This project provides funds to establish a joint facility for marine molecular biology to serve the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and the Marine Biological Laboratory, both located in Woods Hole, Massachusetts. The facility will add a new capability for research in marine science to resident and visiting investigators at both institutions. There is a long history of marine research in Woods Hole, with important contributions from the two institutions in marine biology, biomedical science and oceanography. Particular strengths at the Marine Biological Laboratory are in the areas of physiology and biochemistry, and at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in whole animal biology and ecology. The joint facility for molecular biology and biotechnology will bring a new dimension to these institutions, allowing studies involving protein sequencing, peptide synthesis, DNA sequencing and DNA synthesis. The immediate needs for such a facility involve research objectives in molecular phylogeny and evolution, in gene regulation and environmental adaptation in marine organisms, in developmental and neurobiology of marine species, and in ecology. Combining the present strengths of year-round and visiting scientific staff with molecular biology instrumentation will create an unusual strength in marine biology at Woods Hole and will serve the marine science community for years to come.
