In Print

From Focus:
Enzyme Traced to Two Alzheimer’s Pathways
For decades, scientists have struggled to find a single molecular lesion in the brain that would generate both amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease. In a recent study, Kun Ping Lu (front right) and (clockwise from left) Xiao Zhen Zhou, Jormay Lim, Martin Balastik, and Greg Finn, among others, report that loss of the enzyme Pin1 causes a gradual accumulation of the major component of plaques. Lu and colleagues also showed several years ago that Pin1 is needed to prevent neurofibrillary tangles. Together, the data suggest that loss of Pin1 activity may be sufficient to cause the major pathological disruptions of Alzheimer’s.

Upcoming

Office of Enrichment Programs

Soma Weiss Student Research Day
April 20
Research Poster Presentations:
1:30-5:30 p.m.
Lecture:
3:30-5:30 p.m.

Keynote Speaker:
• Eugene Braunwald
Harvard Medical School

Harvard Medical School Student Speakers:
• Hannah Brown
• Justin Gainor
• Loretta Li
• Meagan Murphy

Spotlight

Science Is Not Enough
In this year’s Seidman lecture, Zach Hall, head of the California stem cell research program, emphasized the need for public support and political organization to move the science along. He appears with Barbara McNeil (left) and Nancy Andrews.

Student Scene

Photo by Graham Ramsay

Will Generic Rain on Investment as It Reins In Costs?
The Food and Drug Administration has streamlined the approval process for a generic version of the antibiotic vancomycin, reports Erica Seiguer. And though its introduction would likely bring down costs for treating serious hospital-acquired infections, the resulting drop in revenue for the drug industry could stifle new investment in antibiotics.

StudenTalk

Personal takes on issues inside and outside the classroom.

Lab Works

A multimedia site featuring Harvard Medical research.