In Print

From Focus:
DNA Copier Component Found to Be Real Drag
A new study sheds light on a longstanding puzzle in DNA replication: how do the enzymes that copy the two strands of DNA manage to coordinate their separate movements while remaining in sync? The answer, reported by (left to right) Samir Hamdan, Antoine van Oijen, Jong-Bong Lee, and colleagues, is that replication on the leading strand, which can progress much more quickly, pauses to wait for replication on the lagging strand to catch up. The enzyme that constructs short primers on the lagging strand acts as a brake to slow the leading strand’s progress.

Upcoming

Longwood Seminars
Maintaining Mental Agility: From Brain Aerobics to Repair
March 15
5:30–7:00 p.m.

Moderator:
• Deborah Blacker
Massachusetts General Hospital
Speakers:
• Aaron Nelson
Brigham and Women’s Hospital
• Dennis Selkoe
Brigham and Women’s Hospital

Student Scene

Photo by Jeff Cleary

Beware of Diaper Bags Bearing Gifts
The Massachusetts Public Health Council is now reviewing legislation that would prevent infant formula from being marketed in the hospital to new mothers. Tarayn Grizzard argues that the new regulations should be implemented.

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Lab Works

A multimedia site featuring Harvard Medical research.