Research in gene altering raises moral questions
By ROBERT MACKEY
Staff Writer
Editor's Note: This is the first of two articles on genetics. Today's story discusses genetic research. Tomorrow, the Kansan will present a story on the practical applications of that research, genetic
The term "genetic engineering" may conjure up visions of creating master races and innumerable copies of oneself, but University of Kansas scientist Robert Burchard of manipulating genes outweigh potential risks.
Disease control, especially of diseases related to genes, has been explored since James Watson and Francis Crick discovered the basic gene unit in 1951. KU researchers are more interested in understanding the complex function of genes rather than manipulating genes.
Gens contain the basic chemical instructions for life, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). Ribbons of twisted, ladder-like DNA molecules contained in chromosomes are stores in the nucleus of every cell. The nucleus is a highly complex and highly developed animals, such as humans, genes control not only cell activity but also production of
enzymes and the physical and perhaps emotional characteristics that make individuals unique.
When genes are defective, the consequences can be either annoying or fatal. Defects occur most often when the DNA in sex cells, sperm or ova, breaks or mutates.
SCIENTISTS HAVE identified 2,000 defects caused by genes in humans. These range from different eye color in an individual to Huntington's chorea, a muscular disease that is always fatal but doesn't show symptoms until age 35.
Huntington's killed folk singer Woody Guthire. His son, Arto, has a 50 per cent chance of dying from
There is also speculation that some miscarriages are caused by a genetic defect. Genetic engineering, KU scientists believe, can eliminate these diseases, and could make it easier for curring in each newborn baby. In addition to the fatal defects, incurable diseases such as Down's Syndrome, commonly known as mongolism, can be cured. Genetic engineering is one way of demeaning how genes function and why they malfunction.
RESEARCH INVOLVING gene transplants might prove helpful in the control of diseases that aren't directly related to cancer.
"This is just one of the good aspects of genetic engineering," Glenn Wolf, professor of genetics, said.
By implanting a gene into the common intestinal tract bacterium E. Coli, he said, the bacterium can produce insulin faster and in larger quantities in the laboratory than the current method of excrement. The researchers found more could cut the price of insulin, which costs $3 to $8 for about a third of a fluid ounce, by one-third.
Cloning, another aspect of genetic engineering, should be possible for humans within a few years. Wolfe said. Cloning reproduces a micro-copy individual with the same genetic information as the original. Successful clones so far been made from carrot plants and frogs.
WOLFE SAID that no one at KU was doing research on genetic engineering because the emphasis at the University was on problems of the cell's structure and function. He added that he had heard of some research, but the researchers aren't talking about their work.
He said, though, that research might allow scientists to produce new types of plants because they can grow in the desert.
George Bognaslawi, assistant professor of microbiology, stressed the positive aspects of genetic engineering. He said scientists were able to improve the responsibly seek ways to improve the quality of life.
"Some controls are needed," he said, "but I don't
think it's a major job."
BOGUSLAWSKI SAID guidelines published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in July were sufficient controls. The guidelines were set primarily for recombineant gene research shortly at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology creature gene that reproduced itself in the laboratory.
The NIH guidelines spell out specific methods for handling potentially dangerous organisms, which can be made by placing genes from one organism into another—recombinant research—to prevent disease. Some viruses might have in the environment. But Bugsulawai said that he wasn't afraid of that happening.
"Scientists have been handling pathogenic (obese causing) organisms for centuries," he said.
Wolfe said the NIH guidelines were moral guidelines. He said they forbade research using tumor viruses—implanting DNA from higher sources, but not transplants of bacteria—and using gene resistant to antibodies.
Bogaalwais said genetic engineering also was used to aid plants in absorbing nitrogen necessary for their survival. Usually, bacteria present in the soil extract and store nitrogen from the air that is later used by plants. By producing plants with a nutrient source, they do this job. plants can be grown more effusive.
He said that after the MIT experiment, scientists engaged in genetic research across the country, gathered in California and collectively declared a challenge themselves; as on that kind of experimentation.
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY
This ability is important, Bogaluskau said, because the world has only 30-day reserve supply of food, which would be depleted rapidly by a large-scale disaster.
See RESEARCH page nine
The University of Kansas—Lawrence, Kansas
KANSAN
Vol.87 No.68
All-Big Eight team bypasses Hawks
2 fraternities lose parking spaces
By JOHN MUELLER
See story page six
Wednesday. December 1, 1976
Staff Writer
Members of Phi Delta Theta and Phi Kappa Sigma fraternities permanently lost 24 parking spaces last night as a result of action by city commissioners, who didn't remove any spaces to compensate for them removed in the 1800 block of Edgineh Hill.
