February 2003 The recent James Bond movie Die Another Day emphasized the importance of molecular models to movie viewers worldwide. The movie's set for the lab in Cuba used molecular models in the background. Some might say this brings molecular models into the world of international espionage while others might say it simply helps bring science to the masses. Molecular models are a great way to get people interested in science and to demonstrate that science is indeed a tangible thing in most circumstances. Often when the average person with or without a scientific background catches a glimpse of molecular models, their interest is sparked and they want to handle the model parts as if they were LEGOTM pieces from their childhood. During the past few years as the Marketing Consultant for HGS models in the USA, I have attempted to attract non-standard industries to molecular models. The models are so futuristic and colorful that they can be used in interior design, art exhibits and toy kits. I have received inquiries from museums and television stations in addition to our loyal customers in the educational, pharmaceutical and research professions. Two of our most loyal customers in the USA are distributors of HGS products: Aldrich Chemical Company of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and W.H. Freeman of New York, NY. These two companies are very different in their purpose and help propagate the variety of uses for HGS Molecular Models. Aldrich Chemical Company offers an extensive selection of HGS kits, parts and fully assembled models geared towards the scientific researcher. WH Freeman and Company is an academic publisher that bundles select kits with textbooks for use by students. These two customers have helped promote HGS products worldwide and we are very appreciative. As the world's media focuses on the sensationalism of human cloning, genetically engineered foods and vaccinations against biological and chemical terrorism, many scientists and researchers worldwide are diligently trying to make this world a better place despite the ethical debates. Whether or not it is the ethical thing to do, homologous recombination may be able to replace or work together with therapeutic cloning to help eradicate such diseases as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Diabetes. Agricultural Biotechnology could create better tasting and better-for-us vegetables. With so many ethical dilemmas in the world, we sometimes forget to commend the scientists and educators who are simply trying to make this world a better place. Although software based molecular modeling has become commonplace, the hands-on education received when assembling HGS Molecular models cannot be replaced by the tapping of a keyboard and the push and pull of a computer mouse. Visitors to our booth at the American Chemical Society meetings have emphasized that software has not yet replaced the importance and need for molecular modeling kits and physical examples. This was evident to us by the number of visitors we had to our booths and the number of samples we distributed. Most people prefer a tangible and tactile education and by assembling our models with their hands, they achieve this. Mentioning hands, I need to mention the awesome fact that Mr. Satoh, President of HGS Plastics, has assembled many of our models with just one hand! Due to a medical problem some years ago, he only has full use of one hand. His corporate vision and technical skills have usurped his physical disability and his models are some of the best in the world. Let's hope that with the continued use of HGS Molecular Models, a cure will be found for ailments that affect the average man, and even have an effect on James Bond. If you have any suggestions or comments about HGS Molecular Models, please direct your inquiries to helpgraspscience@yahoo.com. This is the first in a series of bi-monthly letters that will be posted on our website. Rebeccah V. Sensenbrenner HGS Marketing Consultant HELP GRASP SCIENCE