MSD HAS A NEW DIRECTOR: Dr. Michael Viola. Dr. Viola was formerly Head of Oncology and Director of the Cancer Center at the State University of New York at Stony Brook. His main research interest has been molecular genetics of human cancer development. Dr. Viola can be reached by calling (301) 903-3213 or by e-mail: michael.viola@science.doe.gov

DOE NEWS RELEASE: Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory are reporting that animal studies demonstrate that an European epilepsy drug, gamma vinyl-GABA, may help smokers kick the habit. Additional information can be found at: http://www.pet.bnl.gov

MSD SUPPORTED RESEARCHER WIN AWARD: Dr. Richard Mathies of the University of California-Berkeley received the "1998 Frederick Conference Award on Capillary Electrophoresis" for his research on the development of high-throughput DNA analysis using microchip technology and the development of capillary electrophoresis array systems for DNA sequencing. The "Frederick Conference Award on Capillary Electrophoresis" was established in 1993 to recognize scientists who made significant advances in capillary electrophoresis. For further information, contact: rich@zinc.cchem.berkeley.edu

RESEARCH FEATURED ON JOURNAL COVER: Scientist at the Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have developed rapid, highly automated techniques for analyzing the radioactive components in nuclear wastes and environmental contamination. Additional information can be found at: http://pubs.acs.org/subscribe/journals/ancham-a/70/i23/toc/toc_i23.html