Commissioners rejected requests from Jeb Bayer, Phil Delta Theta president, who asked that commissioners allow parking on 17th Street east of Louisiana Street and on only the east side of Louisiana Street. Bayer said that switching public housing in Louisiana Street could gain five spaces to partially replace the 24 that the fraternities lost.
But commissioners agreed with Phil Hedrick, 1612 Louisiana St., who said that Louisiana Street was already too narrow for proper traffic flow and that switching traffic to the east side wouldn't give the fraternities any more spaces.
misuse. The street's already narrow, and we have lots of accidents there already."
Firmen had urged the removal of the Edgehill Road spaces, because they couldn't fit one of their large fireplaces in place by the road's curb if a fire broke out.
Louisiana Street, but that pledge was later withdrawn.
"People on Louisiana would like to keep the parking the way it is," Hedrick said.
COMMISSIONERS ALSO turned down Bayer's request to allow parking on 17th Street, despite an evaluation by George Williams, director of public works, that "it's a tosquet on whether we could go ahead or not. I really don't know."
HEDRICK SHOWED commissioners a map of the Edgehill Road area and said the fraternities would actually lose parking space if the Louisiana Street change to only the east side were adopted. The reason for the loss was that the east side has two fire hydrants, while the west side has one. Parking within 15 feet of either side of a fire hydrant is illegal.
The proposals Bayer made last night had previously received informal support from commissioners. The removal of the 24 spaces had been scheduled to start two weeks ago and had been postponed so Wiley could consider Bayer's suggestions.
Buford Watson, city manager, said Monday that he don't expect any problems with allowing the change to the east side of Louisiana Street. Commissioners had also promised the fraternities a month ago that parking would be allowed on both sides of
Bayer accepted Hedrick's map, saying, "I don't think he'd lie to the City Commission. But right now we can't cram another car into our parking lot, and the guys are going to end up having to walk three or four blocks to park."
University of Kansas parking permits took the fraternities' spaces during the day.
Bayer said that the fraternities had available parking spaces on Edgehill Road and Louisiana Street at night, but that students from off campus who didn't have
Williams said that 17th Street was "pretty narrow to begin with, as traffic counts show. Next week she folks from 17th might see the ball game, and the ball's gotta stop bouncing sometimes."
BAYER TOLD Williams that "you're backing down on what you said," referring to Williams' earlier statement that allowing parking on 17th Street was a tossup.
Williams responded by saying, "I'm not backing down, I'm trying to help you."
Bayer said that "we realize parking isn't our God-given right, it is a convenience that we want."
See PARKING page eight
Exigency policy up for approval
Staff Writer
By DEB MILLEF
After three years of controversy and compromise, a proposed financial exigency was approved.
come before the University Senate tomorrow for a final vote.
Financial crisis is a state of extreme financial crisis during which tenured faculty members have been suspended.
Stage exchanged for lab
By PAUL ADDISON
Staff Writer
For Rod Pearlman, life at the University of Kansas today as a graduate student in pharmaceutical chemistry is far removed from those who did it years ago, which was spent as a child TV personality.
Now it's the disciplined pressures of completing complex chemical reactions for his dissertation research that occupy him. His indecent, adolescent, acting took up most of his time.
"Looking back, the whole experience was really great though I never get twigges of regret that I'm not acting now," Pearlman, Glenthuy, Victoria, Australia, graduate student, said yesterday. "I think I grew up quicker, but growing up entails much more things. I know I'd be a much different person today if I hadn't done the programs."
PEARLMAN BEGAN acting at seven in Australia after first appearing on a children's TV show. Soon after he began appearing on "The Terrible Ten," a series about 10 children who lived in the Australian outback and solved mysteries. Pearlman made 80 half-programs for the series, which was several times featured in several European countries and Japan.
"My childhood revolved around my weekends when I'd go up to the country and play with kids. I played the best series, all us 10 kids together playing games. After that, it got to be more
Staff photo
Former actor Rod Pearlman
When Pearlman was 14 he landed a part
of the Magic Biomewang, and later in
"The Dragon" series.
"THE SEASPAYR was shown in some parts of the U.S., though it wasn't nationally syndicated. That series had a bigger budget and was really hard work." Pearlman said,
"I used to get mail people all over the world who thought it was kind of a dream land. Sure, it's certainly people's idea of fun, but I wouldn't recommend it," she said. "It requires time and a certain frame of mind. It is very emotional and takes a lot out of you."
"I was living in Fiji for half a year filming, mostly living on a boat. The problem was I didn't want to grow up. I was the youngest crew member, and I was the youngest crew member."
Victoria College of Pharmacy where he received a B. Pharm. degree, a mixture of pharmacology, chemistry and pharmaceuticals.
