Division Notes

Science Article
October 3, 2002

Cytogenetics conference honors Ilona Holcomb of Trask lab

Ilona Holcomb, graduate student in the Trask lab in the Human Biology Division, was one of four researchers honored for presenting an outstanding poster at the Molecular Cytogenetics Gordon Conference Aug. 11-16 in Bristol, R.I. She also was one of two given membership to the International Cytogenetics and Genome Society.

Each honoree gave a presentation at the conference. Holcomb's talk, "Analysis of genomic material from rare cancer cells using specialized amplification techniques and array CGH," described the development of a microarray that uses cloned pieces of DNA known as bacterial artificial chromosomes, or BACs, and research to identify distinct patterns of chromosomal loss and gain from tissue samples containing a small number of cancer cells.

'Complementary and alternative medicine' is focus of two meetings

Fred Hutchinson and the University of Washington will host a pair of meetings on complementary and alternative medicine this month in Pelton Auditorium.

A symposium on cancer and such medicine will be held from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17. Dr. Julie Gralow, UW breast-cancer oncologist and investigator in the Clinical Research Division, and Dr. Nassim Assefi, a women's health specialist at Harborview Medical Center/UW Medical Center, are co-sponsors. The symposium precedes the ninth annual meeting of the Society for Acupuncture on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 18 and 19.

The first meeting will address increasing use of complementary and alternative medicine in the United States, particularly for chronic and terminal diseases.

"Studies show that 40 to 70 percent of our patients use (such) therapies, which often do not have high-quality data supporting their efficacy and safety," Assefi said. "We should explore with open minds the risks and benefits of such treatments. From a scientific perspective, they may be exciting ways to promote health and combat disease."

Anticipated speakers and their topics include:

• Dr. Marian Neuhouser, Public Health Sciences Division: "Complementary and alternative medicine use by adult and pediatric cancer patients in Washington state.
• Dr. Heather Greenlee, PHS: "Naturopathic treatments for breast cancer: a survey of licensed naturopathic physicians."
• Dr. Julie Gralow, UW and Clinical Research: "Phytoestrogens and Breast Cancer."
• Dr. Wendy Weber, UW: "Echinacea for colds in children."
• Dr. Daniel Cherkin, Group Health Center for Health Studies, UW: "Licensed CAM providers: Who are they, and what kinds of patients do they treat?"
• Dr. Leslie Korn, Center for World Indigenous Studies: "Methodologic challenges in studying holistic indigenous health practices in Mexico."

Admission to the first meeting is free. A light dinner will be served. All wishing to attend must notify Tiffany Lee, tifflee@fammed.washington.edu, by Monday, Oct. 14. More info: Eve Ruff, emruff@u.washington.edu .

The fee for the Society for Acupuncture meeting is $30 for staff at Fred Hutchinson, UW and Children's. Register at http://www.acupunctureresearch.org/ .

Earl Hunt lecture Oct. 22 at UW probes electronics vs. synapses

Can a silicon chip be considered more intelligent than a human being? Dr. Earl Hunt, University of Washington professor emeritus of psychology, ponders this question as part of a Tuesday, Oct. 22, lecture on the emerging understanding of both the computer and the brain.

Hunt's lecture, "The Mind, the Brain and the Computer," is the second in a fall lecture series presented by the UW Alumni Association and the College of Arts & Sciences. The series, "The Art and Science of the Brain," features scientists with new research about the brain and the mind. The series is sponsored by the University Book Store.

Tickets for each lecture is $15 for the public, $12 for UW Alumni Association members and $5 for UW students. Lectures are 7 to 9 p.m. in 120 Kane Hall. More info: http://www.uwalum.com or call 206-543-3839.

PHS seeks breast-cancer survivors for diet-exercise/weight-loss study

Twenty postmenopausal breast-cancer survivors are sought for a Fred Hutchinson study to test whether a diet-and-exercise program affects weight loss in breast-cancer survivors.

Research has shown that weight may affect breast-cancer survival. Women with breast cancer who weigh less may have improved survival compared with heavier women.

Participants must have a history of stage 1-2a breast cancer, be three months to three years past completion of treatment, have no recurrence of the disease, be able to exercise at moderate levels, and be overweight.

Participants will learn how to eat a healthy diet and exercise in a safe and effective way. They also may increase their fitness and lose weight. At the end of the study, participants will get information about clinical test results, including percentage of body fat, body-mass index, heart rate, blood pressure, fitness level and blood measurements.

Clinic appointments will take place at Met East. Study exercise facilities are located in the building, as well as at exercise facilities in the South Sound, Kirkland and Mercer Island. For more information, call 206-667-6696 or e-mail bcwls@fhcrc.org .

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