Evening star., 1954-08-11
Ultraviolet Microscope
Aids Studies Of Cells
Lets coIorless Specimens
Be Seen in Color

An ultraviolet microscope under
which supposedly colorless specimens
can be seen and even photographed in
brilliant colors, as II they had been
stained by the old techniques Of the
bacteriologiSt, Is among the accom-
plishments just announced by the Bio
logical Division of the Office Of Naval
Research.
The instrument was developed jointly
under an ONR contract and grants In
aid Of the American Cancer Society and
the Atomic Energy Commission. ac-
cording to the report Of DR.. Joseph r.
Saunders Of the division star.
BY means of this remarkable new
instrument. DIR. Saunders says, ''cell
structures under normal and abnormal
conditions can be studied with increased
accuracy. This instrument probably will
be highly valuable in studying the com.
plex nature Of proteins and in studying
diseased tissues without altering them
by the use Of differential stains.
Specimens which are completely
colorless when viewed by ordinary light
give results comparable to q selectively
stained sample. More accurate ANALYSIS
Of Chemical composition appears pos
sible and particularly the changes in
cells undergoing division"
Pain Controlled.
Other accomplishments of this Navy
organization during the past year as
reported by DR.. Saunders:
An apparatus has been developed
which controls much of post-surgical
pain. 1t consists of series of plastic
tubes inserted near the site of surgery.
through which an anaesthetic agent
such as procaine is administered. This
process has proved successful in con-
trolling pain in various types of lung.
abdominal and rectal surgery and is
safe and free of inconvenience to the
patient. The anaesthetic agent can be
administered at more frequent intervals
without repeated injections.
Work with glycerol pectate shows
potentialities of an effective blood vol.
ume restorer relatively cheap to man
ufacture, non-antigenic, durable when
subjected to prolonged storage and
exposure to varying temperatures, and
capable of being stock-piled in mini
mum OF space such as on submarine
or aircraft.
Artificial COrnea.
Pathological changes involving the
cornea Of the eye may be remedied by
replacing this delicate and vital tissue
with a suitable and durable synthetic
material which can be grated success
fully to the eye tissues.
Fundamental investigation of lung
anatomy and physiology has shown that
the pulmonary veins of an entire lung
of an experimental animal can be tied
off without producing hemorrhage or
necrosis death of tissue), provided the
animal is protected with anti-biotics.
After this ligature a remarkably ex-
tensive collateral circulation develops.
This operation suggests d procedure
with possible applications for correc-
ton of disturbed blood flow due to de-
fects Of the great vessels.
The clinical branchs of the ONR's
biological section, DR.. Saunders points
out, now is engaged in intensive studies
of the effects of stress on the human
system, field of special significance
in naval operations.
The investigations are being carried
out both by members of the ONR staff
and at various universities under grants
made to faculty members.