Capturing the dance of proteins
Proteins are the stars of the drama called life, but for years biologists only knew them through their publicity stills.
   Researchers had developed techniques that could reveal the finest features of how a protein was put together, detailing the exact position of each atom in space. But they couldn't use that information to put those atoms in motion.
   Biophysicist Ludwig Brand wanted to see the stars in action, to find a way to record proteins as they danced and flexed and tumbled. To detect and quantify these split-second movements, Brand, who is a professor of biology in the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, helped develop and apply a technique known as fluorescent spectroscopy. The approach has advanced the investigation of topics as diverse as the immune system, programmed cell death and carbohydrate metabolism. His contributions were recently acknowledged by the Biophysics Society, which selected him as a Society Fellow. Full story...

SAIS dean tapped for post at Pentagon
The Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies stands to lose a gifted leader, as President George W. Bush announced on Feb. 5 his intent to nominate Paul Wolfowitz, the school's dean for seven years, as deputy secretary of defense. The position requires Senate confirmation.
   Wolfowitz, whose approval is expected, will assume the No. 2 position at the Pentagon, serving under Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld. Full story...

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