During the last decade, scientists studying the unusual associationsamong organisms known as symbioses have quietly but radically changed the nature of their investigations. Applying modern molecular techniques, symbiosis research has shifted from largely speculative and descriptive work to genetic analysis generating solid data and more meaningful interpretations about identity, physiology and evolution. To compare notes, researchers from diverse disciplines will gather at what is believed to be the first U.S. conference focusing exclusively on modern symbiosis research Sept. 5-8 at Bar Harbor, Maine. "More understanding of how organisms adapt to live with each other is basic biology and will lead to other applications, such as control of agricultural pests or spreading beneficial genes through populations," says Paul Baumann, UC Davis professor of microbiology and co-organizer of the meeting.