1.0 Overview

Extramural research in the Life Sciences is supported by the Army Research Office. For those proposals related to purely medical topics, the investigator is invited to contact the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command. For research in the behavioral and social sciences or in training techniques, contact the Army Research Institute for Behavioral and Social Sciences. The ARO Life Sciences Division research program is currently focused on four sub area work packages. The titles, scopes and points of contact for these work packages, each of which address general aspects of basic research in biotechnology, as well as the specific thrusts described, are listed below. A small number of symposia, conferences and workshops are also supported in part or in whole to provide an exchange of ideas related to ongoing programs in Army laboratories.

1.1. Biochemistry and Bioengineering

This program focuses on fundamental studies in biochemistry, cell biology, biophysics and bio-based network science that can be manipulated and exploited toward the development of useful engineering systems. As such, these studies should be shaped toward the engineering of systems such as novel biomimetic means of materials synthesis, biologically driven power and energy systems, novel bio-mechanical devices, biosensors, self-assembly processes, hierarchical structure formation and information processing and storage capabilities. Basic research areas include studies in structural biology, protein and nucleic acid structure-function relationships, molecular recognition, signal transduction, cell-cell communication, enzymology, cellular metabolism, and synthetic biology. There is also significant interest in relevant systems biology studies involving the modeling and subsequent testing of complex biological networks at both the genetic and multiscalar levels. This program also supports development of new biological and biophysical methods that improve and streamline laboratory capabilities in protein purification, structure determination of biomolecules, and biomolecular separation processes.

Technical Point of Contact: Dr. Robert Kokoska, e-mail: robert.kokoska@us.army.mil , (919) 549-4342

1.2  Molecular Genetics and Genomics

This program emphasizes basic research in molecular genetics and genomics that will enable optimization of Soldier cognitive and physical performance, Soldier protection, and Army logistics. This includes human performance and protection under both normal conditions, and when these things are affected by a variety of stressors that are likely to be encountered in battlefield situations, such as dehydration, heat, cold, sleep deprivation, fatigue, caloric insufficiency, microbial factors, and psychological stress. Genetic and genomic research areas include identification and characterization of gene function; gene regulation; genetic interactions; gene pathways; gene expression patterns; mitochondrial regulation and biogenesis; and nuclear and mitochondrial DNA replication; mutagenesis; oxidative stress; and DNA repair. Also included are molecular responses to pathogens, pathogen identification, and pathogen inactivation, as well as host-pathogen interactions, and host components of infection and resistance to infection. This program is also interested in the biotechnology of microarrays, including both genomic- and proteomic-based platforms, for real time detection of pathogens or physiological states that would reduce or interfere with human performance. This program also supports development of new biomaterials and bioproduction methods, and other advances in biotechnology methods and applications.

 Technical Point of Contact: Dr. Micheline Strand, e-mail: micheline.strand@us.army.mil , (919) 549-4343.

1.3. Microbiology and Biodegradation

Fundamental studies in microbial physiology, genetics, ecology and evolution. Included are studies to elucidate antimicrobial resistance mechanisms, microbial community interactions including biofilm formation, communications & population dynamics, studies of organisms that are not culturable, studies of organisms at the single cell level and studies of organisms that have adapted to extreme environments. Areas of special concern to the Army include methods to enhance stabilization of materiel and to prevent microbial growth. Also included is the development and exploitation of microbial systems for unique biotechnological applications and bioengineering processes. This might include approaches such as metabolic engineering or protein evolution and use individual microbial species or consortia of microorganisms, emphasizing the control, stability, and mechanisms of the basic cellular processes involved. Biochemical and physiological mechanisms, underlying the biodegradative processes in normal, extreme, and engineered environments and fundamental studies on organisms in these environments, the properties of materials that make them susceptible or resistant to biological attack, basic concepts for anti-fungals, and studies of microbiological mechanisms with potential for contributing to the remediation of sites contaminated with toxic wastes will also be considered.
 

Technical Point of Contact: Dr. Wallace Buchholz, e-mail: wallace.buchholz@us.army.mil , (919) 549-4230.

1.4. Neurophysiology and Cognitive Neuroscience

Research in the perception and cognition subfields of neurophysiology and the cognitive neurosciences, covering several or all areas of electrophysiology, psychophysiology, sensory and perceptual physiology, computational neurobiology, psychophysics, neuropsychology, and integrative neurobiology is of interest. Specific examples can include physiological, neuro-psychological and/or cortical/cognitive mechanisms underlying successful completion of complex task behaviors applicable to non-laboratory environments under non-ideal conditions, to include both amelioration of induced losses as well as enhancement in defined perceptual, cognitive and/or motor abilities. Investigations can span the gamut from multi-unit recordings through evoked potentials and neuro-imaging technologies to humoral and psychological correlates of both central and peripheral nervous system function. Non-medically oriented research in both human volunteers and animal models designed to elucidate the fundamental physiology underlying cognition and possible non-invasive methods of monitoring cognitive states and processes during normal activity is appropriate. Perceptual and/or psycho physiological implications of mind-machine interfaces ranging from optimizing auditory, visual and/or somatosensory display and control systems based on physiological or psychological states through modeling of individual cognitive dynamics and decision making is appropriate to this research area.

Technical Point of Contact: Dr. Elmar T. Schmeisser e-mail elmar.schmeisser@us.army.mil, (919) 549-4318.