New Tool for Unlocking Protein Function . This demonstration gives science a broad new avenue for interpreting genetic data. The creation of a new Department of Bioengineering was announced to students late last month, bringing the promise of a broadened educational program, increased enrollment in the popular field, and advances on new and existing research fronts. As the Human Genome Project continues to decipher the secrets of our genetic makeup, scientists around the world are gaining new insight into our understanding of the biology of health and of disease.
Computational tools are crucial in making the discoveries possible.
Public Health Professor Richard Stephens and colleagues reported in Science last month the first complete sequencing of the Chlamydia trachomatis genome. With an eye toward fostering stronger interactions with UC Berkeley in the physical and biological sciences, Lab Director Charles Shank has announced the creation of a new Physical Biosciences Division to replace the old Structural Biology Division. Mohan Narla of the Life Sciences Division was the toast of the crowd gathered at the Bldg. 66 Auditorium last Friday to celebrate the achievements of the Lab's Human Genome Center under his stewardship. Heralding a major advance in the field of protein engineering, scientists at the University of California, Berkeley have designed a protein that toggles between two different structures upon binding a small molecule.