Cyanide exposure may affect the brain.

inorganic materials is an important factor in iron bioavailability. From another perspective, studies in the laboratory of Alvin Crumbliss have drawn attention to the use of iron by microbes in the soil and in our bodies. Iron is acquired by microbial organisms by the excretion of iron-specific complexing agents known as siderophores. Crumbliss and colleagues have studied the kinetics and mechanisms of ligand-exchange reactions with iron complexes that are relevant to microbial iron transport. They have shown that metallic environmental pollutants such as aluminum can interfere with normal iron transport processes. The MBC director, Celia Bonaventura, invites inquiries regarding the projects described above, potential animal models, or other aspects of the MBC. For more information or to receive the Center's newsletter, ENVIRONS, write to MBC, Duke University School of the Environment Marine Laboratory, 135 Duke Marine Lab Road, Beaufort, NC 28516-9721.