WORK OF THE DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES, ACADEMY OF SCIENCES USSR, IN 1954

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80-00809A000700240073-3
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 11
• Document Creation Date: December 22, 2016
• Document Release Date: July 11, 2011
• Sequence Number: 73
• Publication Date: September 26, 1955
• Content Type: REPORT

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STAT
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WORK OF THE DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES,
ACADEMY OF SCIENCES USSR, IN 195
Izvestiya Akademii Nauk SSSR,
Seriya Biologicheskaya, No 3
Moscow, May-Jun 55
Soviet biological science is developing on the basis of the only cor-
rect philosophy, i.e., that of dialectical materialism. It has the purpose of
acquiring a knowledge of the laws of living nature in order to be able to use
this knowledge for the benefit of socialist society and for the building of com-
munism in the USSR. The victories achieved by Soviet science in the fight with
idealism and metaphysics in biology are a necessary prerequisite to our advance-
ment in the theoretical field and to the solution of many practical problems.
The August 1948 session of the All-Union Academy of Agricultural Sciences imeni
Lenin and the combined session of the Academy of Sciences USSR and the Academy
of Medical Sciences USSR have exerted a great influence on the progress of Soviet
biological science. These meetings were a turning point for soviet biological
science after which it began to forge ahead on the basis of the materialistic
principles of Michurinist biology and Pavlovian physiology. These sessions con-
tributed to the consolidation of the forces of Soviet scientists and the pur-
poseful application of these forces for the solution of a number of theoretical
problems in biology and of problems pertaining to the people's economy. An
objective analysis of the development of biological science in the USSR testi-
fies to the progress achieved recently. It is our duty to continue to safe-
guard biological science in the future from the influence of foreign reaction-
ary concepts of morganism and vitalism.
However, it would be a mistake to pass in silence over definite shortcom-
ings which have developed in our biological science. These shortcomings are not
connected with the principles applied in our work, but basically pertain to the
practical ways in which various scientific and organizational problems should be
solved.
It follows from what has been said above that we have a right to regard
with pride the ideological basis of our work and the theoretical prerequisites
of this work which have a bearing on the development of science.
Whether a theory is true or false can be established only by relating this
theory to reality. Every theory must be confirmed and justified by experience
and practical applications.
The veracity of facts wh'_^h have been established must be beyond question.
Nevertheless, one could find oxamples of a superficial and irresponsible atti-
tude towards facts, into the interpretation of which much that is subjective is
being introduced. Exact experimental work is often replaced with dogmatism and
bookishness. Generalizations which are too sweeping are made without a suffi-
cient experimental basis and often arrived at by ignoring the experimental re-
sults obtained by other investigators, including progressive foreign scientists.
Under such conditions the elements of conceit inevitably appear. All this is
incompatible with the responsibility which rests on scientists who are devel-
oping a progressive materialistic theory.
We must pay the closest attention to the thoroughness and accomplishment
of our experimental technique [literally, the culture of our experiments], the
exactness of our methods, and the reliability of our assertions. We must con-
tribute by every means to raising the material equipment of our laboratories to
the desired level.
mom
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ciple of collectivism . One science
problems in arcol-
lective manner. However, the collective way of conducting the work must be
combined with a full utilization of the personal initiative and experience of
every individual scientist.
It is necessary to remember that the solution of actual scientific prob-
lems can proceed along several roads. For that reason the existence of a number
of scientific schools is justified, which solve the same problems by different
means, but neverthe~ess always base their work on correct philosophic and meth-
odological principles A competition between such schools can only contribute
to the advancement of our science.
A situation under which scientists label as idealistic any line of research
with the conclusions of which they do not agree is absolutely impermissible.
The forms and ways in which scientific truth can be achieved are diverse: dogmas,
abstract schemes, and artificially supported personal authority do not contribute
much to the progress of science.
Of great importance in the progress c? science are discussions and a free
exchange of opinions. The purpose of tt._ 'exchange of opinions must be the sci-
discussionsswhich$arencarriedeoutlanditheideas.
task couicse,
general consists
in the reinforcement of the materialistic basis of science and not in its des-
truction.
