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studies have begun to obtain insights concerning the ecology, behavior and natural history of plants and pollinators, fundamental determinants of tropical biota and habitats. In addition, should the national need exist to update the existing reports on a sea level canal, and should further biological studies be undertaken, the Institute is in the position to provide much of the necessary scientific support and information on interoceanic interactions as well as baseline data on many of the plants and animals inhabiting both oceans. In addition, to its Treaty-related expenses, the Institution will seek core staff and related support for its research programs.

Repair and improvement funding will be sought over the next five years for upgrading of old and potentially hazardous buildings on Barro Colorado Island and renovation of library and laboratory facilities at Ancon. Particular emphasis will be placed on renovation and upgrading of laboratory facilities at Naos Island on the Pacific, including expansion of present coral ecology facilities, and at Galeta Point on the Atlantic. Further information is contained in the facilities chapter of this document.

[[underline]] Radiation Biology Laboratory. [[/underline]] The Radiation Biology Laboratory will continue its studies of solar radiation and its influence on plants and other living organisms, emphasizing research in regulatory biology and environmental biology. Additional technical support will be sought for senior staff scientists who have been functioning for several years with inadequate levels of support and technical staff.

The Laboratory studies the mechanisms by which light regulates enzyme activity, alters the readout of genetic information, and interacts with membrane systems. The molecular description of some of these processes as well as the reconstitution of functioning membrane systems from isolated components, is anticipated by 1985. As part of its environmental biology program, the Laboratory, during 1979, installed a scanning radiometer on Barro Colorado Island to measure the spectral quality change of daylight after passage through a tropical forest canopy. It is planned, in the future, to measure productivity of the forest canopy using carbon dioxide analyzers. It addition, underwater equipment has been developed for taking measurements involving solar radiation and biological responses. This equipment was tested in late FY 1979 and is part of a cooperative research effort with the Institution's Chesapeake Bay Center for Environmental Studies. A feasibility study is underway to determine if similar efforts at the Tropical Research Institute would be of scientific value. Institutional environmental research interests currently encompass the study of light on periodic phenomena such as flowering and the endogenous rhythms and responses of various plants under stressed environments including tropical and temperate marsh areas. The research is new and could produce interesting and beneficial results over future years.

The Institution will continue to consider alternative locations for the Laboratory. It is currently housed in leased quarters in Rockville, Maryland, and the lease (including available options) expires in 1990. Relocation to a Smithsonian-owned site is the preferred solution in order