure, write or phone Dr. Robert R. Cohen, Department of Biology, Campus Box 53, Metropolitan State College of Denver, P.O. Box 173362, Denver, CO 80217-3362. Tel: (303) 556-3195.
 

Assistant Professor in Invertebrate Zoology: The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire is searching for a field-oriented Invertebrate Zoologist who has experience in both terrestrial and aquatic systems. An individual working in the area of systematics or ecology is desirable. The successful candidate must enjoy teaching both majors and non-majors, develop an active research program involving primarily undergraduate students, and serve as a student advisor. Teaching will involve participation in our introductory courses and an invertebrate zoology class for biology majors. The successful candidate may also have an opportunity to teach an additional course in his/her specialty. The candidate will also supervise research of undergraduate students. A Ph.D. degree and demonstrated teaching ability at post-secondary level are required. For priority consideration, a completed application must be received by January 24, 2000; however, screening will continue until the position is filled. To apply, please send: (1) a letter of application describing teaching/research interests (address specifically an ability to teach Invertebrate Zoology), experience and future plans; (3) copies of transcripts of all graduate and undergraduate work; (4) copies of up to three recent publications; and (5) three letters of reference which must be received by the search committee by the priority date (the committee reserves the right to contact references of its own choosing), to the Invertebrate Zoologist Search Committee, Department of Biology, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Eau Claire, WI 54702-4004. Tel: (715) 836-4166. Fax: (715) 836-5089. E-mail: GLENNALE@UWEC.EDU. Web site: http://www.uwec.edu/Academic/Biology/Positions.htm
 

Tenure Track Faculty Position in Parasitology/Vector Biology: The University of Notre Dame Department of Biological Sciences invites applications for a tenure track faculty position in Parasitology/Vector Biology research group. Qualifies persons should have a strong research history in the area of host-pathogen interactions. Individuals from any research area are encourages to apply, but preference will be given to candidates with interdisciplinary research interests in the areas of immunology, microbial pathogenesis, vaccine development or other areas that complement existing research areas of the group. Parasitology programs include molecular/cell biology of the Apicomplexa (Adams), immunology and cell biology of Mycobacterium ( Schorey), and biochemistry of animal parasites (Saz). Vector biology programs include molecular evolutionary genetics of mosquitoes (Besansky), genetics of arthropod vectors of human pathogens (Collins), molecular biology and genetics of viruses (Fraser), vector-borne disease ecology and epidemiology (Grimstad), and quantitative and population genetics of mosquito vectors (Severson). Successful candidates are expected to develop and extramurally funded research program and participate in the interdisciplinary training program. Normal teaching duties are one course a semester, usually one graduate and one undergraduate course per year. Additional information is available at http://www.science.nd.edu/biology.

Applications should include a curriculum vitae, copies of up to three representative publications, letters from three references, a statement of research interests and a statement of teaching interests. Appointment will commence August 2000, Send applications to: Parasitology Search Committee, Department of Biological Sciences, P.O. Box 369, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556-0369. For further information contact Dr. John Adams via e-mail at: adams.20@nd.edu The University of Notre Dame is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and minority candidates are encouraged to apply.
 

Postdoctoral position in Molecular Phylogenetics of Human Schistosomes and Associated Snails.

A postdoctoral position funded through and NIH grant is available starting immediately to investigate the global diversification of the human parasite Schistosoma mansoni using modern phylogenetic approaches. The project also involves exploring phylogenetic relationships among the snails that transmit schistosome parasites and examining patterns of concordance between host and parasite phylogenies. Individuals with a Ph.D. degree and strong background in molecular biology and modern phylogenetic methods are encouraged to apply. Familiarity with parasitology is preferred but not required. Please submit curriculum vitae and the names, phone numbers and e-mail addresses for three references to: Dr. Eric S. Loker, department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA. Fax: (505) 277-0304. E-mail: esloker@unm.edu

The University of New Mexico is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
 

