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Show V Medical Research Offers Hope In Solving Birth Defects Problem ( Editor's Note: This is the last o three articles on birth defects, the leading childhood health problem, by Dr. Thomas M. Rivers, medical vice president of the National Foundation, noted pediatrician and dean of American virologists.) By THOMAS M. RIVERS, M.D. Medical Vice President, The National Foundation Birth defects are thd largest childhood medical problem in America today. Yet we know amazingly little about their causes. Tremendous strides have been made by medical science in the past two decades. Yet when it tomes to ways of preventing these disorders that afflict over a quar ter million infants a year before they are born, we are like early explorers embarking on vast uncharted seas. Not so many years ago we knew almost as little about polio. In 1938, at a time when our cities were periodically scourged by polio epidemics, when thousands of children were paralyzed ,, , almost fore be -- they had learned the to Nawalk, tional Foundation for Infantile Paralysis was formed. With March of Dimes money this pioneer vol- untary health organization research pro- planned a great Though basic research does not necessarily tell us how we can cure or prevent a disease, without it we are like people wandering about in a darkened house that needs repairs. Until we get light on the structure of the house, we cannot really remedy its flaws. Every human being develops from a cell. How this cell grows into a person is still one of the prime mysteries of all biology. But National Foundation scientists have already learned much about a substance called nucleic acid which exists at the core of all human cells. Indeed, it forms the core of all living things, including viruses. It is this substance which is the key to heredity and the development Qf the unborn child. Pilot of Life Nucleic acid, a complex molecule, consists of two thin, spiral strands, intertwined like vines, upon which hang atoms like clusSomehow ters of berries. though we do not know exactly how this acid keeps the germ cell on its course, determining that it shall develop eyes, ears, nose, skeleton, internal oigans and extremities. That is why nucleic acid is often called "the automatic pilot of life. If the nucleic acid is defective, the direction it gives to the growth of the cell is faulty. This kind of misdirection can then result in an infant with a minor defect such as nearsightedness or color blindness, or with a serious defect such as a clubfoot or an open gram and fi- spine. again, the nucleic acid in nanced talented theOrhuman germ may be normal scientists who with, only to be damaged began probing at the root of this to begin ray disease. In quick succession came by some outside agent. a whole series of brilliant medical diation, for instance, may cut the achievements: typing the various nucleic acid strandse or knock off of the berry-likparticles. strains of polio virus; growing some will be born malviruses in cultures of nonnervous Then the infant formed. tissues, developing the Salk vacAvoid Strong Drugs cine; testing it in field trials of history-makin- g magnitude; and ! Strong drugs and narcotics, use into it with unpreceputting large doses of alcohol, lack of dented speed. oxygen (hypoxia) and certain Target: Birth Defects types of virus infections may Polio is now declining sharply. cause similar malformations in It may soon, we hope, become a the growing embryo. The effect thing of the past. With this vic- of virus infections upon the untory in sight, the National Foun- born child is a particularly fertile dation now turns its accumulated field for research. to other In the second article of this experience and know-hohealth areas where the same kind series I mentioned German meaof research, patient aid and train- sles, which can damage an infant ing of professional disease fight- if the mother is infected during ers is sorely needed. Birth defects the early stages of pregnancy. are now one of its major targets. Scientists now suspect that other Research in birth defects is viruses may cause similar damclosely allied to work already age, These are the so - called done by National Foundation orphan" viruses, discovered by on the nature of the living National Foundation virologists Before cell. they could find a while they were studying polio polio preventive, these scientists virus. Cousins to the polio viruses, had to know how a cell grows the orphan group was so laand how it acts when invaded by belled because they could at first a virus. be identified with no known disThis is called basic research. ease. Originally they were thought . 2 Box Litler Journal Snow Carnival Scene Is Set With My Baby All Right?- Is Arrival of Timely Blanket of Snow Since then it has been found that they may cause meningitis and even paralysis. Coxsackie viruses, another recently discovered group of cousins, may cause meningitis, mild paralysis, heart disease and even death. In the summer of 1957 over 400,000 persons in Milwaukee and the Twin Cities were stricken with one of this group, known as ECHO 9 virus. Two research projects now receiving March of Dimes suppoit are examimng the children of mothers attacked by ECHO 9 to determine if this virus has injurious effects upon unborn infants. Antibiotics are already used to protect the embryo from syphilis. Medical research may uncover more drugs and chemicals to control other causes of malformation. Rehabilitation Offers Hope There is still another area in which research offers hope for the future. Not long ago a disabled pei son was often doomed to a useless life in bed or wheel chair, barred from societys normal activities. This deprivation no longer holds. In its efforts to salvage paralyzed polio patients, the National Foundation sponsored contributions to the techniques of rehabilitation