August 10, 2004

$16.1 Million NIH Grant Funds Expanded Biomedical Research Network At Boise State University, Idaho State University and University of Idaho

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The presidents of Idaho’s three public universities jointly announced Tuesday the largest single educational and research grant in state history to forge stronger partnerships among the state’s universities, colleges and biomedical research centers. The $16.1 million grant from the National Institutes of Health establishes the IDeA Network for Biomedical Research Excellence. INBRE draws together nine Idaho higher education institutions and two research centers. “The cooperation among Idaho’s educational institutions helps address vital biomedical research questions and prepare students for careers that will make a difference. Our ability to educate outstanding medical professionals is well known. This network will increase our biomedical research capacity,” said Idaho State University President Richard Bowen, one of the three university presidents gathered on the ISU campus. Bowen, Bob Kustra of Boise State University and Tim White of the University of Idaho announced the grant during a celebration Tuesday afternoon. BSU President Kustra said the program benefits students enrolled in colleges and universities throughout Idaho. “Working together, we will help bring biomedical research opportunities to students who otherwise could not have participated. This will help prepare them for important careers that also pay well.” UI President Tim White, in his second week on the job, said, “Many Idaho scientists earned reputations as experts in their field, but we lacked critical mass. This will help us to build a thriving research economy. We want to provide jobs to allow our graduates to pursue careers in Idaho.” The five-year INBRE grant expands on an $8 million grant in 2001 that first drew together UI, BSU and ISU to establish the Biomedical Research Infrastructure Network. The program is funded through the National Institutes of Health Institutional Development Award (IDeA) program, which is modeled after the National Science Foundation’s Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research. EPSCoR enables states with smaller populations to compete for federal research funds. From 2000 to 2002, Idaho led all states in the growth of competitively awarded NIH grants outside of the IDeA program, doubling the total. In fiscal 2003, Idaho scientists won 22 NIH grants totaling $10.7 million. Other major NIH-funded initiatives since 2000 include two Centers for Biomedical Research Excellence at UI focusing on infectious diseases, evolutionary studies and bioinformatics. They drew $20 million in funding through the IDeA program. “BRIN helped us to demonstrate the value of cooperation in equipping our scientists and our students to pursue biomedical research. The effects have been profound,” said Michael Laskowski, BRIN director at the University of Idaho. A future focus will be to ensure Idaho can retain its educated workforce. “It is crucial that we develop a biotechnology industry to provide good jobs for our graduates,” Laskowski added. The network that has developed in the short time since the original grant encouraged interdisciplinary research among faculty at the three public universities. It also funded programs that function as an educational pipeline from elementary school through graduate school.The institutions participating in the expanded program include UI, ISU, BSU, Albertson College of Idaho, Brigham Young University – Idaho, College of Southern Idaho, Lewis-Clark State College, North Idaho College and Northwest Nazarene University. The Boise Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Mountain States Tumor Institute will also participate. “In the past, we’ve talked about serving K-12 or K-16, or kindergarten students through those earning their college degrees. Now we talk about K-23 education,” Laskowski said, to include graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. In addition to an undergraduate fellows program that pays students to work 10 weeks in laboratories, a scholars program provides college students with intensive two-week research experiences and an annual conference for students and scientists. Students work with faculty researchers on a wide range of INBRE-supported projects, including studies involving Alzheimer’s disease, bacterial toxins, viral birth defects, breast cancer, alcohol dependence and withdrawal, and chemotherapeutic drugs. Science education established through the network also includes an annual summer science and math camp for minority and migrant youth. Like BRIN, the expanded network will continue to focus on the core themes, building an interdisciplinary research network focusing on cell signaling, increasing research partnerships, expanding outreach to other Idaho institutions and creating an educated workforce. The approach overall strives to build a lasting change in the biomedical research culture in Idaho, Laskowski said. -30-   Contacts: Janelle Brown, BSU, (208) 426-1790, jbrown2@boisestate.edu ; Libby Howe, ISU, (208) 282-2930, howelibb@isu.edu ; or Kathy Barnard, UI, (208) 885-6291, kbarnard@uidaho.edu   sidebars: Student Researcher Profiles Funded Researcher Profiles INBRE Directors BRIN/INBRE outreach More BRIN/INBRE stories and bios can be found at http://www.sci.uidaho.edu/brin                         BRIN/INBRE Student Researcher Profiles Andrew Oler - Arzhang Fallahi - Matthew Elliott - Lisa Warner   BRIN Fellow Andrew Oler (click on photo for full size view) Working on breast cancer research with Boise State biology professor Cheryl Jorcyk has helped convince Andrew Oler he’d like to pursue a career as a biomedical researcher. Oler, a student at BYU-Idaho who will transfer to Boise State as a senior this fall, is spending 10 weeks working in Jorcyk’s lab as a Biomedical Research Infrastructure Network fellow. Under Jorcyk’s supervision, he is studying a protein called Oncostatin M, or OSM,  that may be important in the process of metastasis and in the degradation of  bone tissue once the cancer has metastasized to bone. “Without this fellowship, I would not have had the opportunity for a research experience, since this is not available at BYU-Idaho” said Oler, who is from Stirling, Alberta, Canada, and plans on pursuing a graduate degree in biology. “This summer’s work has made me want to go into research.”   In Jorcyk’s lab, Oler conducts experiments that involve adding the protein OSM to bone marrow cells that have been cultured with cancer cells. Oler then studies how the addition of OSM affects the balance between osteoblasts, cells that form bone, and osteoclasts, cells that degrade bone.   Oler’s research builds on Jorcyk’s ongoing BRIN-funded research of OSM and the role it plays in the progression of breast cancer. Jorcyk’s research suggests that OSM promotes breast cancer progression and metastasis by stimulating the growth of new blood vessels, a necessary step for cancer to spread. The research has many important implications, including making OSM a target for the development of new drugs aimed at preventing the growth of new blood vessels during tumor progression. For Oler, working in Jorcyk’s lab has been both stimulating and enjoyable. “I’m learning a lot,” he says. “Every day is different.”   Contact information: Oler can be reached at 208-887-2284 or ole99002@bui.edu   BRIN Fellow Arzhang Fallahi (click on photo for full size view)   Arzhang Fallahi knows firsthand about the advantages of statewide research collaboration among Idaho’s colleges and universities. While attending Albertson College of Idaho in Caldwell, Fallahi received a summer Bioemedical Research Infrastructure (BRIN) fellowship to conduct research in the lab of University of Idaho biology professor Elizabeth Ann “Lee” Fortunato. Fortunato’s research area involves understanding the mechanism behind the development of morbidity and mortality in infants congenitally infected with human cytomegalovirus (CMV).   “I learned of good skills. It was a very positive experience,” said Fallahi of working with Fortunato.      After graduating from Albertson College in 2003, Fallahi then went to work at Boise State University as a research assistant in the BRIN-funded lab of Boise State biology professor Julia Oxford. This fall, Fallahi will attend medical school at the University of Washington as part of the five-state  WWAMI Medical Education Program. The Caldwell, Idaho, student hopes to eventually earn a Ph.D. as well as an M.D. and work as a physician scientist.   Contact information: Fallahi can be reached at afallahi@gmail.com   < back to top BRIN Fellow Matthew Elliott (click on photo for full size view)    Spending a summer conducting Alzheimer’s disease research at Boise State University has given Matthew “Kai” Elliott new insights why it is so crucial to develop effective treatments for the devastating disease. Elliott, a pre-professional major at Boise State from Wendell, Idaho, is the recipient of a 2004 Bioemedical Research Infrastructure (BRIN) summer fellowship. He is working with Boise State biology professor Troy Rohn on research that involves searching for the mechanism that might trigger Alzheimer’s disease. “I’ve enjoyed doing this work, even when the experiments don’t work out.  If in some small way I’ve contributed to better understanding Alzheimer’s disease, that would be great,” said Elliott, who plans to go to medical school after graduating from Boise State.       In Rohn’s lab, Elliott tests synthesized antibodies from several proteins, and then applies the antibodies to autopsied samples of brain tissue from Alzheimer’s victims and from age-matched normal individuals from a control group. By comparing the samples, Elliott can determine if the antibodies interacted with brain tissue from Alzheimer’s victims in a different way than from the control sample, information that can help further understanding of the role the proteins play in the disease. The tests supports Rohn’s ongoing research into a possible trigger for the destruction of specialized brain cells called neurons in Alzheimer’s victims. If researchers can learn what triggers this neuron destruction, then drugs could be developed that would inhibit and prevent Alzheimer’s from progressing. Elliott has seen firsthand the toll Alzheimer’s disease can take. A certified nursing assistant, Elliott has assisted victims of Alzheimer’s while working at several nursing homes, including the Veterans Home in Boise. That experience, along with his work as a BRIN fellow, has provided him with some valuable preparation for a career as a physician, he said. “The hands-on work as a BRIN fellow lets me apply concepts I’ve learned in class,” said Elliott. “It’s been a great opportunity.”   