Advancing Research in Glycoscience – New Report

TRANSFORMING GLYCOSCIENCE: A ROADMAP FOR THE FUTURE, a new report from the National Research Council, presents research goals needed to advance the field of glycoscience -- which explores the structures and functions of complex carbohydrates called glycans that are one of the four fundamental molecules of living systems along with nucleic acids, lipids, and proteins. 

Glycans play central roles in many biological processes and have useful properties that could be applied in various areas including medicine, renewable materials, and biofuels.  Despite their potential, glycans remain less studied than other biological molecules, such as DNA and proteins.  The report offers a strategy for transforming glycoscience from a field dominated by specialists to a widely studied and integrated discipline. 

DETAILS:

Advance copies will be available to reporters only beginning at 3 p.m. EDT Wednesday, Aug. 15.  The report is embargoed and not for public release before 11 a.m. EDT Thursday, Aug. 16.  Reporters: To obtain an embargoed copy and arrange interviews with members of the committee that wrote the report, contact the Office of News and Public Information; tel. 202-334-2138 or e-mail news@nas.edu.