In Print

From Focus:
Loss of Sirtuin Protein Seen to Cut Life Short

Photo by Graham Ramsay

Ever since the protein Sir2 was shown to make yeast live longer, scientists have been eager to study Sir2’s counterparts in mammals. Mammals have seven genes that are homologues to Sir2, called sirtuins, and only one has been studied in detail. Now a study led by the lab of Frederick Alt offers the first description of how a second member of the sirtuin family, SIRT6, functions in the body. Alt’s team shows that SIRT6 seems to play a role in repairing DNA damage, and mice that lack the gene display signs of premature aging.

Student Scene

Recasting the Actor-Patient

Photo courtesy of Nicole Martin

Playing the part of a terminally ill patient during a continuing medical education program, Nicole Martin was struck by the visceral impact of the role-play and by the appreciation she gained for the patient experience.

StudenTalk

Personal takes on issues inside and outside the classroom.

Lab Works

A multimedia site featuring Harvard Medical research.

Spotlight

Image courtesy www.thefreddies.com

‘FREDDIE’ Honors DFCI Video
An audiovisual program to explain cancer clinical trials to patients, which was produced by the Dana–Farber Cancer Institute, won an International Health and Medical Media “FREDDIE” Award in the area of Issues and Ethics. Titled “Entering a Clinical Trial: Is It Right for You?”, the video can be viewed at the above link.

The Second Year Show: “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Fornix”
In her review, Tarayn Grizzard tells why to be afraid of Andy-bodies and—yikes!—four-color pens. Photos by Steve Gilbert help tell the story.

Upcoming

Aaron Thurman Lecture on Humanism in Medicine
Preparing for Avian Flu: Lessons from the Swine Flu Affair
Feb. 9
8:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.