Ruth Kirschstein Dies

Ruth Kirschstein, a former deputy director at NIH, died. Kirschstein was 82. According to ScienceInsider, Kirschstein became the first woman to direct an NIH institute when she took the helm of the National Institute of General Medical Sciences in 1974. She later was deputy director of NIH for 6 years under Harold Varmus and twice was acting NIH director. "Ruth worked up to her last days. Last week, in fact, I was on a conference call with her, and her insightful contribution made it clear she had not missed a beat," NIH director Francis Collins says in a statement. He adds, "There are few at the NIH who have not been touched by her warmth, wisdom, interest, and mentorship.