Transforming Biology opens a window on the lives and work of the scientists, teachers and students who have contributed to the achievements of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Melbourne. Established in 1938, the department teaches and undertakes research in a discipline that links chemistry, physiology, genetics, microbiology, virology and physics, and has championed new techniques and biotechnology innovations that reverberate around the world. Highlighting the successful careers of many of its alumni and staff, including the influential Victor Trikojus, and the impact of benefactors such as Russell Grimwade, Juliet Flesch tells the story of the evolution of a department engaged in fundamental biomolecular science, as well as the translation of discoveries to industry and the clinic. It has been one of the most important national and international bodies engaged in transforming biology.

Annotation. Russell Grimwade had a clear and concise vision for his philanthropy, which balanced a strongly held sense of place and tradition with enlightened scientific innovation. Some recipients of the Grimwades' largesse had been pre-determined in establishing the bequests, building upon Russell's earlier commitment to biochemical research, for instance, while seeking to realise his long-held desire to fund the 'birth of an antipodean Clarendon Press' at Melbourne University Press. With the establishment of the Miegunyah Fund Committee in 1991, the Grimwades' philanthropy has enabled an exciting range of initiatives and programs. For more than two decades, Australia has benefited from the visits of almost a hundred international academics and thought leaders under the auspices of the Miegunyah Distinguished Visiting Fellows program. The University's cultural colletions have been enriched by the extraordinary treasures of the Grimwade collections, encompassing significant works of art as well as rare books and items of Australiana. Russell Grimwade's passion for chemistry, appreciation of art, and sense of obligation to preserve the past for future generations is given tangible form through the Miegunyah Fund Committee's long-standing support of the University's Centre for Cultural Materials Conservation. Almost forty years later, the vision and generosity of the Grimwade philanthropy remains one of the University of Melbourne's most significant gifts.

Explores the remarkable influence of the Myer family on the lives of Australians. This book tells Sidney Myer's classic 'rags to riches' story, which sets the foundation for four generations of Myer philanthropists. His generosity was epitomised by the legendary Christmas lunch he staged at the Melbourne Exhibition Building.

The emergence of a new scientific book series requires some explanation regarding how it hopes to compensate the reader for the discomforts it undoubtedly produces both in the realms of informational input-overload and in the financial strain on personal and institutional budgets. This series recognizes that investigators who have entered neurochemistry from the biochemical tradition have a rather specialized view of the brain. Too often, interdisciplinary offerings are initially attractive but turn out to recite basic biochemical considerations. We have come to believe that there are now sufficiently large numbers of neurochemists to support a specialized venture such as the present one. We have begun with consideration of traditional areas of neurochemistry which show considerable scientific activity. We hope they will serve the neurochemist both for general reading and for specialized information. The reader will also have the opportunity to reftect on the unbridled speculation that results from the disinhibiting effects on the author who has been invited to write a chapter. We plan occasionally also to offer reviews of areas not completely in the domain of neurochemistry which we nevertheless feel to be sufficiently timely to be called to the attention of all who use chemical principles and tools in an effort to better understand the brain. B. W. Agranoff M. H. Aprison vii CONTENTS CHAPTER 1 POSSIBLE ROLES OF PROSTAGLANDINS IN THE NERVOUS SYSTEM LEONHARD S. WOLFE 1. Introduction 1 1. 1. Background 1 Names and Structures 1. 2. 4 1. 3. Biosynthesis 4 1. 4.