[889] in peace2
Hits close to home...
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Aimee L Smith)
Tue Jul 24 23:07:35 2001
Message-ID: <3B5E36FA.AAB1A131@mit.edu>
Date: Tue, 24 Jul 2001 23:03:22 -0400
From: Aimee L Smith <alsmith@MIT.EDU>
MIME-Version: 1.0
To: peace-list@mit.edu
Content-Type: multipart/mixed;
boundary="------------C0E65B24EF8F8328368E77E7"
This is a multi-part message in MIME format.
--------------C0E65B24EF8F8328368E77E7
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
Democracy Now archives for today had David Noble on talking about the
connection between university research and the military.
http://www.democracynow.org (click archives -- real audio)
Our own Prof. Jonathan King was on the show yesterday on the same topic.
check it out.
The following is the National Academy of Sciences report for a new
program
"Opportunities in Biotechnology for Future Army Applications"
Two MIT professors are on this panel... what ever happened to the days
when warfare was unpopular? On a related note, the corporate news
spent a lot of TV time on the issue of how the US govt failed a
"biowarfare preparedness test"... I guess it is time to hype up the
fear of bio-terrorism to keep the flow of public dollars to the bio-
tech industry. Never mind those tedious treaty strategies...
http://www4.nationalacademies.org/news.nsf/isbn/0309075556?OpenDocument
In unity,
Aimee
--------------C0E65B24EF8F8328368E77E7
Content-Type: text/html; charset=iso-8859-1;
name="0309075556"
Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
Content-Disposition: inline;
filename="0309075556"
Content-Base: "http://www4.nationalacademies.org/news
.nsf/isbn/0309075556?OpenDocument"
Content-Location: "http://www4.nationalacademies.org/news
.nsf/isbn/0309075556?OpenDocument"
<HTML>
<!-- Lotus-Domino (Release 4.6.7 - March 13, 2000 on Windows NT/Intel) --=
>
<HEAD>
<TITLE>Opportunities in Biotechnology for Future Army Applications</TITLE=
></HEAD>
<BODY TEXT=3D"000000" BGCOLOR=3D"ffffff">
<HTML>
<HEAD>
<meta name=3D"identifier(URL)" description=3D"http://nationalacademies.or=
g/news/">
<meta name=3D"keywords" description=3D"Office of News and Public Informat=
ion, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences, National Ac=
ademy of Engineering, Institute of Medicine">
<meta name=3D"contact" description=3D"Craig Hicks">
<meta name=3D"author" description=3D"ONPI">
<meta name=3D"date" description=3D"1999-05-14">
<TITLE>The National Academies Office of News and Public Information</TITL=
E></HEAD>
<BODY TEXT=3D"000000" BGCOLOR=3D"ffffff" LINK=3D"#000066" VLINK=3D"AAAAAA=
">
<P>
<A HREF=3D"http://nationalacademies.org/elements/navbartop.map"><IMG SRC=3D=
"http://nationalacademies.org/elements/topnav.gif" WIDTH=3D580 HEIGHT=3D1=
7 BORDER=3D0 ISMAP></A>
<TABLE width=3D580 BORDER=3D"0" CELLSPACING=3D"0" CELLPADDING=3D"0">
<!---Table row below is just a 25 pixel spacer--->
<TR><TD HEIGHT=3D"25" COLSPAN=3D"3"></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN=3Dtop>
<TD BGCOLOR=3D"#FFFFFF" WIDTH=3D"130" ROWSPAN=3D"2"><DIV ALIGN=3D"right">=
<!---Begin Left Buttons--->
<!---Begin Upper Left Buttons--->
<TABLE BORDER=3D0 CELLPADDING=3D0 CELLSPACING=3D0>
<TR><TD>
<A HREF=3D"http://nationalacademies.org/about"><IMG SRC=3D"http://nationa=
lacademies.org/elements/about.gif" ALT=3D"About the National Academies" B=
ORDER=3D0></A><BR>
<A HREF=3D"http://www4.nationalacademies.org/ohr.nsf/"><IMG SRC=3D"http:/=
/nationalacademies.org/elements/employment.gif" ALT=3D"Employment" BORDER=
=3D0></A><BR>