Discussions and exchange of experience can be constructive only when suf-
ficient experimental data are available.
Notwithstanding this, many of the discussions which had been conducted in
the USSR recently were distinguished by too abstract a character: the concepts
advanced in them were not sufficiently,eyipported by factual data. We suggest
that the theoretical discussion of problems which arise on the basis of Michur-
inist biology be expanded and that these discussions be carried out with a suf-
ficient evaluation of experimental data. The strength of USSR's science is that
it serves the people and the workers. Science is closely connected with life
and practical applications. It is supported from many sides by the experience
of the advanced workers of production, thus receiving extensive data for the-
oretical generalization and conclusions pertaining to production.
Collaboration between scientists and the pioneers of production is one of
the most important conditions assuring the success of Soviet science. One must
mention in this connection that the decision of the plenary session of the Cen-
tral Committee of the CPSU has particularly emphasized the necessity of studying
the results of advanced production experience.
The
the CPSU,dandecisof'iopsthe of CbeforePSU,
taskstcon-of
nected with the f her advance of agriculture and an expansion in the production
of consumer goods.
The September [1953], January [1954], and February-March [1954] plenary
sessions o' the Central Committee of the CPSU were devoted to agriculture. This
testifies to the unflagging attention which the party pays to agriculture. Bi-
ologists must help in carrying out the tasks connected with the expansion of
agricultural production.
The investigations carried out by the Department of Biological Sciences
under the plan for 1954 were in agreement with this attitude. A considerable
number of decisions made by the Council of Ministers USSR, and imposed on the
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defi-
a V
nite fields. At the sme time, more work of actheoreti al nature ithan nineformer
years was done under the 1954 plan. For instance a considerable stress was
laid on research dealing with the effects of ionizing radiation on animals,
plants, and microorganisms, the application of the isotope methods, etc. The
work in question was carried out at the Institutes of Genetics, Microbiology,
Biophysics, and Animal Morphology, This work was distinguished by the award of
a President of the Academy of Sciences USSR Prize.
Interesting results were obtained with the use of electron microscopy. In
discussing the most important work which has been carried out at the institutes
of the Department of Biological Sciences in 1954, research on proteins and their
role in metabolism must be mentioned first of all.
Most of the work on this subject has been done by the Institute of Biochem-
istry imeni A. N. Bakh. Specifically, research done in 1954 established a number
of interesting facts in regard to the formation of protein-lipoid complexes. It
has been demonstrated that doubling of the molecular weight of the proteins takes
place in the course of the formation of these complexes and furthermore that
mixed complexes between egg albumin, serum albumin, and ergosterol are formed.
restrictedhastobesenubstancesdemonstrwhichated
to as hit
regardedeasienzyles; teins
were considered inert are also endowed with pronounced enz privity wnch
the light of the results obtained, one is led to the beliefmthat anyipr. In
possesses catalytic properties to a certain extent. any protein
In the order of increasing complexity of the research that Y.a been con-
ducted, I shall mention work with artificial protein systems in which inclusion
of individual enzymes or complete enzyme complexes has been realized, research
on natural polymolecular systems (as, for instance, particles which can be iso-
lated from the lysates of bacteria or from the intracavity liquid of the silk-
worm), and work on isolated mitochondria, plastids, etc.
In regard to the problem of heredity and modifiability, it may be said
that this problem is one of the most important problems of general biology, and
is of fundamental importance for the clarification of processes of individual
and evolutionary development of organisms and also of related phenomena per-
taining to mutations of plants and animals that would be of benefit to human
beings. The work on the problem in question was conducted mainly at the Insti-
tute of Genetics. In carrying out this work, the institute set itself the task
of establishing the laws according to which inherited modifications arise.
In 1954, new datq were obtained which confirm and expand the postulate to
the effect that there is an adequate adaptive response of organisms to new condi-
tions of life by appropriate modifications. Investigation of the processes of
the transformation of summer varieties into winter varieties has shown that
there is a direct connection between the development of new properties pertain-
ing to survival in the winter and the accumulation of assimilated products
under conditions of an appropriate illumination. The adequate character of the
modification of phytopathogenic viruses has also been demonstrated. All these
data testify to the fact that there is no selection of forms which are already
present in the population, as has been asserted in the foreign literature, but
actually a modification of the initial form. The modifications which take place
bear an adaptive character.
