RESEARCH
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involving the collection of specimens for a mycological herbarium. An investigation of the biology of certain parasitic flowering plants is also in progress. The Department is now in a position to carry out research on the cytology and genetics of flowering plants, fungi and bacteria and work has begun on the cytogenetics of Collinsia, a member of the family Scrophulariaceae.
There was further expansion of research in the Department of Chemistry. Investigations are being made into the mechanisms of chemical reactions and the chemistry of plant products; also in progress are studies of molecular structure by means of X-ray diffraction, and studies in the fields of electrochemistry, and high temperature inorganic reactions. Research on plant products is assisted financially by outside sources.
The Department of Zoology pursued its studies in the fields of neuro-anatomy, entomology, cytology and vertebrate zoology (specifically on birds and cyclostomes); the results were published in various international journals during the year. The neuro- anatomical research receives financially support from the US Public Health Service. The results of this research were revealed at a Symposium on Muscle Receptors held as part of the University's Golden Jubilee Congress in September. This Symposium, organized by Professor D. Barker and held under the chairmanship of Professor Ragnar Granit, For Mem RS of the Nobel Institute for Neurophysiology, Stockholm, attracted delegates from America, Australia, Europe, India, Japan, New Zealand and Britain.
Various research programmes were carried out during the year in the Department of Anatomy, and four papers were published or accepted for publication by leading anatomical and other journals. One of the major investigations was on the pattern of growth and development of Southern Chinese children and young people, and in June 1961 the Department received a grant from the National Institute of Health, USA, for this research.
In the new Department of Biochemistry the major research interests are concerned with problems of drug addiction, nutrition and biochemical evolution. Investigations included a preliminary study of the effects of opium alkaloids and other drugs on the hormonal control of metabolism; studies to elucidate the metabolic role of vitamin E, and comparative studies of metabolic pathways in relation to their evolution. Members of the Department attended