Tenure-Track Position in Eukaryotic Microbial Pathogenesis: The Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine invites applicants for a full-time, tenure-track position in the area of eukaryotic microbial pathogenesis, i.e., the study of protozoal and fungal pathogens. Within this broad scope, any aspect will be considered but persons with an interest in the molecular basis of pathogenicity and/or the host immune response are especially encouraged to apply. This position will likely be filled by an individual at the level of Assistant Professor, although applications at the rank of Associate professor or Full Professor will also be considered. The individual filling this position will play a major role in the graduate training program and teaching programs of the Department. The position offers and excellent environment in microbiology, immunology and other basic biomedical sciences, outstanding scientific resources, and a wide variety of potential research collaborations. Applicants are encouraged to submit a curriculum vitae, bibliography, a brief (one to two pages) description of research interests and future plans, and three letters of recommendation to: Dr. John Boothroyd, Chair, Search Committee, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, 299 Campus Drive, Fairchild Building., Rm. D-305, Stanford, CA 94305-5124. Stanford University is committed to increasing representation of women and members of minority groups on its faculty and particularly encourages applications from such candidates.
 

PATTON RECEIVES NORDEN VETERINARY TEACHING AWARD

Dr. Sharon Patton (ASP member since 1974) received the highest veterinary teaching award in the United States. She was awarded the 1999 Carl J. Norden Award for outstanding teaching in veterinary medicine.
 

ASP CONSORTIUM MEMBERSHIP MAKES ITS DEBUT

The Consortium Membership is a new category of membership intended to make ASP membership affordable to parasitologists in developing countries worldwide. Single Consortium membership has already proven popular among Latin American parasitologists, reports ASP member, Dr. Wilma A. Stark, who recently announced the availability of the new membership category to Brazilian veterinary parasitologists. Information handouts and application forms were presented by Dr. Stark to members of the Brazilian Society of Veterinary Parasitologists at their meeting in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil in October 1999. Additional information on Consortium Membership is available on the Secretary-Treasurer's portion of the ASP web site: http://biology-afs.biology.uiowa/~ASP/ASP-index.html
 

JOINT MEETING OF THE SOUTHEASTERN SOCIETY OF PARASITOLOGISTS AND THE ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHEASTERN BIOLOGISTS ANNOUNCED

A joint meeting of the Southeastern Society of Parasitologists and the Association of Southeastern Biologists will be held 5-8 April 2000 in Chattanooga, TN. The Meeting is sponsored by the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Sitting in a broad curve of the Tennessee River, in the shadow of historic Lookout Mountain, Chattanooga has in recent years received international acclaim as a city that has made remarkable progress in cleaning up its air and water. Substantial downtown restoration has produced a beautiful riverfront area, with the Tennessee Aquarium as its centerpiece. Social events for the Conference will include n evening barbeque at the Aquarium. Surrounding Chattanooga are many beautiful natural areas which create a nature lover's delight, including several wilderness areas, lakes and national forests. The Conference will be held at the Chattanooga Marriott, a first-rate hotel with a great convention center and discounted conference rates for those attending the meeting. The call for abstracts has gone out and information on the meeting and on submission of abstracts can be acquired at http://www.asb.appstate.edu/Announcements/Callforpapers2000.htm
 

ASSOCIATION OF SYSTEMATICS COLLECTIONS OFFERS DESCRIPTION OF TWO VALUABLE DATABASES IN SYSTEMATICS AND AN APPEAL FOR PARTICIPATION OF ADDITIONAL EXPERTS AND COLLECTIONS IN THESE DATABASES

The Association of Systematics Collections (ASC) has developed, with the help of many institutions and individuals throughout the world, two databases that are now available on the Internet on the web site of the National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII):
 

1. A database of taxonomic experts (TRED) that identifies and is searchable by expert's name, taxonomic expertise, geographic expertise, and habitat expertise.
 

2. A database of research-quality systematics collections in museums, universities, and other agencies and associated information resources (DRSC), predominantly in the U.S.., along with collections on five other continents.
 