New data have been obtained on the fertilization of plants. In these in-
vestigations the interaction between the pollen elements and the surrounding
tissues of the maternal organism were studied. The role of the process of inter-
action in raising the vitality of the developing germ has been shown.
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In 1954, work on the processes of species formation in plants and on the
selection of winter wheats and corn has been continued at the Institute of Genet-
ics.
Of great theoretical and practical interest is the work that has been con-
ducted at the Main Botanical Garden of the Academy of Sciences USSR under the
direction of Academician N. V. Tsitsin, dealing with the selection of plants.
As a result of this work, a number of valuable varieties of agricultural plants
including winter and summer wheat -- Agropyrum hybrids -- have been recom-
mended for practical agricultural use. These hybrids give large yields of
grain in many regions of the USSR. Perennial wheats and branched rye have also
been introduced. The branched rye yields a large quantity of green matter which
can be used as fodder for farm animals. The work done by N. V. Tsitsin in this
field has been outlined by him in the monograph Otdalennaya Gibridizatsiya Has-
teniy (The Remote Hybridization of Plants) published in 195 .
One must note that a number of problems connected with the phenomena of
heredity has not yet been adequately investigated. This refers particularly to
the effects of radiation on heredity. Problems in this field have been investi-
gated at the Institute of Genetics, but not to an adequate extent.
With reference to radiobiological problems, one may say that the latest
achievements in the field of nuclear physics have opened up perspectives for
the application of nuclear radiation in medicine, agriculture, and industry.
On the other hand, progress in this field has resulted in the great danger that
humanity may be threatened when this radiation is used for purposes of aggres-
sion.
Soviet biology is faced with the urgent task (a task which ::annot be de-
layed) of investigating the mechanisms of the biological action of nuclear radi-
ation for purposes of scientific and practical application and also with the
aim of developing measures against the dangers which would arise if this radi-
ation were to be used as a means of aggression.
Work on these problems has been delegated to the recently created Insti-
tute of Biological Physics. However, this does not relieve other institutes of
the department of responsibility for work in this field. Although investiga-
tions on this subject have been conducted at these institutes for a long time,
the scope of these investigations has not been adequate. A decisive change is
needed here.
As far as the work on radiobiology during 1954 is concerned, the following
results may be mentioned. Work has proceeded along two lines: research on re-
dioactive isotopes and work which dealt directly with radiation and the effects
of radiation on biological objects.
The work on isotopes has been carried out at the Department of Biological
Sciences on a sufficiently extensive scale. During recent years radioactive
isotopes have been introduced into practical work at biological and agricultural
institutions as one of the most valuable methods of scientific research. Fur-
thermore, a number of institutions of the Department of Biological Sciences
have obtained new data on the vital activity of plants and animals by using this
method.
At the Institute of Plant Physiology it has been established that during
the photosynthetic formation of proteins in plants C14 enters most rapidly into
the composition of alanine, serinej and glycine. It has been established that
the velocity with which the products of photosynthesis are transported in sugar-
beet plants amounts to approximately 100 cm per hour. This important aspect of
the physiological activity of plants is of great importance from the standpoint
of practical measures that are taken, because in a number of cases we do not
take into account this velocity.
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A method of investigating synthetic reactions with the aid of the isotope
method has been developed. New methods of investigation have been developed to
a
the considerable extent and applied in soil science, particularly in work done by
e of Soil m
heavy water, etc., made iti posV. V. sible otoc solve inA1954catnumber of tracer
problems which
are of importance in connection with the theory of the nutrition of plants. The
results of the investigations that have been carried out will make it possible
to interpret from a scientific point of view the use of fertilizers and improve
the efi,.ctiveness of their use.
Investigations carried out at the Institute of Biochemistry have shown that
the resorption of carbon dioxide by the sprouts and roots of tobacco plants from
a solution containing tracer atoms is accompanied by the formation of a secondary
product in these plants, i.e., of the alkaloid nicotine. The process of the fixa-
tion of carbon dioxide in the roots proceeds independently of illumination and
is a dark reaction.
