Talking Points

Researchers develop powerful new technique to study protein function

In the cover story for the journal Genetics this month, neurobiologist Dan Chase and colleagues describe a new experimental technique they developed that will allow scientists to study the function of individual proteins in individual cell types in a living organism.
 
The advance should allow deeper insights into protein function, Chase says, “because we can only get a true understanding of what that single protein does when we isolate its function in a living organism. There was no tool currently available to do this.”
 
The journal’s cover art uses a jigsaw puzzle of a worm to

Renaissance Center names University of Toronto faculty as scholars in residence

The Massachusetts Center for Interdisciplinary Renaissance Studies will be hosting two faculty from the University of Toronto as scholars in residence for the fall semester.

Stevens is a professor and Canada research chair in early modern literature and culture, and Magnuson is a professor of English and director of the Centre for Reformation and Renaissance Studies.

While in residence at the Renaissance Center, they will meet with students, visit Five College area classes, and present a public lecture.

When specific dates for events are known, they will be posted on In the Loop.
 

Florida physician named director of University Health Services

Dr. Bruce H. Kraut, chief of pediatrics at Munroe Regional Medical Center in Ocala, Fla., has been named director of University Health Services.
 
Kraut also serves as medical director and lab director for a group practice, Pediatric Associates of Ocala, where he oversees billing, procurement and contracts. His other responsibilities include the evaluation of employee performance, developing office procedures and policies, and ensuring the use of best practice guidelines recognized by the American Association of Pediatrics.

STEM Diversity Institute hosts visiting faculty for summer

The STEM Diversity Institute is hosting four faculty members from minority-serving institutions through the Visiting Partner Faculty Program funded by the National Institutes of Health’s Initiative for Maximizing Student Development.
 
Through the program, visiting faculty will spend five to 10 weeks this summer working with faculty who have similar research interests.  
 
Celeste Chavis, assistant professor of transportation and urban infrastructure studies in the School of Engineering at Morgan State University, is working with Eleni Christofa of Civil and Environmental Engineering.
 
Ada

College of Natural Sciences, Girls Inc. of Holyoke offer summer science learning for 8th grade girls

A group of eighth-grade girls from the greater Holyoke area will get a hands-on introduction to science-related learning this summer through a new program announced June 17 by leaders of Girls Inc. of Holyoke and the College of Natural Sciences.
 
Eureka!, a nationally recognized program designed to engage girls 12-18 to explore science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields, begins on campus July 8, where about 30 participating girls will work on projects with STEM faculty members for four weeks.

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