now widely used in crippling due to many other causes. The search for still new rehabilitation methods will continue. One new project with great potentialities is the invention by National Foundation grantees of an artificial muscle. Not yet perfected for mass production, this device may aid disabled persons to use their hands and arms. For all such projects pushing forward the frontiers of knowledge, medical science needs more skilled manpower. A great researcher, like a great poet, painter or writer, cannot be found at random. He combines imagination, determination, technique and knowledge. Nobody can endow a man with imagination or determination, but ii he has them we can teach him the requisite techniques and knowledge. To Train Disease Fighters This is what the professional education program of the National Foundation seeks to do. Its object is to provide more doctors, scientific investigators, medical social workers, physical and occupational therapists. In recent years the National Foundation swelled their ranks by thousands. It is now expanding its program to help tram still more battalions of disease fighters. Persons with birth defects will be among the many who will be helped. other Besides birth defects, areas of March of Dimes activity are polio, arthritis and virus (Continued From Page One) cream and punch, are under the direction of Mr. and Mrs. Kent Lee and Mr. and Mis. Dell Hunsaker. Tables will be arranged by Mrs. Phyllis Mortensen and Mr. and Mrs. Frank Reeder; food ticket committee includes Mrs. Alice Woodmancy and Mrs. Virginia Wight. Mr. and Mrs. Henry R. Beimer will be in the cloak room and Mr. and Mrs. Dean Forsgren in charge of final arrangements at the close of the party. Mr. and Mrs. Winston P. Nelson have been in charge of pubdislicity with Tommy Smith tributing banners. Tickets are available at 50 cents per person from ticket chairmen; committee salesmen or at Peoples Drug. They will also be sold at the door. Ace Hi Combo will furnish music for the evening. Many in the area will recall A C. Cook, Mr. formeily of Honeyville. Cook is in charge of the music group. Introduced, prior to the lucky drawing, will be alh 25 nominees: Darla Rockwood, Kay Marlene Yates, Karen Bell, Beverly May, Kathy Smoot, Janet Williams, Linda Jenson, Anita Yellowhair, Judy Olsen, Wilson, Merlyn Harris, to be harmless. NEW SENATOR Utahs new U. S. Senator, Frank E. Moss, takes the oath of office from Vice President Richard M. Nixon on the opening day of the new Congress. Senator Moss is the first Democratic Senator to be elected from Utah in eight years. Utah State Reveals Junior Prom Plans annual Junior Prom at week was named general State University will be Feb. 27 in the Student building. Where shall we meet? Jerry Grays orchestra will Anywhere music event you like. for the provide which has as its theme Arabian And what time? Whenever it suits you. Nights. Chuck Hyer of Lewiston last Very well but be punctual! The Utah held Union Martha Claire Horsley, Gayle Keller, Marjorie Palmer, Kay dean Nielsen, Bonnie Orme, Lola Jean Mills, Dalene Burnett, Janet Hardy, Joan Anderson, Melva Westley, Annette Bingham, Karen Facer and Sydney Reeder. All contestants are reminded of coronation practice to be held Saturday, Jan. 24, at 2 p. m. at Box Elder High school gym. Have I told you about grandchildren? No, and I appreciate it. my Brigham City, Utah Friday, January 23, 1959 Utah Member Audit Bureau of State Press Association, and United Association Representative; Utah State Salt Lake City, Utah Circulations, Utah National Editorial Press, Advertising Press Association, nTtTonal editorial. HOLY CROSS EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH are cordially invited to attend the first serviced of this mission church which are to be held on You SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1959, 4 p.m. WAR MEMORIAL Mol-gar- 126 HOME East Forest, Brigham City Earl Johnston Road Problems, Needed Parking Aired at Busy Commission Meeting Captures (Continued from Page One) years road program. . Sealcoating Asked County help in sealcoating Garland streets was asked by Mayor Ralph Bishop, Arnold Rhodes and Dean Coombs. They were assured that assistance would be available in accordance with county policy regarding aid to smaller communities. ' In other business, Tolman Burke and John Olsen from the district school board office presented a diagram showing a proposed parking area at the rear of the court house. They also submitted a petition bearing the names ef all office heads in the county building asking consideration for additional parking facilities. Provide 31 Spaces They pointed out that a lack of parking space had reached almost critical proportions. Un, der the suggested places would be provided for 31 cars. Commissioner Erie Compton noted that other areas should be innvestigated since replacing the 'present lawn and trees would increase the summertime temperature in some of the County offices by ten degrees. He suggested the old county jail site as a possible alternative. ' A county-widcivil defense set-uwas proposed by J. D. Gunderson. The new organization would adhere to the governments revised civil defense program. County Faces Bill Gunderson, who serves as district fire warden, also revealed that th county is faced with paying fire fighting costs on certain lands if the state fails to do so. These costs stem from fires this past summer on State Land Board land. Creation of a board of health for Box Elder county wa proposed as a new program to be in effect after July 1, 1959. The program was outlined by Reed S. Roberts, Willard West and Vivian J. Miller, from the state department of health and Inez Deem, public health nurse for north Box Elder county. Nursing Service Renewed i The public health nursing service was renewed for the first six months of this year and the commissioners were asked