At the Institute of Microbiology the role of individual amino acids in the
synthesis of protein by fodder yeast has been clarified with the aid of methio-
nine containing tracer atoms. The data which have been obtained will be used
for the improvement of the quality of fodder yeast.
Vitamin B1 containing tracer atoms made it possible to solve within a very
short time the problem in regard to the best methods of obtaining microbiologi-
cal preparations which contain vitamins and are to be used as food and in medi-
cine.
As a result of the investigation of the laws underlying the biosynthesis
of vitamin B by microorganisms, a technological scheme for the production of a
highly activ@ vitamin concentrate was developed.
The Institute of Zoology has conducted important work on labeling fish with
radioactive phosphorus. This element is deposited first in the soft tissue of
the fish and in the scales, while later it accumulates in the scales and the
bones. On using this method of labeling fish it was possible to show that young
fish released into a river can be easily detected among fish that have not been
labeled.
The method of tracer atoms has been extensively used in other institutions
of the Department of Biological Sciences, such as the Institute of Physiology,
the Institute of Animal Morphology, the Laboratory of Physiological Chemistry,
etc. In studies on the restoration of brain tissue the effect of biologically
active substances in the mechanism of the contraction of the heart and the mech-
anism of glycogen metabolism, etc., has been clarified. The method of using
radioactive isotopes and heavy isotopes has been introduced into extensive use
at our institutes. In some cases we are making a transition to the next, more
advanced stage in this work and are beginning to develop a critical attitude
towards some conclusions which have been made hitherto on the basis of the use
of this method.
Notwithstanding this, we are not conducting enough work on the study of the
activity of radiation, particularly of hard radiation. Energetic measures must
be taken to expand the work in this field.
In 1954, a number of the institutions of the Department of Biological Sci-
ences conducted research on the effects of radiation on microorganisms and on
simple biological models and investigations on the elucidation of the mechanism
of the effects of biological radiation. Specifically, research which has been
conducted at the Institute o~ Microbiology yielded new data on primary injuries
produced by radiation. Research has been continued on the effect discovered
last year that irradiation stimulates the biosynthesis of ergosterol by
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microorganisms. Data have been obtained which indicate the possibility of ob-
taining, by means of irradiation, cultures which have a hereditarily fixed capa-
city to produce increased quantities of ergosterol. This is of great importance
from the practical standpoint, because ergosterol is an indispensable starting
material for the industrial production of Vitamin D and of a number of other
valuable substances. At the Institutes of Genetics and Biophysics, a large num-
ber of investigations has been carried out dealing with the effects of ionizing
radiation on the fertility of male and female animals. A number of new facts
and relationships has been discovered pertaining to the sterilizing effects
produced by radiation, which are potentially of importance not only from the
theoretical but also from the practical standpoint. In this connection, it is rticular thepindiv idualssidiregnificance that of the
but also appears
their tpronly in
ogeny.
Thus, one may conclude that there is a hereditary fixation of the effects of ra-
diation in the progeny.
As a result of the further improvement of luminescence microscopy the In-
stitute of Biophysics has developed a rapid method for the early diagnosis of
radiation injuries to the organism. This method is being transferred to medical
institutions for checking on a wide scale.
Work done at the institute of animal morphology has demonstrated that a
number of substances may exert a prophylactic effect and thus alleviate the re-
action of the animal organism to the effects of radiation. The protective ac-
tion that is exerted is apparently connected with a reduction of content of ox-
ygen in the organism. This action consists in general alleviation of the radia-
tion injury and primarily of the injury to the blood formation system, digestive
system, and other systems that are very sensitive to the effects of radiation.
When unquestionably lethal doses of radiation have been applied, a certain pro-
tective action was obtained by administering emulsions of bone marrow during the
first 4 days following irradiation.
At the Institute of Biochemistry, it has been established that the harmful
action of X rays on proteins is determined not only by the presence of sulfhy-
dryl groups, to which some foreign investigators ascribe a particular signifi-
cance in the mechanism of the effects produced by radiation. It has been demon-
strated in this work that the vitamins P and B6 protect protein solutions from
aggregation upon irradiation.