Contact information: Elliott can be reached at 208 342-1512 or at MatthewElliott@mail.boisestate.edu   < back to top BRIN-Supported Student Lisa Warner (click on photo for full size view)    After Lisa Warner earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Boise State University in 2001, she used her skills to land a job with Sapidyne Instruments, a Boise-based firm that manufactures and sells research instruments used in developing new pharmaceutical drugs. Now the Middleton student is back at Boise State, conducting BRIN-funded research in the lab of biology professor Julia Oxford and going to graduate school. Warner, who is pursuing a master’s of science degree in material science and engineering, considers it an “amazing opportunity” to conduct cutting edge research as part of her graduate program. She is working with Oxford and with Boise State engineering professor Bill Knowlton on BRIN-funded research that involves probing the mechanical properties of synthetic cartilage, including encouraging the growth of cells through biochemical manipulations of cells called chondrocytes. The research could lead to the development of new techniques for using synthetic cartilage implants to replace damaged cartilage in knees and other joints. “A few years ago, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to work at a local biomedical firm or to be conducing biomedical research at Boise State,” says Warner, “I’m interested in both biology and engineering, and I’ve found a research area that combines both.”   Contact information: Warner can be reached at 208 426-3292 or at lwarner@velocitus.net   < back to top BRIN/INBRE Funded Researcher Profiles   Dr. Henry A. Charlier Jr.  - Dr. Cheryl Jorcyk - Dr. Bill Knowlton/Dr. Julia Oxford   Dr. Susan Shadle - Dr. Troy Rohn       Dr. Henry A. Charlier, Jr., Boise State University Department of Chemistry Structure/function analysis of anthracycline reduction by human carbonyl reductase. Anthracyclines are widely used anti-cancer drugs, but also are known to cause irreparable damage to the heart, thus limiting their use in treating cancer.  An enzyme, carbonyl reductase, converts the anthracyclines to metabolites that are thought to be a major cause of the heart damage. Charlier’s research focuses on understanding how carbonyl reductase converts the anthracyclines to their harmful metabolites.  The specific aims are directed at identifying compounds that inhibit the action of carbonyl reductase and/or to create novel anthracyclines that are not acted on by carbonyl reductase.  By preventing anthracycline metabolite formation, the risk of anthracycline-induced heart damage during treatment can be dramatically reduced. Charlier can be reached at hcharlie@boisestate.edu or at 208 426-3474 < back to top Dr. Cheryl Jorcyk, Boise State University Department of Biology (click on photo for full size view)  Oncostatin M induces VEGF in human breast carcinoma cells: stimulation of angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo Jorcyk’s research involves studying a protein called Oncostatin M, or OSM, that may play a role in the progression of breast cancer. Her research has demonstrated that the protein, which as acts as a cellular “messenger,” works as part of a complex process to stimulate the growth of new blood vessels in culture. Because new blood vessel growth is necessary for tumors to continue to grow and metastasize, an understanding of OSM’s role in the process could help researchers develop drugs aimed at preventing tumor progression. Jorcyk is now studying whether OSM also promotes the growth of new blood vessels in genetically altered mice that have mammary tumors. Her studies are moving toward understanding the role OSM plays in breast cancer metastasis to bone. Jorcyk can be reached a cjorcyk@boisestate.edu or 208 426-4287 < back to top Dr. Bill Knowlton, Boise State University Department of Materials Science and Engineering Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering   Dr. Julia Oxford, Boise State University Department of Biology   Biomaterials Study of Cartilage   More than 35 million Americans suffer from joint pain caused by degenerative diseases of cartilage such as osteoarthritis, or from trauma from injuries. In the mature adult, cartilage has very little ability for self-repair. Tissue engineering holds the promise of developing functional tissue substitutes, and providing mechanisms for the regulation and promotion of the repair and regeneration of a damaged tissue.  A notable amount of research has been carried out detailing the biochemical and biomechanical behavior of cartilage at the macroscopic level.  