Both of these databases are available over the Internet for use by anyone interested in locating taxonomic and systematic resources. ACS is attempting to expand the knowledge base of systematics collections and human resources by soliciting additional experts and collections for the two databases. A fact sheet on these databases included below provides basic information on their use and your participation in either or both of the databases.
 

Association of Systematics Collections Database Fact Sheet
 

Project Background: The Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS) is a partnership of six federal agencies - U.S. Geological Survey, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Smithsonian Institution - National Museum of Natural History. Many federal agencies and other resources management organizations have a strong need for taxonomic and systematics information that is scientifically credible and readily accessible. ITIS is intended to meet mission needs of its partner U.S. federal government agencies, while providing a valuable information source for the scientific community and the public.

ASC-USGS Partnership: The ASC Database project was established in 1995 under a cooperative agreement between the U.S. Geological Survey - Biological Resources Division (BRD), formerly known as the National Biological Service (NBS), and the Association of Systematics Collections. The purpose was to develop and make accessible two electronic directories on systematics. It was agreed that the directories would be made available in electronic form, via the Internet, as part of the National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII).

The NBII, a BRD-led initiative, is the biological component of the National Information Infrastructure (NII), the information superhighway. Initiation of the NBII was one of the primary recommendations made by the National Academy of Sciences/National Research Council in their 1993 report, A Biological Survey for the Nation. The goal of NBII is to provide swift user access to an electronic "federation" of biological data and information sources maintained by federal, state and local government agencies, non-government institutions, and private sector organizations in the U.S. and around the world.

Taxonomic Resources and Technical Expertise Directory (TRED): The TRED database is a continuously accessible resource, via the Internet, of taxonomists/systematists with expertise in specific taxonomic groups, habitats, and geographic regions. Users can search to find experts who can identify species, perform taxonomic and biodiversity research, and provide consultation. Searches can be conducted by taxonomic group, geographic region, or habitat type. The database is a valuable tool for government agencies, companies, and others seeking taxonomic expertise. Listing in the database does not obligate experts to perform work for anyone.

Directory of Research Systematics Collections (DRSC): The DRSC database is a continuously accessible resource of research-quality systematics collections in museums, universities, and government agencies. Particular emphasis is placed on taxonomic coverage of the collection, size of the collection, and accessibility of the collections. Users can search by either institution name or taxonomic coverage of the collections.

How to View the Databases: The databases are available on line and can be accessed through the ASC website at http://www.ascoll.org. The databases may also be accessed through the NBII website: TRED is located at http://www.nbii.gov/tred and DRSC is located at http://www.nbii.gov/drsc .

How to Participate in Databases: Participation in TRED and DRSC is easy. Fill out the questionnaire available in printed form from ASC or online at http://www.ascoll.org/data.html and return to ASC by mail or e-mail.
 

"GOOD" PARASITE FOR PEROMYSCUS SOUGHT

Dr. Shawn Meagher, a parasitologist at Western Illinois University seeks assistance from fellow parasitologists in locating a parasite suitable for work with Peromyscus polionotus. Shawn is embarking on a collaborative study with Dr. Bob Lacy, a conservation geneticist at the Brookfield Zoo in Chicago, on the effects of inbreeding on the susceptibility Peromyscus to parasitic infection. Shawn hopes to obtain a parasite that is simple to pass and maintain in the laboratory, and one with which intensity of infection is easily measurable. Please contact Shawn with any suggestions you may have that might help him with the proposed project.

Shawn Meagher, Biological Sciences, Western Illinois University, Macomb, IL 61455. Tele: (309) 298-2409. Fax: (309) 298-2270. E-mail: SHAWN_MEAGHER@CCMAIL.WIU.EDU.
 

NEW INTERACTIVE CD-ROM ON MARINE PARASITIC CRUSTACEA NOW AVAILABLE FROM UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA PRESS

An interactive CD-ROM exploring the marine parasitic Crustacea became available for the first time in July, 1999. Presented by Dr. Timothy M. Goater, this learning resource utilizes the latest in multimedia technology to enable students and teachers of parasitology and invertebrate zoology to interact in a self-paced, fun and stimulating way with the bizarre and fascinating world of parasitic Arthropoda. Focus is on the biology of parasitic crustaceans of invertebrates and fish of coastal marine waters of British Columbia, Canada, including the parasitic Copepoda, Cirripedia, Isopoda and Amphipoda.

