The Chicago Area Science and Medical Writers heard Dr. John Bailar of the University of Chicago and chair of a National Academy of Sciences committee looking into the Gulf War syndrome, discussed the group's findings at a luncheon November 6 at the headquarters of the American Medical Association.
Members of the District of Columbia Science Writers Association were invited to explore The Strange Universe of Microbes January 30 at USA Today in Rosslyn, Va. The program included Holger Jannasch of Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Craig Venter of The Institute for Genomic Research (TIGR), and Michael Myer of NASA. On March 19, they were gioven the opportnity to preview the vernal equinox with a private tour of the U.S. Botanic Garden's "Scents of Spring" exhibit. Christine Flanagan, curator of the exhibit, talked to the group about the chemistry of perfumes, the role of scent in the formation of memories, the medicinal uses of aromatic oils, and the roots of modern herbal practices. On April 3, Francis Collins of the National Human Genome Research Institute and Neil Holzman, chair of the federal Task Force on Genetic Testing will talk to DCSWA about genetic testing. The event will take place at the National Academy of Sciences. April 24 has been scheduled for a session about using the World Wide Web and specific computer databases in reporting science stories. The program will be held at the National Library of Medicine.
Science Writers in New York (SWINY) are planning for a night in late April on medical illustration and how artists and science writers can work together.