Pitt has a new computer for gene studies

GATTACA is scientific shorthand for a sequence of amino acids in a DNA strand and was used as the title for a 1997 movie about genetic engineering. Now it is also the name for a computer used for gene studies.

The new Gattaca Cluster at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health includes 120 Apple Xserve G5 computing nodes. Researchers will use the cluster to search for genes that influence common, but complex, disorders such as diabetes and inflammatory bowel disease.

For instance, the computer will help researchers sort out the relative influence of genes on disease by simulating an entire population of people, "testing" the imaginary patients thousands of times to examine possible interactions of genetic and environmental factors.

Teen volunteer honored

Kara Dragone of Observatory Hill, a senior at Perry Traditional Academy, won a $5,000 Crest Smile Ambassador Scholarship for her volunteer work teaching children about dental health at the Sarah Heinz House Boys & Girls Club.

Dragone received the scholarship this month at the Boys & Girls Clubs of America's national teen conference in Orlando, Fla. The scholarship is awarded to youths who have contributed to their club, maintain at least a B average and have an interest in dental health as a profession.

Diesel exhaust workshop

The Allegheny County Health Department and state Department of Environmental Protection will sponsor a free workshop May 10 to help school districts and transit companies reduce diesel exhaust emissions.

The all-day workshop at Community College of Allegheny County, Boyce Campus, will include information on cleaner fuels, retrofitting buses with pollution control equipment and new, less-polluting buses.

The workshop is open to parent-teacher organizations and environmental groups, as well as school and transit officials. The registration deadline is today; call the county Health Department at 412-687-2243.