In findings that informed new U.S. health policy on vaccination for human papillomavirus (HPV) to prevent cervical cancer and genital warts, Jane Kim and her colleagues at HSPH found that vaccinating U.S. girls age 11 or 12 against HPV is a good health investment. In two studies published in October, they found that vaccinating preadolescent boys and women older than 30 was less cost effective.

In medicine, one might think of a model as an animal engineered to mimic a disease. But in systems biology, a model is a collection of relationships and algorithms that take in parameters and spit out predictions about cellular behaviors in response to chemical stimuli. In recent years, Peter Sorger (left) has participated in a “community experiment” that challenges labs worldwide to devise the most predictive model they can based on Sorger’s donated, unpublished data on selected cell behaviors. The models have differed widely, suggesting that there is no one true representation of the data. Sorger’s model in the recent competition, developed with Julio Saez–Rodriguez and colleagues and published online Dec. 1 in Molecular Systems Biology, helps point out three potential therapeutic targets for liver cancer.

Harvard-affiliated faculty, providers, residents and students committed to primary care at Harvard held a brainstorming session for the community on Dec. 10. Primary Care Advisory Group co-chairs David Bates (left) and Russell Phillips have invited community members to e-mail suggestions on promoting primary care to pcag@hms.harvard.edu.

Labs that probe tiny molecules called microRNAs often resemble online dating services. They use software to search for genetic sequences that match the microRNAs, scanning the genome for potential binding sites. Labs can finally assess their matchmaking abilities, using a new, versatile tool developed by Tudor Fulga (right) and researchers in the laboratory of David Van Vactor. This “Drosophila microRNA sponge” allows a scientist to quickly test predictions about individual microRNAs in living fruit flies.

Focus asked Joan Brugge and other heads of HMS departments (or their colleagues) to comment on this question: What trend in biomedical or social science do you think Americans should pay most attention to and why? Here’s how they answered.

Lyle Micheli recently received the Dean’s Community Service Award for providing sports medicine care and prevention to Boston public school athletes.

Drew Faust toured clinics and labs in Botswana that are part of the nation’s collaboration with HSPH.

In the 2009 Second Year Show, “Mountains Beyond Brokeback Mountains,” the Class of 2012 was especially democratic in doling out the gibes.