<A HREF=3D"http://nationalacademies.org/ocga/reso.nsf"><IMG SRC=3D"http:/=
/nationalacademies.org/elements/forcongress.gif" ALT=3D"For Congress" BOR=
DER=3D0></A><BR>
<A HREF=3D"http://nationalacademies.org/memarea"><IMG SRC=3D"http://natio=
nalacademies.org/elements/formembers.gif" ALT=3D"For Members" BORDER=3D0>=
</A><BR>
<A HREF=3D"http://nationalacademies.org/president"><IMG SRC=3D"http://nat=
ionalacademies.org/elements/pres_corner.gif" ALT=3D"Presidents Corner" BO=
RDER=3D0></A><BR>
<A HREF=3D"http://nationalacademies.org/mail.html"><IMG SRC=3D"http://nat=
ionalacademies.org/elements/subscribe.gif" ALT=3D"Subscribe to What's New=
" BORDER=3D0></A><BR>
</TD></TR></TABLE>
<!---End Upper Left Buttons--->
<IMG SRC=3D"http://nationalacademies.org/elements/h_rule.gif">
<!---Begin Lower Left Buttons--->
<TABLE BORDER=3D0 CELLPADDING=3D0 CELLSPACING=3D0>
<TR><TD>
<P><TT><A HREF=3D"../"><IMG SRC=3D"http://nationalacademies.org/elements/=
onpi.gif" ALT=3D"Office of News and Public Information" BORDER=3D0></A><B=
R><A HREF=3D"http://nationalacademies.org/topnews/"><IMG SRC=3D"http://na=
tionalacademies.org/elements/topnews.gif" ALT=3D"Top News" BORDER=3D0></A=
><BR></TT><A HREF=3D"../By+Date?OpenView"><TT><IMG SRC=3D"http://national=
academies.org/elements/news_arc.gif" ALT=3D"News Archive" BORDER=3D0></TT=
></A><TT><BR><A HREF=3D"http://nationalacademies.org/headlines/"><IMG SRC=
=3D"http://nationalacademies.org/elements/science.gif" ALT=3D"Science in =
the Headlines" BORDER=3D0></A><BR><A HREF=3D"http://www4.nationalacademie=
s.org/onpi/oped.nsf"><IMG SRC=3D"http://nationalacademies.org/elements/op=
_ed.gif" ALT=3D"The National Academies Op-Ed Service" BORDER=3D0></A><BR>=
</TT><A HREF=3D"../Reports+&+Events?OpenView"><TT><IMG SRC=3D"http://nati=
onalacademies.org/elements/reports_events.gif" ALT=3D"Reports & Events" B=
ORDER=3D0></TT></A>
</TD></TR></TABLE>
<!---End Lower Left Buttons--->
<!---Horizontal line and contact information for ONPI--->
<IMG SRC=3D"http://nationalacademies.org/elements/h_rule.gif">
<TABLE CELLPADDING=3D4 CELLSPACING=3D4><TR><TD ALIGN=3DRIGHT><FONT FACE=3D=
"Helvetica" SIZE=3D"-2">This page is maintained by the National Academies=
<A HREF=3D"../onpi/news.nsf">Office of News and Public Information</A>
<P>Craig Hicks<BR>Internet editor</P>
<P>Tom Roberts<BR>Associate Internet editor</P>
<P>Shelley Solheim<BR>online producer</P>
<P>Contact us by e-mail <A HREF=3D"mailto: news@nas.edu">news@nas.edu</A>=
</P>
</FONT>
</TD></TR></TABLE>
<!---End Lower Left Text--->
<!---End Left Buttons--->
</TD>
<TD WIDTH=3D"1" BGCOLOR=3D"#000066" ROWSPAN=3D"2"><img src=3D"http://nati=
onalacademies.org/elements/p_pixel.gif" width=3D1></TD>
</TD>
<TD WIDTH=3D"449" VALIGN=3D"TOP">
<IMG SRC=3D"http://nationalacademies.org/includes/nwsltrhd.gif" ALT=3D"Ne=
ws from The National Academies">
<TABLE CELLPADDING=3D4 CELLSPACING=3D4><TR><TD>
<FONT FACE=3D"Helvetica" SIZE=3D"-1">
<!---Start Content--->
<DIV ALIGN=3Dright><A HREF=3D"http://www.nap.edu/catalog/10142.html?onpi_=
newsdoc06202001"><B><U>Read Full Report</U></B></A></DIV>Date: June 20, =
2001<BR>
Contacts: Jennifer Wenger, Media Relations Associate<BR>
Christian Dobbins, Media Relations Assistant<BR>
(202) 334-2138; e-mail <news@nas.edu><BR>
<BR>
For Immediate Release<BR>
<BR>
<B>Publication Announcement</B><BR>
<BR>
<B>Advances in Biotechnology Show Promise </B><BR>
<B>For Improving Army Readiness, Soldier Survival</B><BR>
<BR>
Recent strides in biotechnology offer the promise of new and innovative a=
pplications -- from edible vaccines to protein-based electronics componen=