However, information that provides a link between the biochemical characteristics of the primary biomolecular components that form cartilage and the manner in which they interact (to form cartilage) as well as the materials properties of cartilage is missing. This interdisciplinary study helps bridge that information gap. The aim of the study is to develop atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques to garner data that will promote a more thorough understanding of the composite structure of cartilage.  The information gathered from this initial study will allow future evaluation of the material properties of laboratory generated cartilage, normal cartilage, and osteoarthritic cartilage. Ultimately, the study will lead to development of synthetic cartilage implants in joints to replace damaged or diseased cartilage. Contact information: Knowlton can be reached at 208 426-5705 or bknowlton@boisestate.edu. Oxford can be reached at 208 426-2395 or joxford@boisestate.edu . < back to top Dr. Susan Shadle, Boise State University Department of Chemistry (click on photo for full size view)  Structure-Function Relationships in Anthracycline-Calsequestrin Interactions:    Implications for Anthracycline Cardiotoxicity Anthracyclines are effective and versatile anticancer drugs, but their use is limited by the fact that they can cause irreversible and life-threatening cardiotoxicity, or damage to the heart. Shadle’s research is focused on investigating the hypothesis that anthracyclines damage the heart by interacting with a protein called calsequestrin. The specific aims are to investigate the interactions which occur between anthracyclines and calsequestrin and the effects of those interactions on protein function. The research could lead to the development of new anthracylines that eliminate or reduce the heart damage. Shadle can be reached at sshadle@boisestate.edu or at 208 426-3153 < back to top Dr. Troy Rohn Boise State University Department of Biology Involvement of Astrocyte Caspace and CD40/CD40L Interactions in Alzheimer’s Disease The destruction of critical brain cells called neurons are the overriding feature of Alzheimer’s disease.  Rohn is investigating whether a small protein called Beta Amyloid is “the match that lights the fire” that causes these neurons to essentially self destruct as part of a process called apoptosis or programmed cell death.  The stimulus for apoptosis appears to be plaques, abnormal brain structures in Alzheimer’s victims that contain the protein Beta Amyloid. If researchers can learn how apoptosis is triggered, then drugs could be developed that would inhibit it and prevent Alzheimer’s from progressing. < back to top BRIN/INBRE Directors   Dr. Michael B. Laskowski (UI) Dr. Chris Daniels (ISU) Dr. Julia Thom Oxford (BSU)     Dr. Michael B. Laskowski BRIN/INBRE Co-Principal Investigator University of Idaho Dr. Michael B. Laskowski, a University of Idaho professor of biology, serves as principal investigator and director of the Idaho Biomedical Research Infrastructure Network (BRIN) and the newly established IDeA Network for Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE).   A senior National Institutes of Health-funded investigator, Laskowski devoted 30 years of his career to the study of nerve regeneration and the mechanisms that allow nerves to regrow and reconnect. Laskowski joined the UI faculty in 1988. He served as UI and Washington State University director of the Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana and Idaho (WWAMI) Medical Education Program until 2003.   His research focuses on molecular biology, genetics and neurophysiology. “The major change I’ve seen is our ability to use genetics to ask questions about nerve regeneration in ways we could never hope to do 20 years ago,” Laskowski said.   Laskowski received his undergraduate degree in biology from Loyola University and his doctorate in physiology and biophysics from the University of Oklahoma School of Medicine. He previously served as a professor and assistant dean for students of the St. Louis University School of Medicine in St. Louis.   < back to top   Dr. Chris Daniels BRIN/INBRE Co-Principal Investigator Idaho State University   Dr. Chris Daniels, an Idaho State University professor and chair of the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, is co-principal investigator for the Idaho Biomedical Research Infrastructure Network and the newly established IDeA Network for Biomedical Research Excellence. He is director of the BRIN/INBRE program at ISU.   Daniels teaches pharmacology at ISU at both the professional and graduate levels. He has an active research program focused on investigating mechanisms controlling cellular proliferation and apoptosis. In particular, he is examining how “cross-talk” between signal transduction pathways regulates cellular proliferation and apoptosis as well as gene expression. Additional research interests include how aging impacts the responsiveness of immune cells to signals that control cellular proliferation and apoptosis and mechanisms of cellular toxicity by manganese.   