A team of biologists has found a striking similarity between a protein found in roundworms and a common but puzzling protein in humans that is sometimes involved in the growth of cancer. This link, reported in the August 25 issue of the journal Science, will help scientists who study human cancer genes direct their research in more promising directions.

On July 1 Mel Simon, the Anne P. and Benjamin F. Biaggini Professor of Biological Sciences, will become the chair of Caltech's Division of Biology.

PASADENA—Assistant Professor of Biology Ray Deshaies has been named a 1995 Searle Scholar in recognition of his outstanding research in the field of biochemistry and the genetics of cell division. He will use the three-year, $180,000 grant to further his investigations into the mechanisms of cell division in the microorganism Saccharomyces cerevisiae, otherwise known as baker's yeast.

Caltech biologists have found that certain proteins in the adult rat brain can strongly enhance the strength of connections between neurons for up to an hour, an effect never before demonstrated in adult brains.

PASADENA—The Fletcher Jones Foundation of Los Angeles has awarded $250,000 to Caltech for the refurbishing of three undergraduate biology laboratories. The renovation is part of a major effort to serve the growing number of biology majors at the school by upgrading all undergraduate biology teaching laboratories.