ts. But while new developments are intended to improve productivity, eff=
iciency, and quality of life, there is the potential for these technologi=
es to be employed for sinister purposes as well -- as biological weapons,=
for example. A new report from the National Academies' National Researc=
h Council examines ways in which biotechnology might be used by the Army,=
not for offensive weapons, but for applications that will improve the su=
rvivability and effectiveness of U.S. soldiers in battle. <BR>
<BR>
With further research, biotechnology may have the same dramatic impact on=
the Army that information technology is having on its operations today, =
the report contends. Biosensors and biologically inspired materials coul=
d protect ground troops from threats, seen and unseen, on the battlefield=
, while the latter also could reduce the sizable loads that battalions of=
soldiers must carry with them. In addition, biocomputers could provide =
robust data storage capabilities and biomedical developments could be esp=
ecially important in treating wounds and speeding the recovery process fo=
r casualties in combat.<BR>
<BR>
The report examines current directions in biotech research and applicatio=
ns, and identifies opportunities most relevant to the Army, which request=
ed the study to help plan its science and technology program for the next=
25 years.<BR>
<BR>
Future applications considered by the committee that wrote the report inc=
lude:<BR>
<BR>
<B>Biosensors. </B>Sensors are needed to signal the presence of pathogen=
s, toxic chemicals, or other environmental threats to unsuspecting troops=
=2E Biosensors could detect threats directly in air or water or be used =
to monitor individual soldiers for symptoms of exposure to a harmful subs=
tance.<UL><UL><UL></UL></UL></UL>Currently, "biochips" as small=
as postage stamps are capable of performing sophisticated chemical analy=
ses. In the future, a network of biosensors, some perhaps worn as wristw=
atch-like devices, might be used to augment other intelligence sources, s=
uch as infrared sensors, to give commanders a more complete picture of th=
e battlefield. Biosensor systems also might trigger the release of an an=
tidote or activate a protective mask upon detecting a harmful substance.<=
BR>
<BR>
<B>Biomaterials and biologically inspired materials. </B>Biomaterials ar=
e organic or synthetic materials that are compatible with the human body.=
Because of the nature of the injuries that soldiers incur, one of the o=
verriding goals in this area is to produce materials that can heal wounds=
, repair bones, and self-replicate. Innovations in tissue engineering, s=
uch as cartilage repair and replacement, and the use of stem cells to rep=
lace dead or damaged tissue, could help advance this goal.<UL><UL><UL></U=
L></UL></UL>Some materials in nature are so intricate in their design -- =
and so effective in their performance -- that they can serve as models fo=
r highly functional materials. Biologically inspired materials mimic com=
plex biological structures, whereas hybrid materials contain biological e=
lements that enhance their properties. Such materials could provide sold=
iers with armor as hard as an abalone shell or with coatings that absorb =
radiation to avoid detection by an enemy.<BR>
<BR>
<B>Molecular electronics.</B> Advances in genomics and DNA analysis are =
leading to new developments in molecular electronics and biocomputing. D=
evices that incorporate the protein bacteriorhodopsin utilize its unique =
