Myung-Haing Cho will deliver the Leading Edge in Basic Science Award Lecture,”Inorganic Phosphate: Hidden Signal?,” on Tuesday, March 13, from 7:00 am-7:50 am in Room 304 of the Moscone Convention Center. Dr. Cho, Professor, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Korea, received this award for his extensive research on lung toxicity and cancer, toxicity and efficacy of nanoparticles, gene delivery, and stem cells. Inorganic phosphate (Pi) is being added to a large number of processed foods because the addition of Pi increases the quality of food through improved water retention and texture. Surveys conducted in various countries indicate that intake of Pi has increased steadily as Pi-containing foods increased. These surveys also suggest that the use of Pi as a food additive may continue to increase. Pi plays a key role in diverse physiological functions. Several studies indicate that Pi may affect lung cell development through Na/Pi co-transporter (NPT). Some NPT subtypes have been identified in mammalian lung and considerable progress has been made in our understanding of their function and regulation. This research has tried to elucidate the potential effects of high dietary Pi. Access more details about the 2012 SOT Award recipients.