Thomas J. Kelly

Bruce Stillman

August 30-September 3, 1989

Abstracts of Papers Presented at the 1989 Meeting on Eukaryotic DNA Replication

A. B. Borkovec

The function of the central nervous system as a coordinator and regulator of cellular processes in multicellular organisms is unequivocal. Until recently, however, the chemical evidence necessary for validating speculations on neurophysiological function in inverte brates has been lacking. In insects, because of their small size, heroic efforts were needed to collect the millions of tissues or organs necessary for isolation and identification of neurochemicals. With the spec tacular advances in physical and analytical technology within the last decade and with significant advances in radiochemical, radioimmunological and neurophysiological assays, researchers are, for the first time, able to handle microgram and nanogram quantities of complex biological substances. More recent developments in immunology promise to lower these levels further. It is not surprising that these new opportunities accelerated progress in insect neuroscience and that the time was right for a rapid and personal exchange of ideas and information on techniques. These considerations were the primary impetus for convening the International Conference on Insect Neurochemistry and Neurophysiology (ICINN) at the University of Maryland, College Park, MD, on August 1-3, 1983.

Insect Neurochemistry and Neurophysiology

Chief engineer Thomas J. Kelly gives a firsthand account of designing, building, testing, and flying the Apollo lunar module. It was, he writes, “an aerospace engineer’s dream job of the century.” Kelly’s account begins with the imaginative process of sketching solutions to a host of technical challenges with an emphasis on safety, reliability, and maintainability. He catalogs numerous test failures, including propulsion-system leaks, ascent-engine instability, stress corrosion of the aluminum alloy parts, and battery problems, as well as their fixes under the ever-present constraints of budget and schedule. He also recaptures the exhilaration of hearing Apollo 11’s Neil Armstrong report that “The Eagle has landed,” and the pride of having inadvertently provided a vital “lifeboat” for the crew of the disabled Apollo 13.

Thomas J. Kelly

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