Month: March 2004

Kary Banks Mullis, Nobel Prize-winning chemist, was born on December 28, 1944 in Lenoir, North Carolina. Dr. Mullis received a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1966, and went on to earn a PhD in biochemistry from the University of California at Berkeley in 1972. In 1973, Dr. Mullis became a postdoctoral fellow in pediatric cardiology at the University of Kansas Medical School, with emphasis on angiotensin and pulmonary vascular physiology. Four years later, he began two years of postdoctoral work in pharmaceutical chemistry at the University of California, San Francisco. In...

In just a few short months, we will come from all over the world to gather in one of the United States’ most beautiful and exciting cities to celebrate another World Congress on In Vitro Biology. It will be an opportunity to catch up with colleagues and an opportunity to make new acquaintances. But, most importantly, it will be a forum for great science. Science is both creative and practical. Accordingly, the Program Committee has put together an outstanding program for 2004. For beginners, Kary Mullis, recipient of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for 1993 will give the keynote...

The results of the 2004 – 2006 election are complete. This was the second election that the Society used an electronic ballot system. Members were all sent a paper ballot and received instructions on how to vote online, if they should choose. The office received approximately 55% electronic ballots and 45% ballots received through mail, email, or fax. SIVB Officers: President Elect: Paul Price Vice President: David Songstad Secretary: Nancy Reichert Treasurer: Richard Heller Member-at-Large: John Harbell Member-at-Large: Dennis Laska Publications Chair: Michael Horn Public Policy Chair: Pam Weathers Awards Chair: Amy Wang Education Chair: Elizabeth Roemer Lab Materials...

Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of monocots Since the success of Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of rice in the early 1990’s, significant advances in Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of monocotyledonous plant species have been achieved. Transgenic plants obtained via Agrobacterium-mediated transformation have been regenerated in more than a dozen monocotyledonous species, ranging from the most important cereal crops to ornamental plant species. Efficient transformation protocols for agronomically important cereal crops such as rice, wheat, maize, barley and sorghum have been developed and transformation for some of these species has become routine. Many factors influencing Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of monocotyledonous plants have been investigated and elucidated. These factors...

Possible Carolina’s Branch Discussed Discussion has begun about setting up a Carolinas branch of SIVB. Anyone interested in setting up a Carolinas branch of the SIVB contact Ray Shillito at ray.shillito@bayercropscience.com or (919)549-2210. USDA/APHIS Suggesting Changes to GE Plants The USDA/APHIS/Biotechnology Regulatory Services is considering significant changes to its regulations of GE plants under 7CFR 340. The USDA is welcoming comments on the proposed changes until March 23, 2004. Their website with the changes is here (http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/04-1411.htm). The USDA/APHIS looks forward to all comments received.       Barbara Reed with the USDA-ARS at the National Clonal Germplasm Repository...