I in-
troduced discuss new methods investigation extensivelyin1954eandwhicharesbasically which
connected with the
use of electron microscopy. In 1954, the equipment of the Laboratory of Elec-
tron Microscopy has been modernized. A new universal electron microscope was
received, which is much superior to all older models. Improvements have been
carried out on the older models which increase their resolution. Microtomes
have been acquired which make it possible to prepare for electron-microscopic
investigations sections ranging down to 100th parts of microns in thickness.
As a result of the improvements in laboratory techniques which have been carried
out, possibilities have been created of applying the method of electron-micros-
copy to an increasing extent in various fields of biology.
Electron-microscopic investigations have been carried out in the fields of
microbiology, virology, and biochemistry. In connection with the acquisition of
the microtomes mentioned above, work on histology has been initiated.
I should also like to add that great progress has been made in the appli-
cation of luminescence microscopy and optical microscopy.
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The InstitutGofMicnvtriol[gyhas
ing bacteria. conducted work on the chemosynthesis in nitrat-
. It has also carried out investigations on the physiological and
biochemical characteristics of bacteria inhabiting petroleum deposits.
The role of these bacteria in the decomposition of individual hydrocarbons
and the formation of combustible gases has been clarified. Measures have been
devised for the regulation of the activity of these microorganisms with the pur-
pose of increasing the yields of petroleum from the deposits.
During 1954, the first microbiological investigations in the vicinity of
the North Pole were carried out. It has been established that at very large
distances from the nearest islands, under ice which is many years old, the whole
depth of the water and also the bottom of the Arctic Ocean are populated with
microorganisms. Various species of bacteria and even of yeasts were found at
all d8 the of the ocean. The data obtained are not only of importance from the
standpoint of hydrobiology, but also of significance for the hydrology of the
Central Arctic Region, because the bacteria are good indicators of ocean cur-
rents.
Problems connected with the new ideas on noncellular forms of living mat-
ter and the development of cells have been studied at a number of institutes of
the Department of Biological Sciences on the most diverse organisms and the most
diverse systems showing increasing degrees of organization. This work has been
done on viruses, on lysates, on bacteria, and on plants and animals.
tratesThfrome
Microbology gram-negatives anshown d lactic tacone id bacteria sometimes fformations
of an irregular outline which can be reseeded on special media after an indefi-
nite length of time. The morphology of these micro?orms was studied with the
aid of optical and electronic microscopes. It was found that the physiological
activity of these forms is very slight and that their growth is very slow. At
the present time there is no reason to consider these forms as stages in the
vital cycle of the microorganisms.
The influence of denaturating effects on the structure of the particles of
bacteriophage was investigated at the Laboratory of Electron Microscopy. It
was found that ammonium sulfate exerts no influence on the particle of the phage.
Urea brings about disintegration of the phage particles. A pressure amounting
to several thousand atmospheres has a similar action on a number of bacterio-
phages. New data on the fine details of the cell division of some of the sim-
plest bacteria have been obtained at the institute.
Investigations on plant cells have been carried out at the Institute of
Genetics and the Main Botanical Garden. It has been shown at the Institute of
Genetics that scarification of cells is characteristic not only for regenera-
tion processes, but can also be observed in the tissues of a normally develop-
ing organism. This phenomenon has been investigated in detail on the processes
of the growth of some plants.
At the Institute of Animal Morphology, experimental work has been done on
the ontogenesis of the silkworm. Furthermore, investigations have been carried
out on regeneration of skeletal muscles after macerated smooth-muscle tissue has
been implanted. The fact that smooth muscle substitutes [literally "models"]
of skeletal muscles survive for a long period of time has been demonstrated and
the dynamics of the smooth muscle tissue replacing the removed skeletal muscles
have been observed. At this institute a considerable number of clinical data
have been accumulated on the beneficial effect which a leukocyte preparation
exerts on the healing of refractory ulcers and wounds.
