The Army relies on the Army Research Laboratory (ARL) to provide the
critical links between the scientific and military commu
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1.0 Overview
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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.
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1.1. Biochemistry
and Bioengineering
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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
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1.2 Molecular
Genetics and Genomics
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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.
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1.3. Microbiology
and Biodegradation
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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.
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1.4. Neurophysiology
and Cognitive Neuroscience
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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.
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