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

Students | Former Intern: Skills Used For a Lifetime

Michelle Marcelino developed a strong interest in science as a child. The former Werner H. Kirsten student intern’s father was a physicist and often discussed with his daughters how the world works in terms of science. “I think my father instilled it in me from a very young age,” Marcelino said. “I remember being in elementary school and my father telling us colors are just wavelengths of light perceived by your eye. That’s my dad, explaining that concept in detail to a child.”
By Brian O’Shea, Staff Writer; photos courtesy of Michelle Marcelino 12.10.2015
Students WHK People December 2015

Publications | Platinum Publications, October 1–29, 2015

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 by Dr. Craig Reynolds, associate director, National Cancer Institute, from among the most recently published Platinum Publications.
Ashley DeVine 12.04.2015
Publications Platinum Publications December 2015

Community | R&W Club Frederick Hosts Second Annual Car Show

A 1994 Ford Thunderbird, a 2006 Porsche 911-S, and a 1996 Chevy Camaro Z28 were just a few of the rides on display this summer at R&W Club Frederick’s second annual Car and Motorcycle Show. “It’s a chance to raise money for a good cause,” said Geoff Seidel, one of the organizers of the event and program director for the Coordinating Center for Clinical Trials, NCI Office of the Director.
By Brian O’Shea, Staff Writer; photos by Richard Fredrickson, Staff Photographer 12.04.2015
Community Events Recreation and Welfare Club December 2015

Scientific Library | What Are Altmetrics? Are They Important?

Altmetrics, also known as alternative metrics, offer a way to gauge the attention that research output (such as articles, data sets, program code, slide decks, and posters) is generating on social media, reference sharing sites (such as Mendeley), blogs, and other online media.? The term “altmetrics” was coined on Twitter in 2010 by Jason Priem.
By Tracie Frederick, Guest Writer; logos courtesy of Altmetric, Kudos, and Plum Analytics, respectively 11.30.2015
Scientific Library Community Events November 2015

Outreach | NCI at Frederick Contributes to Feds Feed Families

Once again, NCI at Frederick participated in the annual Feds Feed Families event, which challenges federal workers to help knock out hunger with a food drive. This year, NIH collected 26,315 pounds of non-perishable goods, beating its goal of collecting 20,000 pounds. This includes over four tons of food that was collected at satellite locations, including NCI at Frederick. The food collected at NCI at Frederick was donated locally to the Frederick Rescue Mission. These donations help feed local families in need through the holiday season.
By Melissa Porter, Contributing Writer 11.18.2015
Outreach Community November 2015