Daniels  received his undergraduate degree in chemistry from Humboldt State University, his master’s in chemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and his Ph.D. in pharmacology from Stanford University. He was a postdoctoral fellow at the University of California – San Francisco and served on the faculty at UCSF as a research assistant professor from 1985-88 prior to joining Idaho State University.   Contact information: Daniels can be reached at cdaniels@pharmacy.isu.edu or 208-282-2682   < back to top   Dr. Julia Thom Oxford BRIN/INBRE co-principal investigator Boise State University   Dr. Julia Thom Oxford, a Boise State University associate professor of biology, is  co-principal investigator of the Idaho Biomedical Research Infrastructure Network and the newly established IDeA Network for Biomedical Research Excellence. She is director of the BRIN/INBRE program at Boise State.   Oxford’s laboratory is focused on how a cell interacts with the extracellular matrix, the environment around the cell that is made up of proteins and carbohydrates. Much of her work in this area has been in tissues of the skeletal system, such as bones and cartilage, but she is also interested in the developing nervous system and in the developing eye, again looking at how the cells interact with the extracellular matrix.  Her research involves both questions of development as well as in the study of diseases such as arthritis.   Oxford received a bachelor’s degree in biology and chemistry from Linfield College and a master’s and Ph.D. in biochemistry and biophysics from Washington State University. Before joining Boise State’s faculty in 2000, Dr. Oxford served a number of post-doctoral fellowships and was an assistant professor at Oregon Health and Science Universty and Colorado State University.             Oxford holds affiliate positions at the University of Washington School of Medicine, OHSU and the University of Idaho.   Contact information: Oxford can be reached at 208 426-2395 or joxford@boisestate.edu   < back to top     BRIN/INBRE Outreach Migrant and Minority Youth Math/Science Camp   BRIN Sponsors RETT Syndrome Symposium   Idaho's Growing Biotech Industry Creates New Jobs   BIO Idaho Focuses on Creating Jobs For Biomedical Education Graduates     MIGRANT AND MINORITY YOUTH MATH/SCIENCE CAMP   As part of efforts to encourage students to stay in school and consider careers in math and science, BRIN/INBRE supports a summer camp in southwest Idaho for migrant and minority youth in 6th through 9th grades. More than 550 students have completed the programs since 2000, according to Scott Willison, director of the Center for Multicultural and Educational Opportunities at Boise State University, which runs the camp.   Students participate in a wide range of hands-on activities, including testing blood samples for glucose levels as part of a study of health and nutrition, exploring habitats in the local area and comparing them to habitats found in their home countries, learning to use Global Positioning Systems, testing water samples from local waterways, and participating in many field trips. “We are engaging students in a learning experience schools can’t and don’t provide,” said Willison. Hands-on activities such as testing water samples from agricultural field runoff and studying noise pollution at an onion packing plant help students “connect science to their whole lives,” he said. “They go back to school excited about math and science,” Willison said. Willison can be reached at 208 426-3292 or swillison@boisestate.edu   < back to top   BRIN SPONSORS RETT SYNDROME SYMPOSIUM   Sorcha Cusack organized a BRIN-sponsored symposium on Rett Syndrome. Click on photo for full size view A BRIN-sponsored symposium on Rett Syndrome held in April in Boise provided a rare opportunity for medical professionals, scientists and parents from the Northwest to come together to discuss the latest research involving the disease and the issues facing parents and caregivers. About 90 researchers, doctors, speech pathologists, physical therapists, educators, patients and parents gathered at Saint Alphonsus Medical Center in Boise for the symposium, presented as a BRIN outreach effort. Rett Syndrome is a devastating neurological disorder that affects 1 in 10,000 girls and is often misdiagnosed as autism, cerebral palsy or non-specified development delay. The symposium was organized by Sorcha Cusack, who works as a research assistant in the lab of Boise State biology professor Julie Oxford on BRIN-supported research. Cusack conducted research involving Rett Syndrome for her master’s thesis at Boise State. “It has truly been an amazing experience to not only contribute to the further understanding of Rett Syndrome, but also to have the opportunity to meet parents, caregivers and the girls with the disease,” Cusack said. “I really believe that biomedical research and development of treatments for disease are greatly facilitated when the medical community, family and patients come together and share their knowledge and experience with researchers.” Cusack can be reached at 208 426-2544 or cusa1280@yahoo.com   < back to top   IDAHO’S GROWING BIOTECH INDUSTRY CREATES NEW JOBS Idaho’s expanding biotechnology industry is creating new jobs that a highly educated workforce is needed to fill. For example, Sapidyne Instruments, a Boise-based company that manufactures and sells research instruments used in developing new pharmaceutical drugs, currently has openings for two molecular biologists or biochemists with advanced degrees. The company, which sells its instruments worldwide, hired several other masters- and Ph.D.