The CD contains over 600 megabytes of text information, photographs, video and sound files. Included are spectacular videomicroscopy footage and color photography of arthropod parasites; audio recordings of taxonomic pronunciations; video interview with world-renowned parasitologist Dr. Z. Kabata; detailed line drawings; interactive glossary, taxonomic summary, index and references; and a challenging interactive review quiz. All of this is available for only $39.95 Cdn. For online ordering or for more information you may either visit the Website at WWW.MALA.BC.CA/PARASITE, or E-mail custserv@raincoast.com. The CD-ROM is available from the University of British Columbia Press and can be ordered through your local bookstore (ISBN 1-896886-22-1) of from: Raincoast Books, 8680 Cambie Street, Vancouver, B.C. V6P 6M9, Canada, Tele: (604) 323-7106 or 1-800-663-5714 (in North America). Fax: (604) 323-2600 or 1-800-565-3770 (in North America).
 

BOOKS AND JOURNALS FOR AFRICA

Dr. Alex D.W. Acholonu, Chair of the ASP Parasitology Literature for Foreign Scientists Committee, is soliciting book and journal donations for shipment to Imo State University, Nigeria to which he serves as the Pro-Chancellor. The books and journals may be old or new, and of any kind or on any subject. These donations are tax-deductible as Imo State University is a non-profit organization. For additional information contact: Dr. Alex Acholonu at (601) 877-6236 (Tel.), (601) 877-3989 (Fax) or by e-mail at acholonu@lorman.alcorn.edu .

Send donated materials to: Dr. Alex D.W. Acholonu, 1000 ASU Drive #843, Alcorn State University, Alcorn, MI 39096.
 

ZOOLOGICAL CONFERENCE TO BE HELD IN BANGLADESH

The Zoological Society of Bangladesh announces the 12^th Biennial Conference to be held February 4-6, 2000 at the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. The conference offers a wide variety of topics in zoology, entomology, fisheries science, wildlife and environment. The theme of the conference is "Twenty-first Century and the Environmental Issues in Bangladesh." The last date for the submission of abstracts is December 20, 1999. For additional information see the Zoological Society of Bangladesh website at: http://www.zoolbangla.org or contact: Dr. Manjur Chowdhury, General Secretary, Zoological Society of Bangladesh, c/o Department of Zoology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh. Tel: +880-2-9881832 or 9881098, +880-11-851998 or 805419, +880-2-9661920 ext. 6060. Fax: +880-2-8822944. E-mail: alpha@dhaka.agni.com
 

OBITUARY

A memorial service in honor of Dr. Norman D. Levine, ASP member since 1946, was held in November at the College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois in Urbana, IL. Memorial contributions may be made to the Helen and Norman Levine Endowment Fund through the College of Veterinary Medicine Development Office, University of Illinois, 2001 S. Lincoln Avenue, Urbana, IL 61802. The Third Conference on Emerging and Re-Emerging Infectious Diseases will be dedicated to the memory of Dr. Norman Levine and is scheduled to be held in April of 2000 at the College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois (exact dates TBA after the 1^st of the year).
 

MCGRAW-HILL ANNOUNCES PUBLICATION OF 6^TH EDITION OF FOUNDATIONS OF PARASITOLOGY WITH CD-ROM

The 6^th Edition of Foundations of Parasitology by ASP members Larry Roberts and John Janovy, Jr. was published in August 1999 (ISBN 0-07-403764-1). This new edition integrates a wealth of new discoveries and literature, and may be accompanied by the Electronic Atlas of Parasitology D-ROM (available January 2000; ISBN 0-07-238-6134). With 600 electronic slides, the CD-ROM serves as an image source for student study, and is useful for instructor lecture slides, handouts, and test questions. It includes parasite photographs, descriptions, and definitions; self-tests; hyperlinks built into the program which allow rapid comparison of species and developmental stages; and, a completely hyperlinked index allowing immediate navigation to desired images. The CD_ROM adds only $2.00 to the price of the text when packaged together.
 

