In Print

Graham Ramsay

Trial May Turn Over New Leaf for Traditional Herb
Epileptic seizures are characterized by uncontrolled electrical activity, so one way to control them would be to block substances in the brain that cause neurons to fire. One such substance is glutamate. Recently, Steven Schachter and his colleagues identified a compound derived from Chinese club moss that blocks glutamate. When tested in a rodent model, the substance, huperzine A, had a remarkable power to prevent seizures. In the fall, Schachter hopes to launch a small clinical trial of huperzine A.

Upcoming

Education Seminar Series

Scientific Writing

Wednesdays, Sept. 19 and 26 and Oct. 3

4–5 pm
Speaker:
Theodore Stern

Lab Works

A multimedia site featuring Harvard Medical research.

Science Progress

A new HMS site tracing paths to progress in health care through funding, science, and discovery.

Spotlight

Steve Gilbert

Tailor-made for Medicine
Incoming HMS dean Jeffrey Flier welcomed new first-years on White Coat Day as part of the day’s orientation events. Students also received their first white coats, representing their entry into medicine.

Student Scene

Graham Ramsay

Putting Your Mouth Where the Money Is: The Challenge of Eating Well in Poverty
It’s not easy to be poor and to eat a healthy diet, says Nicole Martin. Federal programs that make fresh fruits and vegetables more accessible to the poor ease this bind. Efforts like these should continue to expand, she says.

StudenTalk

Personal takes on issues inside and outside the classroom.