PROGRAM:

Thanks to CHRISTA KECK for chairing the meeting in JIM KLUSMAN’S absence. Thanks also to CHIP RUTLEDGE for introducing Michael Rossmann, Michael Rossmann Purdue Prof. of Biological Sciences, whose topic was “The three dimensional atomic structure of the common cold and other viruses.” He began with a photo of colleagues at Cambridge University, which influenced his interest in learning more about viruses. It had been determined that there was limited space for DNA or RNA, the shapes were symmetrical and there were many identical substances involved. Using X-rays to photograph crystals was a way to show the structure of the virus. Plant viruses were the first to be studied. They then realized that the common cold virus had similar structures. Michael explained the Canyon Hypothesis to allow antibodies to kill the virus. Unfortunately, the compound developed to fight the common cold was not approved by the FDA because of an unacceptable side effect. It is used for some compassionate cases.

The electron microscope has replaced the X-raying of crystals, creating exciting discussions and discoveries. He concluded with an interesting video of a bacterial virus and by responding to several questions from members.

THANKS TO THOSE WHO HELP WITH
MEETING FUNCTIONS:
 Money Collector:  BRYAN METZGER;  Greeters:  NERLENE RAMSEY and GEORGE RAMSEY; Invocation:  SUSAN HYCHKA; Piano:  BOB GRIFFITHS;  Song Leader:  ARVID OLSON.  50/50 Raffle:  CECIL BLIGNAUT and CELE FREEMAN.  Help with attendance and facilitating a smooth meeting:  TOM MORAN and  WES MC DIVITT.  Webmaster:  LARRY HUGGINS.


THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK:
An apple a day keeps the doctor away.

JANE'S CORNER:
Highlights of the Club Board Meeting:
•    The Communications Committee is looking at more ways to engage members.  
•    A request was made to the Centennial Celebration Committee for budget options.
•    Both Scholarship Committees have the same amount of dollars to work with this year as last.
•    The Evening in Monte Carlo fund raising event will be scheduled in fall 2016.
•    The Birthday Table will remain the first Tuesday of each month.


A personal note about Michael Rossmann’s work:
In 1986 Carl and I were in southern Germany and Switzerland in September.  We passed a box where you could buy newspapers in Zurich and the headline on the New York Times was large enough to read from across the street.  “U.S. Scientist cracks cold virus”.  That drew my attention, so I read the first paragraph, which stated that Dr. Michael Rossmann from Purdue University, along with colleagues from the University of Wisconsin had mapped the cold virus.  What an exciting moment for me!  Today was a special treat to hear the story of how that happened.