TOPICS IN INTERNATIONAL HEALTH OFFERS EXTRAORDINARY CD-ROMS ON RANGE OF DISEASE TOPICS

Topics in International Health offered by CABI Publishing has available CD-ROMs dealing with Malaria (ISBN 0 85199 243 9; $195), Sickle Cell Disease (ISBN 0 85199 245 5; $195), Diarrheal Diseases (ISBN 0 85199 246 3; $195), Schistosomiasis (ISBN 0 85199 248 X; $195), HIV/AIDS (ISBN 0 85199 250 1; $195), Leishmaniasis (ISBN 0 85199 370 2; $195) and other diseases. Order four or more of the CD-ROMS together and get a discount of 20%. Other discounts available upon request. Tel: +44 (0) 1491 832111. Fax: +44 (0) 1491 829292. E-mail: publishing@cabi.org

JOINT MEETING OF BRAZILIAN SOCIETY OF VETERINARY PARASITOLOGISTS HELD

The joint meeting of XI Seminar of the Brazilian Society of Veterinary Parasitologists, II Seminar of Veterinary Parasitologists of the Mercosul's Countries, and I Symposium of Integrated Control of Bovine Parasites was held on October 24-28, 1999 in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. The Meeting included two courses on Molecular Biology and Immunodiagnosis of Parasitic Diseases; 8 conferences, 11 workshops, and one symposium focusing on Genetic Vaccines: Perspectives and New Advances in Parasitic Infections; Some Important Aspects of Neospora caninum infection; Global Analysis of Parasitic Diseases; The Contributions of Genomic Analysis to the Development of Tools for Molecular Epidemiology of Trypanosomiases; Mechanisms of Anthelmintic Resistance; Antiparasitic Residues in Food; Ecology and Behavior of Ticks and Helminth Infections; New Advances in Equine Parasitic Diseases; Molecular Epidemiology of Babesiosis and Anaplasmosis; New Advances in Tick Ixodid and Acarid Studies; Immunology and Molecular Biology Approaches to Studying Parasitism; Coccidiosis; Importance of Parasitism in Dogs, Fishes and Sylvatic Animals; and Integrated Control of Gastrointestinal Helminths of Bovines.

The paper presentations included three large poster sessions with 456 papers, and an oral session with 28 papers presented. Information about the next meeting to be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, October 2001 may be obtained from the immediate past President of the Society, Dr. Mary de Araujo Barreto, Ph.D., Instituto de Ciências da Sade/UFBA, Bahia, or the current President, Dr. Carlos Wilson Gomes Lopes, Ph.D., Departmento de Parasitologia animal, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janiero/UFRRJ, 23890-000-Serop, dica, Rio de Janiero. E-mail: dppg@ufrrj.br
 

MBL WOODS HOLE OFFERS BIOLOGY OF PARASITISM: MODERN APPROACHES

The course Biology of Parasitism: Modern Approaches is being offered June 8 - August 11, 2000 at the Marine Biological Laboratory at Woods Hole. This is a unique course for advanced graduate students, postdocs, and independent investigators who are seeking thorough training in modern approaches to the study of protozoan and helminth parasites. The focus of the course is on the molecular basis of parasite function and the host-parasite interaction with emphasis on the most recent and exciting developments in these areas. The course is divided into four major modules of two weeks each, consisting of daily lectures juxtaposed with intensive experimental work. About 45 invited speakers will give a lecture in their area of expertise and meet informally with students. These lectures will cover virtually all of the systems and areas of active research in modern parasitology. The laboratory portion of the course strikes a balance between ensuring that students acquire the technical expertise to pursue these areas of research in their own careers while maintaining the element of the search for the unknown. Each laboratory module is taught by a different group of faculty recognized as leaders in their respective fields. Workshops in bioinformatics, marine parasitology, drug design and flatworms will expose students to subjects not covered in depth in the four major modules.
 

