Česky
Academic bulletin 07/2006
EVENT OF THE MONTH
Nobel Prize winner Marshall Warren Nirenberg in Brno
The interpretation of the genetic code and the elucidation of its function are highlights of the last 20 years’ explosive evolution of molecular biology which has led to an understanding of the details of the mechanism of inheritance. So far the work can be described as basic research. However, through this work we can now begin to understand the causes of many diseases in which heredity plays an important role. The vitality of molecular biology is confirmed by the fact that this year’s is the fifth Nobel Prize awarded for research in medicine since 1958.
TOPIC OF THE MONTH
System Biology in detail
Systems biology is an academic field that seeks to integrate different levels of information to understand how biological systems function. By studying the relationships and interactions between various parts of a biological system (gene and protein networks involved in cell signalling, metabolic pathways, organelles, cells, physiological systems, organisms, etc.) it is hoped that eventually an understandable model of the whole system can be developed.
SCIENCE AND RESEARCH
Czech archaeology abroad
The best known Czech archaeological research is the excavation in Abusír, Egypt. But a conference called Czech archaeology abroad that took place in April was an indication that it is not only Egypt which is in the centre of attention of Czech archaeologist abroad.
Engineering mechanics 2006
National conference EM 2006 with international participation is an example of the working cooperation between the Academy of Sciences, universities and industrial concerns. It was organized by the Institute of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics AS CR.
Awards
Prof. Jaroslav Peregrin of the Institute of Philosophy, AS CR, has been awarded the Bolzano Medal for his works and research in the field of logic, analytic philosophy, etc. Prof. Mikuláš Popovič of the Institute of Human Virology, Baltimore, USA, was the recipient of the J. E. Puryně Medal for his scientific work in the field of biology.
George Hevesy Medal Award 2006
Czech nuclear chemist Jan Kučera has been awarded George Hevesy Medal. He is well known for his development of nuclear analytical methods, namely, radiochemical neutron activation analysis, for demonstrating their applicability and expedience in several fields, and for his educating of students and researchers from around the world.
INTRODUCING PROJECTS
The Bronze Age in Bohemia
The findings of vast archaeological research, that took place in the Institute of Archaeology, were published in a mass findings compendium entitled Hortfunde der frühen Bronzezeit in Böhmen, written by Václav Moucha. The book brings together descriptions of more than 117 mass discoveries from 105 Bohemian prehistoric sites and is one of the most systematic works about the Bronze Age in the Czech Republic.
POLEMIC
Evaluation of the Research Results in the Arts and Social Sciences
The author criticizes the evaluation system of research results from the standpoint of arts and social sciences, asserting that the evaluation system used better suits the natural sciences. Some fundamental changes seem necessary, he believes, adding a new system could correspond to the British evaluation system.