to decide on the proposed new program by July 1. i County Road Supervisor Frank Hall met to discuss various road problems- confronting the county. After itemizing equipment Heeds, he was instructed to provide estimated cost? for further consideration. Should Raise Wages i Hall explained also that the wage scale for county road work set-up- - e p ' ers must be raised to keep present employes on the job. He suggested that wages be adjusted in accordance with those paid state road workers. Patrol operators. cat and shovel operators employed by the state are paid $2 an hour. County scale for the same work is $1.65, he said. Commissioner Compton suggested that all county road equipment be painted the same color and insignias, appropriately large enough, be placed on the equipment. He added that this probably would have to be done over a period of time. Hear Zoning Problems Two problems related to zoning cropped up at the meeting. Maurice Reeder, West Brigham City, announced plans to construct a farm machinery building but said he would rather do it with county approval. He asked about possible future zoning in the area for commercial purposes. The commissioners said they would take the matter up with the planning commission, Two citizens from Tremonton asked the commissioners what could be done about preventing an auto wrecking yard from locating near one of their homes. The commissioners told them that since no zoning restrictitons exist in the unincorporated parts of the county, there were no prohibited steps that could be taken. Rat Campaign Approved The annual rat campaign was approved with the county to pay half for the poison bait and farmers to foot the remainder of the bill. County Treasurer LeGrande Peterson received permission to purchase a new typewriter for his office. He also was assured that allowances would be made in the current budget to bring the tax records up to date. It was determined that according to law, the outgoing treasurer and recorder were not entitled to compensation for time in office after the first of the year. Notes Bid Intention Marion McBride noted his intention of bidding on the county fair and rodeo this year. The resignation of Mrs. Marlene Poulson from the county fair board was announced by the county clerk. On resigning the post, Mrs. Poulson offered to act as contact between the county home arts department and the state fair. Treasurer Peterson was authorized to reinvest a $100,000 Treasury Bill which comes due this month. Cyrus Jensen, West Brigham City, asked about getting a gate DSA Honors (Continued From Page One) of the South Box Elder stake Sunday school board. He also Is leader of the adult Aaromc priesthood group in the Eleventh ward. Johnston and his wife, the former Joy Slack of Benson ward, are parents of three boys and reside at 426 South Third East. Chairman Miles Ferry presented Mrs. Johnston with a floral center piece. The DSA plaque was presented by Boyd Sheffield who represented the five-mapanel of judges. Other judges were E. J. Larsen, J. Leo Nelson, LeGrande Horsley and E. B. Owen. Nonun enes Listed Nominees for the award inA1 cluded DeVon Breitenbeker, Cazier, Max Hamilton, Wayne Hunsaker. Edgar Richardson, Maynard Victor, and Joseph E. Weight, all of Brigham City; Btyd Gardner, Honeyville; John Holmgren, Bear River City; Earl Garth Nelson, Corinne, and Welch, Harper. In Anderson his address, stressed the importance of community duty during this age of rapid expansion and growth. He told the audience that within 15 years, Brigham City would be on the outskirts of an area boasting one million persons. Anderson said citizens should awaken to their responsibility of keeping tabs on government at every level. This responsibility should be especially felt by the younger people, he said. Past Winners Attended Past Jaycee presidents attending the banquet were Car-rol- l B. Williams, C. Henry Nielsen, Bill Davis, Ross B. Jenson, Glenn Andersen, Wade Ebling, and E. B. Owen. Anderson, Jen-sand Davis were past DSA winners. Other past recipients of the award in attendance were Walter G. Mann, Dee Glenn Smith, Verl Peterson, Edward Ward, and Miles Ferry. he is a member Loaded for trouble? n the youngsters, a drive with the gang is great fun and no one wants to interfere with their good times. But driving is serious business. To The boy driving this car is intelligent and quick of reflex a good driver. He can handle his car and he knows the rules of the road. But accidents happen to good drivers young or old. Help stop senseless killing on our highways. Drive safely He Insist on strict law enforcement for your own protection. Work actively with others to support your local Safety Council. Remember where traffic laws are strictly enforced, deaths go down. Published in an effort to save lives, in cooperation n ith The National Sifety Council and The Adiertising Council, by say replaced which is across the road leading to his home. It was decided that the gate is not county but private 5 yourself. Yes. "Then why didnt something about it? W t? o Clara overheard her parents discussing the bible. Is my name in the bible? she asked. No, dear. Didn't God make me? 4 0 Box Elder NEWS and JOURNAL r I Something done by one of his friends that takes his eyes off the road ahead . . . something said that taunts him into acting foolishly... Last year, nearly 40,000 Americans died in traffic accidents many of them killed by good drivers whose minds weren't on their job. So stay alert every minute you drive. Keep driving fun and safe! u . nawspapar anabhhad in 1908, published every Friday end entered Brigham Ciau Matter at the post office City, Utah under the act of March I, 1879. Chat W Claybaugh, Publisher Subscription rate S3 00 per year; payable !i with the Box Elder advance; in combination News, (published Wednesdays) $5 00 per year; SO for i months; single copy 10 cent. $2 A waakly |