PATHOGEN GENETICS: Expression Studies of Malaria Parasite Uncover Distinct Forms A study of the malaria parasite in the Dec. 13 Nature shows that scientists do not know this nemesis as well as they thought. Gene expression analysis of Plasmodium falciparum identified three distinct patterns in the microchip data: one was familiar, matching the pattern found in lab cultures of parasite isolates from all over the world; a second cluster showed the opposite genes turned on or off;  a third group correlated with more severe disease, but it is too soon to know if this version of the parasite causes worse disease or is reacting to a sicker host. “For me, the reason to do this work is to understand disease outcomes and if there is a specific parasite biology related to that,” said first author Johanna Daily (pictured), who spends most of her time in the HSPH lab of Dyann Wirth.

MEDICINE: Cholesterol Controllers Boost Muscle Atrophy Molecule
In rare cases, treatment with cholesterol-lowering statins can lead to a life-threatening breakdown of muscle, called rhabdomyolysis. But physicians have also found that patients experience a wide range of muscle-related symptoms, from mild weakness to pain. A study in the December Journal of Clinical Investigation from Vikas Sukhatme (left), Stewart Lecker, and colleagues reveals a potential culprit for statins’ unwanted effects. The drugs apparently activate a gene involved in muscle atrophy, and this finding offers a potential target for tracking the effects as well as for developing new treatments.

ADVANCEMENT: New Promotion Criteria Presented to Faculty
On Jan. 7, HMS dean Jeffrey Flier hosted the first presentation of the new criteria for faculty appointment and promotion at HMS and HSDM. The event launched a series of programs to introduce the new framework, which will be held at all HMS-affiliated institutions. Under the new guidelines, individuals are not categorized into a single set of criteria. Instead, they use a menu of options to assemble a profile that reflects their unique combination of activities and accomplishments.

SCIENTIFIC PUBLISHING: Disseminating Science: Symposium Maps Changes in Publication Avenues, Barriers
Medical knowledge has always come at a cost, and efforts to change the system have the weight of history to contend with. One of the goals of a Nov. 9 symposium, “Publishing in the New Millennium: A Forum on Publishing in the Biosciences,” was to explore the barriers to more open communication in medical and life sciences publishing. The event was organized by Kishore Kuchibhotla (left) and Zeba Wunderlich, graduate students in the Harvard University Biophysics Program, along with three other students from HMS and HSDM. 

Copyright 2007 by the President and Fellows of Harvard College