abilities to convert light into other forms of energy for optical and ele=
ctronic applications such as artificial retinas and computer memories. I=
n addition, because biomolecular electronics components and devices exhib=
it a high resistance to electromagnetic radiation, they could reduce the =
vulnerability of critical military computer and communications systems in=
rugged combat environments.<BR>
<BR>
<B>Biological energy sources.</B> Biologically derived fuels, such as et=
hanol and biodiesel, already provide alternative renewable energy sources=
=2E In addition, solar-cell energy converters designed to imitate plants=
or photosynthetic bacteria may substantially increase the efficiency at =
which solar energy is converted into electricity. What's more, if the so=
lar cell were a thin coating on a piece of military equipment, it could p=
rovide a renewable form of energy with virtually no increase to a soldier=
's load.<BR>
<BR>
=46rom the infinitesimally complex queries into the structure of DNA and =
proteins to the broad ethical questions concerning how genetic informatio=
n is put to use, the report acknowledges that many obstacles need to be a=
ddressed before biotechnology can become part of the Army's mode of opera=
tion. Biosensor systems need to be made more versatile, and small molecu=
les that flag the presence of biohazards need to be identified. Proteins=
that can enable growth of synthetic materials on biological surfaces to =
improve biocompatibility have yet to be discovered. And new techniques a=
re needed to identify protein functions and optimize the design of new pr=
oteins through genetic engineering for myriad possible applications. <BR>=
<BR>
The committee also identified administrative elements that are critical t=
o the Army's success. Since the commercial sector has already made great=
strides in biotech research, the Army should closely monitor industry an=
d academic research and develop effective ways to team with industry and =
key government agencies. <BR>
<BR>
Although nearly all commercial biotech research is currently focused on m=
edicine, many important Army applications will be nonmedical in nature an=
d lack commercial appeal. To contribute to, interpret, and influence dev=
elopments, the Army should build an in-house cadre of experts. Professio=
nals with knowledge in both engineering and biology should be sought, the=
committee said.<BR>
<BR>
The study was sponsored by the U.S. Department of the Army. The National=
Research Council is the principal operating arm of the National Academy =
of Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering. It is a private, no=
nprofit institution that provides science and technology advice under a c=
ongressional charter. <BR>
<BR>
Read the full text of<B> </B><A HREF=3D"http://www.nap.edu/catalog/10142.=
html?onpi_newsdoc06202001"><B><U>Opportunities in Biotechnology for Futur=
e Army Applications</U></B></A> for free on the web, as well as more than=
1,800 other publications from the National Academies. Printed copies are=
available for purchase from the <A HREF=3D"http://www.nap.edu/"><B><U>Na=
tional Academy Press Web site</U></B></A> or by calling (202) 334-3313 or=
1-800-624-6242. Reporters may obtain a pre-publication copy from the Of=
fice of News and Public Information (contacts listed above).<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL<BR>
Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences<BR>
Board on Army Science and Technology<BR>
<BR>
