Scientific honors are given to 4 U. faculty

Four University of Utah faculty members have been named fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the world's largest general scientific society and publisher of the journal Science.

• David Grainger, professor and chair of pharmaceutics and pharmaceutical chemistry, selected "for distinguished, innovative efforts combining diverse aspects of chemistry, materials and biomedical science" and for "creative research, education and new biomedical technology."

• Joel S. Miller, distinguished professor of chemistry, given the rank of fellow for "discovering and developing molecule-based materials exhibiting the technologically important properties of magnetism and electrical conductivity," including so-called "plastic magnets."

• Baldomero Olivera, distinguished professor of biology, designated for his work on venomous, ocean-dwelling cone snails and studying the identity, functioning and evolution of the nerve toxins they produce, leading to a deeper understanding of how nerves transmit signals and new medical therapies.

• Carl S. Thummel, professor of human genetics, elevated to fellow because of his research on "nuclear receptors" in cells and how they detect hormones, particularly genetic studies of how steroids control development in the fruit fly.

Including the four Utah researchers, the AAAS has elevated 486 of its members to the rank of fellow this year. Founded in 1848, it serves some 262 affiliated societies and academies of science, numbering 10 million individuals.