STAT
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As far as botany and research on plant physiology are concerned, the All-
Union Botanical Society prepared, on the occasion of the Eighth International
Botanical Congress at Paris, a collection of articles entitled "Voprosy Botan-
iki" (Botanical Problems), which played a considerable role in acquainting for-
eign scientists with the present state of USSR botany. At the Institute of
Plant Physiology imeni Timiryazev new and very important functions of the root
system have been discovered. These functions consist in the primary synthesis
of many amino acids and are connected with the metabolism in other parts of the
plant. The Institute succeeded in finding ways of overcoming the reduction in
the protein content of the grain of summer wheat resulting from irrigation. To
achieve this end, extraradical nitrogen fertilization during the formation of
ears of the plants was used. It is known that this problem has been of cardinal
importance in connection with the irrigation of the Trans-Volga region.
In this manner, an increase in the yields of hard southeastern wheat having
a high protein content can be achieved with irrigation and this increase can be
combined with a retention of high quality. Furthermore, new significant data
have been obtained on the role of soil microorganisms in the nutrition of
plants through the roots. Although the plants are of course completely auto-
trophic under conditions of inorganic nutrition, the microorganisms still play
an important role for the autotrophic plants, because they are capable of stimu-
lating the physiological activity of these plants by evolving vitamins and
other physiologically active substances.
Finally, one could demonstrate that the formation of amino acids in ti_
process of photosynthesis takes place without utilization of the sugars availa-
ble in the cells. One may conclude from this that the formation of amino acids
in photosynthesis is a primary process. This very important question must be
subjected to further research.
STAT
As far as investigations of the fauna of the USSR are concerned, the In-
stitute of Zoology has completed publication of three volumes of Fauna SSSR
(The Fauna of the USSR) and has compiled eight manuals for the determination of
specimens of the fauna of the USSR. An investigation which extended over many
years and dealt with the origination of nutritional forms among insects that
damage forests has been completed. Field investigations in the region of the
Angara Construction Project ("Angarastroy") have been completed. These investi-
gations dealt with the biology of insect pests and measures for combating them.
During 1954, the Interinstitutional Commission on the Colorado Beetle con-
tinued its work. This commission has set up a coordinated plan of investiga-
tions on this pest.
The Institute of Paleontology has concentrated its investigations on de-
posits in regions which are important from the economic standpoint. In accord-
ance with this principle, the paleozoic deposits of Siberia have been the prin-
cipal ones investigated. Investigation of these deposits fits into the general
academic problem of establishing the presence of petroleum and natural gas in
the eastern regions of the USSR, a task which was given to the academy by the
government.
By doing creative work within the scope of Pavlov's theory, the institu-
tions of the Department of Biological Sciences obtained many new and interest-
ing data in 1954. For instance, the Institute of Physiology established new
facts pertaining to one of the central problems of Pavlov's teaching on higher
nervous activity, namely the problem of cortical inhibition. The development
of forms of unconditional innate inhibition in the course of ontogenesis has
been proven. The mechanism of the release of cortical inhibition has been clar-
ified and the existence of a limit for cortical inhibition processes demon-
strated thereby. This investigation is of great significance from the stand-
point of developing ideas in regard to the limit of working ability.
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nervous activity and the course ofYintestinallulcers sinehuman beings was studied.
A series of investigations pertaining to disturbances of the functioning of
digestive organs in dependence on functional disturbance of the higher nervous
system has been completed. One must particularly note research on the experi-
mental formation of the higher nervous activity of dogs. It has been shown that
keeping the dogs under conditions of free perception or perception that is inter-
fered with affects the formation of the type of the nervous system.
At the Institute of Higher Nervous Activity the physiological basis of hyp-
nosis was subjected to investigation. The physiological significance and ef-
fects of sleep therapy in various diseases were studied. Work has also been
done on the so-called nervous exhaustion in children of school age.
The physiological laboratory has obtained new data indicating the signifi-
cance of the relative intensity of the excitation of cortical centers for the
functioning of conditioned reflex connections as far as the physiology of condi-
tioned reflex realignments is concerned.
In 1954 the Laboratory of Evolutionary Physiology, which works under the
direction of Academician Orbeli un problems of age physiology, expanded its ac-
tivities.