<B>Committee on Opportunities in Biotechnology for Future Army Applicatio=
ns</B><BR>
<BR>
<B>Michael R. Ladisch*(chair)</B><BR>
Distinguished Professor of Agriculture and Biological Engineering, and<=
BR>
Director, Laboratory of Renewable Resource Engineering <BR>
Purdue University<BR>
West Lafayette, Ind.<BR>
<BR>
<B>Ilhan A. Aksay</B><BR>
Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering and Princeton Materials Ins=
titute <BR>
Princeton University<BR>
Princeton, N.J.<BR>
<BR>
<B>Eric Baer</B><BR>
Herbert Henry Dow Professor<BR>
Department of Macromolecular Science, and <BR>
Director, Center on Hierarchical Structures <BR>
Case Western Reserve University<BR>
Cleveland<BR>
<BR>
<B>Robert R. Birge</B><BR>
Distinguished Professor of Chemistry, and<BR>
Director, W.M. Keck Center for Molecular Electronics<BR>
Syracuse University<BR>
Syracuse, N.Y.<BR>
<BR>
<B>Roger Brent</B><BR>
Associate Director<BR>
Molecular Sciences Institute<BR>
Berkeley, Calif.<BR>
<BR>
<B>Shiela H. DeWitt</B><BR>
Director for Business Development <BR>
ArQule Inc.<BR>
Woburn, Mass.<BR>
<BR>
<B>Mauro Ferrari</B><BR>
Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Internal Medicine (Oncology); and=
Director,<BR>
Biomedical Engineering Center<BR>
Ohio State University<BR>
Columbus<BR>
<BR>
<B>Christopher C. Green</B><BR>
Executive Director for Research and Development and Chief Technical Offic=
er - Asia Pacific<BR>
General Motors Corp.<BR>
New Baltimore, Mich.<BR>
<BR>
<B>Nile F. Hartman</B><BR>
Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer<BR>
Photonic Sensor Systems Inc.<BR>
Atlanta<BR>
<BR>
<B>Paul E. Laibinis</B><BR>
Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering<BR>
Massachusetts Institute of Technology<BR>
Cambridge<BR>
<BR>
<B>Verne L. Lynn</B><BR>
Independent Consultant, and <BR>
Director, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (retired)<BR>
Williamsburg, Va.<BR>
<BR>
<B>M. Allen Northrup</B><BR>
Vice President and Chief Technical Officer <BR>
Cepheid Inc.<BR>
Sunnyvale, Calif.<BR>
<BR>
<B>Thomas C. Ransohoff</B><BR>
Vice President for Operations <BR>
TranXenoGen Inc.<BR>
Shrewsbury, Mass.<BR>
<BR>
<B>Daniel I.C. Wang*</B><BR>
Institute Professor of Chemical Engineering and Professor of Biochemical =
Engineering<BR>
Massachusetts Institute of Technology<BR>
Cambridge<BR>
<BR>
<B>Janet Westpheling</B><BR>
Associate Professor of Genetics<BR>
University of Georgia<BR>
Athens<BR>
<BR>
<B>Kensall D. Wise*</B><BR>
Associate Dean for Research<BR>
College of Engineering;<BR>
J. Reid and Polly Anderson Professor of Manufacturing Technology; and<BR>=
Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science<BR>
University of Michigan<BR>
Ann Arbor<BR>
<BR>
<B>RESEARCH COUNCIL STAFF</B><BR>
<BR>
<B>Robert J. Love</B><BR>
Study Director<BR>
<SUP> =
</SUP><BR>
<SUP>*</SUP> Member, National Academy of Engineering<BR>
<!---End Content--->
</FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>
</TD>
</TR><!---Close 2nd row--->
<TR><TD VALIGN=3D"BOTTOM">
<!---Copyright subform--->
<A HREF=3D"http://nationalacademies.org/legal.html"><IMG SRC=3D"http://na=
tionalacademies.org/elements/copyright.gif" ALT=3D"Copyright National Aca=
demy of Sciences. All rights reserved." BORDER=3D0></A>
<!---End Copyright subform--->
</TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<A HREF=3D"http://nationalacademies.org/elements/navbarbot.map"><IMG SRC=3D=
"http://nationalacademies.org/elements/bottomnav.gif" BORDER=3D0 ISMAP></=
A></BODY>
</HTML>
</BODY>
</HTML>
--------------C0E65B24EF8F8328368E77E7--
