In Print

Graham Ramsay

Genetics Reaches Past DNA and Its Molecular Packaging
Among researchers these days, there’s a buzz about epigenetics, a word many employ to describe inherited patterns of gene expression not directly reflected in the DNA sequence. One persistent mystery is how the cells in our body can share identical DNA, yet look and act as differently as skin and bones—and pass on those traits when dividing. Many scientists are looking for answers in studies of chromatin, which packages active and inactive genes. But beware: a backlash is brewing because some scientists take umbrage at loose use of the term epigenetics, especially when invoked in connection with chromatin modifications. Kevin Struhl, Jeannie Lee, Ting Wu, Robert Kingston (shown clockwise from top left), Danesh Moazed , Stephen Buratowski, and Yang Shi weigh in.

Upcoming

Career Enhancement Services

Intelligent Interviewing

Wednesday, Sept. 19

12–12:45 p.m.
Speakers:
•Taube Weiner
•Alexis Harding

Spotlight

Liza Green, HMS Media Services

Tailor-made for Medicine
Incoming HMS dean Jeffrey Flier welcomed the first-years on White Coat Day, when students receive their first white coats. The week before, many of the new students pitched in during outreach activities in surrounding communities.

Student Scene

Liza Green, HMS Media Services

White Coat Day Orients Incoming Students
See a gallery of orientation activities during White Coat Day 2007.

StudenTalk

Personal takes on issues inside and outside the classroom.

Science Progress

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

Lab Works

A multimedia site featuring Harvard Medical research.