At the Institute of Animal Morphology, investigations have been completed
which show that with the aid of substances that contain free sulfhydryl groups
one may eliminate the acute toxicity of streptomycin and its specific neuro-
toxic action, which becomes apparent after prolonged application of this anti-
biotic.
Furthermore, it has been experimentally demonstrated that all sulfhydryl
substances that have been tested (free cystein, cystein hydrochloride) have a
pronounced chemotherapeutic activity with reference to diseases brought about
b~ "ram-positive as well as Gram-negative bacteria.
There is an increased trend toward concentration on problems which are of
importance from the standpoint of practical application. This trend must be
reinforced in the future. To give a few examples, a number of institutes of
the department have worked in 1954 on the development of virgin land. The In-
stitute of Soil has done the most extensive work on this subject.
Expeditions dispatched to the Turkmen SSR have studied gum-bearing trees
with the purpose of using them in the industry.
Under the supervision of the Institute of Biochemistry, work has been done
on the drying of seed grain, a procedure which was not regarded as feasible
hitherto. It has now been shown that this new procedure yields very good re-
sults. In this manner an effective remedy has been found for the situation
which arose in Siberia this year, to give an example.
Work on animal husbandry, as in previous years, is not yet on the desired
level, although a number of institutes of the Department of Biological Sciences
have conducted in 1954 work on problems of significance in this field. For in-
stance, at the Institute of Genetics problems connected with intervariety cross-
ing and other means of improving the productivity of animal breeding were in-
vestigated. This institute has also conducted work on the improveme?. of lacta-
tion and of the fat content of milk. The Institute of Physiology imeni Pavlov
has conducted investigations on the formation of milk and lactation in farm ani-
mals. In the course of this work the existence of a connection between processes
of inhibition in'the central nervous system and the fat content of the milk was
established.
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In regard to publications, one may state that the institutes of the depart-
ment have published a great amount of material in 1954, particularly as far as
monographs are concerned. The total amount of published material issued by the
Department of Biological Sciences -mounted to 2,500 printed sheets. However,
this does not satisfy the requirements of our scientists, because 600 printed
sheets prepared for publication have not been published.
In 1954 the publication of several new periodicals, particularly of the
journal Fiziolo i a Rasteniy (Plant Physiology) was begun. The biological ab-
stract journal Referativnyy Zhurnal Biologiyaj, which is of great importance
for us, also started publication in 1954.
The contacts with foreign scientific organizations have been reinforced
and expanded in 1954. This development has been aided to a great extent by nu-
merous foreign trips made by our scientists and by visits of foreign scientists
to the USSR. The exchange of books has also been expanded. Experience ac-
quired in contacts with foreign scientists has demonstrated that these contacts
contribute to a development of friendly relations and cultural cooperation be-
tween the USSR and foreign countries and furthermore serve the cause of peace.
The encounters with foreign scientists enable us to acquire an insight into the
positive experience of foreign scientists, which is often of great importance
and must be taken into consideration by Soviet scientists. Altogether 30 trips
abroad have taken place in 1954 and 500 of our scientists participated in these
trips. We have taken part in scientific congresses, meetings, and conferences
and our scientists presented reports at these gatherings. Specifically, sci-
entists from the Zoological, Soil, Forest, Animal Morphology, Genetics, Plant
Physiology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, and Botanical Institutes and from the
Main Botanical Garden, the Institute of Physiology imeni Pavlov and the Hel-
minthological and Physiological Laboratories have gone on trips abroad.
During 1954 our biologists have visited the following countries: France,
Africa, Italy, Czechoslovakia, Pakistan, Hungary, German Democratic Republic,
England, Albania, Rumania, China, Bulgaria, Sweden, Finland, Poland, Canada,
Japan, and Austria. Our country and our institutes were visited by biologists
from Norway, Albania, Rumania, Czechoslovakia, India, Japan, Austria, Bulgaria,
Iran, Poland, Holland, Hungary, England, Chile, Colombia, the German Democratic
Republic, and Canada. I have enumerated all this in detail in order to demon-
strate the extent and growth of our contacts with foreign scientific institu-
tions.
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