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

People | WHK Student Interns Named Top Scholars in Regeneron Science Talent Search

Two Werner H. Kirsten Student Interns were recently named Top Scholars in the 2017 Regeneron Science Talent Search, the nation’s most prestigious science and math competition for high school students.
By Chris Worthington, Staff Writer; photos by Richard Frederickson, Staff Photographer 05.04.2017
People Community Science & Technology May 2017

Science & Technology | Activation of the PIK3CA Pathway in Cervical Cancer

A study of cervical cancer tumors has revealed a mutation in one third of those tumors, suggesting a new approach in drug production for cervical cancer.
By Kaylee Towey, WHK Student Intern; photo by Richard Frederickson, Staff Photographer 04.27.2017
Science & Technology Features April 2017

Science & Technology | Study Sheds New Light on Postmenopausal Breast Cancer Risk

A collaborative study conducted at the Frederick National Lab and published in Cancer Research has provided new insight as to why elevated estrogen levels are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.
By Samuel Lopez, Staff Writer; photo courtesy of Dr. Gretchen L. Gierach 04.21.2017
Science & Technology Publications Platinum Highlight April 2017

Features | Annual Running Festival a Chance for the Frederick Community to Stretch Its Legs

May will soon be here, ushering in the season of cookouts, sunny days—and the annual Frederick Running Festival. Organized by Corrigan Sports Enterprises, the two-day event gives athletes of all backgrounds chances for exercise and friendly competition against their fellow community members.
By Samuel Lopez, Staff Writer; images courtesy of SPGM 04.20.2017
Features Community Outreach Events April 2017

Events | The Spring Research Festival Is Just Around the Corner

An unpredictable winter has finally given way to spring, and as the trees and shrubs come into bloom, the Spring Research Festival is now just over a month away.
By Marie Haughey, Staff Writer; contributed images, photo by Richard Frederickson, Staff Photographer 04.13.2017
Events Outreach Community Features Spring Research Festival April 2017