-level scientists earlier this year.   “Right now, we fill the majority of our scientific positions with people from out of state. We’d like to hire closer to home,” said Mark Jones, Sapidyne’s director of research instruments.   The BRIN/INBRE program provides needed support to the biotechnology industry with its pipeline for graduate education in the science. The program may also eventually pave the way for new industry/university collaborations, depending on the research areas INBRE researchers pursue.   “The biggest opportunity we see [with BRIN/INBRE] is for new employees,” said Jones. “The program has the potential to bring many benefits to our state.”   Contact information: Mark Jones can be reached at Sapidyne Instruments at 208 345-3400   < back to top BIO Idaho Focuses on Creating Jobs For Biomedical Education Graduates Idaho’s $16.1 million research grant from the National Institutes of Health to create a statewide research and education network will advance efforts to grow a healthy bioscience industry in the state, said Mike Laskowski, a University of Idaho professor. The new network dovetails with the creation of the Idaho Bioscience Association, Laskowski said. Known as BIO Idaho to reflect its affiliation with the Biotechnology Industry Organization, the industry group is led by Phil Syrdal, a former CEO of an international immunology company. “Bio Idaho was formed to capitalize upon and develop a strong alliance between universities and bioscience industries, which together form a strong infrastructure encompassing all regions of Idaho,” Syrdal said. “This partnership between universities in promoting science education and research is fundamental to developing a strong bioscience industry in the state. BIO Idaho will now provide support, innovation and guidance in forging an effective university-industry partnership,” Laskowski said. Laskowski serves as chairman of the group’s board of directors. Boise State University Professor Julie Oxford and Idaho State University Professor Chris Daniels also serve as executive committee members. “We want to provide an educated workforce and make sure there are good-paying jobs waiting for students when they graduate,” Laskowski said. The parent BIO includes affiliates in 37 states and represents more than 1,000 biotech companies, academic institutions and state biotechnology centers. In Idaho, the Idaho Office of Science and Technology and Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory also play major roles in the state association. Laskowski directs the three-university Biomedical Research Infrastructure Network (BRIN) with Oxford and Daniels. The expansion of BRIN into the IDeA Network for Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) was announced Tuesday at ISU in Pocatello during the annual biomedical research conference held by the three schools. The new network provides a link to an important initiative focused on creating jobs and building INBRE, funded by the NIH Institutional Development Award (IDeA) program. It expands on the Biomedical Research Infrastructure Network, funded by NIH in 2001. “Using seed money grants provided by the National Institutes of Health, Idaho’s three universities have worked cooperatively to enhance the research infrastructure in Idaho,” Laskowski said when BIO Idaho was formed in June. Laskowski and other BIO Idaho representatives traveled to San Francisco in June to attend the world’s largest biotechnology conference to attract the attention of industry and investors nationally and internationally. In Moscow, UI microbiologist Don Crawford said BRIN support helped him begin exploring for new antifungal drugs for use in clinical medicine. His focus in the past had been primarily on development of a bacterial product he patented that is now used commercially in agriculture and of growing importance as a horticultural anti-fungal treatment. More than 60 percent of antibiotic drugs now used in medicine come from bacteria, Crawford said. In the 1940s, the bacterial genus Streptomyces yielded the antibiotic streptomycin, which was hailed in those days as a miracle drug in the fight against tuberculosis. Crawford says his group is now searching within this same group of bacteria for new, highly needed antifungal drugs. -30- Contacts: Mike Laskowski, BRIN Director, (208) 885-5373, mlaskow@uidaho.edu . Editor’s note Mike Laskowski will speak Thursday, Aug. 12, at the Annual Nano/Bio Technology Forum presented by the Idaho Department of Commerce and Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce. Laskowski will appear as part of a panel addressing “Nanotechnology and Biotechnology in Idaho and the Boise Metro Area” at 1:45 p.m. in The Grove Hotel at 245 S. Capitol Blvd. in Boise. Cheryl Schrader, dean of the College of Engineering at Boise State University, is also a member of the panel.   < back to top