SAN DIEGO- It would not be difficult to list 94 important stories from the world of science research for the past year. The pace of research in most areas continues to increase, meaning that the amount of new information has become a virtual flood. However, in the interest of brevity and prevention of data overload, here is a quick review of some of the top science stories in 1994.

GENES A multitude of genes, human and otherwise, were identified and their functions described over the past 12 months. These included: Ob, a gene predisposing to obesity; BCR, a breast cancer susceptibility gene; BCL-2, a gene associated with apoptosis (programmed cell death); hedgehog genes (so named because of their shape, these produce proteins which guide cell differentiation in advanced organisms); and Vpr, a gene governing reproduction of the HIV virus.

Linkage studies identified genes for a variety of ailments including: bipolar disorder, cerulean cataracts, melanoma, hearing loss, dyslexia, thyroid cancer, sudden infant death syndrome, prostate cancer and dwarfism.

Cystic fibrosis was very newsworthy in 1994. Genetic researchers successfully transferred the CFTR (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator) gene into the intestines of mice. This appears to be a major step towards gene therapy for patients with cystic fibrosis. In a related development, researchers reported early success with a liposomal method for delivering the CFTR gene in humans. The past year also saw the approval of genetically engineered version of human DNAase, which breaks down protein accumulation in the lungs of CF patients. The once-a-day aerosol spray reportedly provides significant symptomatic relief.

Researchers also reported a number of important developments in gene inhibition. One group reported using synthetic DNA decoys to mimic transcription factors, blocking transcription of the gene. Another group of researchers reported the first successful systemic selective inhibition of gene expression using antisense oligonucleotides.

The Human Genome Project continued its massive efforts to characterize human genes. 1994 saw the first crude but thorough linkage map of the human genome (See Science, v.265, Sep.30, '94, for the full color pull-out). The year also saw an increase in squabbling over who owns what parts of the genome. The scientists and research corporations have worked out a way to share access to a computerized database detailing 35,000 human genes.

AIDS

The numbers of AIDS cases continued to increase worldwide and in the US in 1994. The epidemic's rate of growth appears to be slowing in the US, but is increasingly rapidly in Asia.

A couple of positive findings were reported at the International AIDS conference in Yokohama. One large study confirmed that administration of the nucleoside analog zidovudine (AZT) in pregnant HIV positive mothers prevents transmission of HIV to the fetus. In another interesting report, researchers identified immune system characteristics in long term nonprogressors, people who never develop immune or other signs of HIV disease ins spite of being infected. Those observations could help with development of new treatment and vaccines. Also, 1994 saw the first attempts at gene therapy vaccines for AIDS in early clinical testing.

CANCER

A discovery reported in the last month of the year may have far reaching significance in cancer research. Researchers at the University of Texas reported that the enzyme telomerase appears to be responsible for the unchecked growth of cells seen in human cancers. The discovery could lead to many new diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

In the clinical world, anti-melanoma vaccines appear to show promise. One vaccine candidate now in advanced clinical trials has produced longer survival in patients with this, the most tenacious and difficult to treat cancer. Another vaccine candidate using retrovirus -mediated gene transfer has just recently entered clinical trials.

HEART

A number of genes associated with atherosclerosis, high cholesterol and high blood pressure were identified. Studies also showed that therapy with cholesterol lowering drugs can not only halt progression of atherosclerosis, it can reverse it, reducing the risk for heart attack. Another study showed that Vitamin E could reduce the risk for stroke in high risk patients.

MIND

A new class of drugs, selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors, (e.g. Prozac), became available. In addition to providing a powerful treatment for chronic depression, the new class of drugs has taught neurochemists much about the biology of moods

FOOD

The first genetically engineered food product, the FlavrSavr tomato, gained FDA approval and reached supermarkets in 1994.

ENVIRONMENT

The worst oil spill in history was reported in Northern Siberia. The full extent of the environmental damage from the damaged pipeline will not be known until this Spring. Estimates run as high as 80 million gallons spilled, compared with 11 million gallon for the Exxon Valdez.

On a more hopeful note, the national bird, the Bald Eagle, came back from near extinction, moving up from the endangered list to the threatened list.

ELEMENTS

Two new elements, 110 and 111, were identified by German scientists. They have not been named yet.

UP IN THE SKY

The world was treated to a spectacular show as the comet Shoemaker-Levi 9 crashed full speed into Jupiter's atmosphere. The images were viewed live by many people via the Internet.

BONES

The oldest human fossil yet (4.4 million years old) , Australopithecus ramidus, was discovered in Ethiopia.

EDUCATION

The draft of the NAS science education standards for levels K-12 was released in December of 1994. The standards, now subject toreview and amendment by focus groups across the country represent an unprecedented collaboration among scientists, teachers and education specialists.

LAST BUT NOT LEAST

The power of the Internet for communications and information exchange lured hundreds of thousands of newbies into cyberspace. A new online service called Access Excellence debuted on America Online, dedicated to linking teachers and scientists through interactive computer exchange.