After 1968, Pearlman played only small acting roles and spent more time studying acting techniques.
"Higuchi had come to our college in Australia, and I really respected the work he'd done. There were only a couple of them. It was not a pleasure to come to and, this was one of them."
IN 1973 HE came to KU to study under the direction of Tukeruki高教授, professor of Physics at KU.
Today, Pearlman is a Ph.D. candidate and is researching ways to improve ver-
sions of the test.
hopes to teach or do research and development on drugs.
"I never felt in my heart I was an actor. I didn't ever feel that it was the beall and all, but that it was much more real. In a scientific experiment you have control. In acting, many times you
"As far as an all-round science, I find pharmacetics to be the most pleasing. The department here is excellent because of the personnel and the facilities." he said.
"I think everybody's got the potential for either. When I was a kid, I was just mentally disciplined for acting. Later, it was towards scientific matters."
If accepted, the report will establish guidelines for declaring financial exigency against the plan.
Joel Gold, presiding officer of University Council and University Senate, said yesterday that he saw no problem in the police's passage.
SEVERAL AMENDMENTS to the document will be proposed by the American Association of University Professors. Its concern, according to earlier reports, is greater faculty involvement in decisions on financial exigency.
Gold said the amendments were good. If the policy passes tomorrow because of the absence of a Senate quorum, he hopes the amendments will be added later. he said.
IN JULY 1973 the first report on financial exigency at KU was prepared by an ad hoc committee led by Dr. Richard S. Krause the spring of tenured faculty members at Emporia Kansas State College who had no participation in the decision. They were dismissed because of a declining faculty load.
Although the first report was passed by the council in May 1974, the Senate failed in September to attain a quorum, thus preventing a decision.
BECAUSE CONFLICTS concerning the exact definition of financial exigency arose,
See EXIGENCY page two
Staff photo
Ridin' on slick ice
After four days of freezing temperatures, the ice on Potter Lake was thick enough to support several skaters. Dave Arnold, St. Louis sophomore, found it too slick for his feet.
Vacation burglars' heyday
By MARTIN ZIMMERMAN
Staff Writer
The Christmas season is traditionally known as a time for giving. Among Lawrence policemen, it is also known as a time for taking.
Sgt. Roy Demory, director of community relations for the Lawrence Police Department, said last week that the number of burglaries in the Lawrence area usually increased "drastically" during the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons. The University of Kansas took ins-kees, he said, University of Kansas who leave town for the holidays.
"We have somewhat of a unique situation here because of the largely transient student population," Demory said. "Students' being away from their residences for long vacations tends to cause a bit of a problem."
KU STUDENTS make up close to 40 per cent of the Lawrence population, Democracy
In an attempt to cut down the number of burglaries during the holidays this year, Demory said, the police department was able to collect evidence that will be useful for observation of "high burial areas."
Criel among these areas are the apartment complexes in the city, Dementy said. Some residents have been forced to move.
borhoods surrounding the University,
1894, 1902, 1916, 1923, 1929, 1934,
1938, 1974, Sikh and Kentucky streets.
- Leave a light or radio with some kind of mechanism turned on to give the light a sound.
- "This area is a favorite target of burglars," he said. "Practically the whole neighborhood clears out during school breaks."
- Check that deadbolts, or auxiliary units installed on all covers and check that all windows are closed.
DEMORY OUTLINTED these procedures to help prevent by people leaving town for the holidays.
● If an apartment has sliding glass doors, some lock other than the original usually needs to be installed, because the doors are easily opened by burglaries. If a new lock can't be installed, a piece of wood can be used to amm the door closed.
*Have mail and newspaper deliveries stopped. Several days' worth of newspapers lying in the front yard can be a sure tip to burglars that no one is home.
- Mark all valuable items with a driver's license or social security number that can be identified if the items are stolen and later recovered. Also, record serial numbers when present and keep the list in a safe place.
*If there is a neighbor who is staying, let him know that the residence will be vacant and ask him to notify police if he sees suspicious people near the house.
DEMYRIA SAID the last guideline was the most effective against burglaries, and also the hardest to implement in a city like Lawrence. He said that people living in neighborhoods rarely knew each other well enough to work out such a protection plan.
If a student returns from vacation and finds that his apartment has been burgled, Ellison said, it is important not to disturb the crime scene before police investigators
"If the apartment has been ransacked," he said, "cleaning it up very nearly before calling the police really precludes any collection of evidence on our part."
Demory said that students' leaving town wasn't the only reason for the high incidence of theft in year 2014. He year said that people needed money for Christmas shopping and that jobs were not available.
Memory also said that large crowds of Christmas shopper increases the number of reported spate snatchings and he said more are being reported more popular during the Christmas season.