Lifting the Rock: Astrid heger shines hope in the dark places no one really wants to go and turns a spotlight on ways to prevent the violence she sees. By Monika Guttman Blue Gene: Out of the growing number of identified cancer genes, one gene in particulat--called p53--could soon have a direct impact on the decisions physicians make in treating patients following bladder cancer surgery. By Christopher Tedeschi. Lessening the Burden of Leprosy: Still viewed by many as an ancient scourge that leads to physical rejection and deformity, treatment for leprosy has advanced along with the times. By Jon Nalick. Nurturing Nature: Imaging techniques and genetic tests help clinicians gather information at the outset of embryonic development, or even before pregnancy begins. By Christopher Tedeschi. Common Denominator: Robert Maxson concentrates on deciphering how defective homeobox genes can trigger abnormalities in embryos. By Christopher Tedeschi.

Departments

On Call: The patient as partner Primary Care: Impact of Intervention--Occupational therapists help patients deal with the complexities of reconstructing productive lives Discoveries: Hormone eliminates Kaposi's sarcoma tumors Facilities: Space Odyssey--The Institue for Genetic Medicine building exemplifies the intellectual and spiritual quest inherent in science

Healthoughts: The latest word on nasal strips, bug repellents, food poisoning and tetanus shots. City Rounds: East Side Story--Surgeon Juan Asensio confronts jailed youths with the true costs of violence. Notes and Notables: News about faculty, students, alumni, donors and friends. Case History: Hidden treasure.