A Paradox and Alan Rein: Distinguished Retrovirologist Retires from the HIV DRP

In 1953, a teenaged Alan Rein read about what James Watson and Francis Crick famously called “the secret of life”—the double-helix structure of DNA, which had just been published in Nature. Captivated, Rein decided at that moment that he wanted to be a biochemist. Rein’s biochemistry aspirations shifted to virology during college, leading him to a 60-year career in the field, the last 45 years of which were spent at NCI Frederick, studying how retroviruses like murine leukemia virus and HIV assemble themselves and infect host cells while somehow evading the immune response.
By Lisa Simpson, staff writer
01.14.2025

In the News

Publications | Platinum Publications, March 1–March 30, 2017

Platinum Publications are selected from articles by NCI at Frederick scientists published in 42 prestigious science journals. This list represents articles published during the time period shown above, as generated from PubMed. Articles designated as Platinum Highlights are noteworthy articles selected from among the most recently published Platinum Publications.
04.12.2017
Publications Platinum Publications April 2017

Features | Programs Needed for 2017 Take Your Child to Work Day

On Wednesday, June 28, the NCI grounds will be filled with the chatter and laughter of children for the 21st annual Take Your Child to Work Day event. Every year, the event aims to spark children’s interest in science through a variety of programs and activities.
By Marie Haughey, Staff Writer; images by Richard Frederickson, Staff Photographer 04.10.2017
Features Community Events April 2017

Publications | Platinum Publications, January 26–February 28, 2017

Platinum Publications are selected from articles by NCI at Frederick scientists published in 42 prestigious science journals. This list represents articles published during the time period shown above, as generated from PubMed. Articles designated as Platinum Highlights are noteworthy articles selected from among the most recently published Platinum Publications.
03.16.2017
Publications Platinum Publications March 2017

Community | Like a Good Neighbor, NCI-Frederick Is There

The main campus of the National Cancer Institute at Frederick is an island of sorts: 68 acres of land that was once part of Fort Detrick. Accessing NCI property means passing through the Fort Detrick gates and crossing the post. While the campus is surrounded by the military installation, is protected by NIH police, and doesn’t allow the use of tobacco products, it is not a part of the military.
by Richard Folkers, Communications Manager; images by Richard Frederickson, Staff Photographer 03.10.2017
Community March 2017

Community | Fort Detrick and ATRF Chili Cook-Offs Deliver Heated Competition

More than 200 employees showed up to sample spicy and savory concoctions at the 14th annual Protective Services Chili Cook-Off at NCI at Frederick.
By Chris Worthington, Staff Writer; Photos by Richard Frederickson, Staff Photographer 03.09.2017
Community Events March 2017