Directors: Edward J. Pearce, Cornell University, and Christian Tschudi, Yale University . Application deadline: March 1, 2000. Students who request financial aid generally receive substantial awards toward their tuition costs. Most students pay only a few hundred dollars of the $3,900 tuition charge. Financial aid requests are not a factor in admissions decisions. Admission to MBL courses is competitive; student selection is determined by review committees appointed for each course. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. For application forms and information, contact: Carol Hamel, Admissions Coordinator, Marine Biological Laboratory, 7 MBL Street, Woods Hole, MA 02543-1015 Tel: (508) 289-7401. E-mail: admissions@mbl.edu
 

SECOND ANNOUNCEMENT FOR TENTH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON TRICHINELLOSIS ISSUED

The Xth International Conference on Trichinellosis will be held in Fontainebleau, France , August 20-24, 2000. The second announcement and call for abstracts for this meeting was recently sent out. The conference will be held at the International Business School in Fontainebleau which offers modern facilities for a conference. The School is located on the edge of the city near protected forests. Fontainebleau is located 40 miles south of Paris, and is linked to downtown Paris by regular train services. Fontainebleau offers a variety of hotels, restaurants, museums and a famous palace where French kings came for game hunting. The City offers visitors many architectural treasures. The forest around the City covers almost 50,000 acres and is a mecca for nature enthusiasts, hikers, rock climbers, and equestrians. Wild boar and deer are common in the forest. Around Fontainebleau, along the rivers Seine and Loing, there are many marvelously preserved towns and villages, many of which inspired renowned impressionists and modern artists. The Conference includes an opening symposium on "Past and Future Trichinellosis"; a workshop on the systematics of Trichinella; a symposium on non-encapsulated Trichinella isolates; a workshop on molecular and cellular biology of Trichinella; a symposium on cell signaling and the nurse cell; two workshops on immunology of the parasite; a workshop on human and animal pathology; a symposium on progress in chemotherapy of human trichinellosis; a workshop on epidemiology; and a workshop focusing on control and diagnosis. Group discussions will be held on antigens, typing of isolates, control of infection and several other topics. This should prove to be an excellent conference, with many opportunities for exchange of information in a magnificent setting.
 

ASP MEMBER ELECTED TO WORLD-FEDERATION COUNCIL

Dr. Alex D.W. Acholonu was elected to Council for the World Federation of Parasitologists last year at Chiba Japan during the 9^th International Congress of Parasitology.
 

NEWS FROM THE MANTER LABORATORY OF PARASITOLOGY

Dr. Scott L. Gardner in the Manter Laboratory of Parasitology at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln has recently made the complete catalog of the Manter Laboratory of Parasitology available on-line. In keeping with the major advances of the searchable databases of the National Parasite Collection, the Manter Laboratory Database has been converted and changed from its old DOS roots in Rbase and is now running on a Pentium level machine under Windows NT 4.0. This machine is dedicated only to running the database and serving information from the collection database to the web. We are still in the process of de-bugging the database search engine and we plan to add other fields to the search engine such as collector name, date of collection, and geo-referenced locality data. If you have tested the database or have any other requests for items to be added, send a note to Dr. Gardner.

Several researchers visited the HWML during the past year. From August 1998 - August 1999, Dr. Gerardo Pérez Ponce de León from the Laboratorio de Helmintologia, Instituto de Biologia, UNAM, stayed in Lincoln and worked in the Manter Laboratory for one year for his sabbatical from UNAM. He worked on several projects with Scott including some new species of trematodes and a phylogenetic analysis of trichostrongyloid nematodes. Dr. Ronald A. Campbell from the University of Massachusets at Dartmouth visited the lab during the summer to complete a project on trematodes. Elizabeth Morales visited the lab from the Universidad San Marcos, Lima, Peru in November to work on the helminth parasites of Peruvian rodents. She is the curator of the Parasitology Collection at the University in San Marcos and she is scheduled to finish her Masters Degree this January.
 

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.