A University of Pittsburgh alumnus is one of eight recipients of the 2007 National Medal of Science, the nation's highest honor for scientists.

Dr. Bert W. O'Malley, who received his undergraduate degree at Pitt and his medical degree in internal medicine from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, was named yesterday by President George W. Bush as a medal laureate.

Dr. O'Malley, chairman of the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, is involved in research including hormone action, gene expression and therapy and nanotechnology.

He could not be reached for comment.

In addition to eight science laureates, six others were named as 2007 National Medal of Technology and Innovation laureates.

The National Medal of Science honors individuals for pioneering scientific research in a range of fields that enhance the understanding of the world and lead to innovations and technologies that give the United States its global economic edge.

The National Science Foundation administers the award, which was established by Congress in 1959.

The National Medal of Technology and Innovation, administered by the Department of Commerce, was established by Congress in 1980 and focuses on honoring the nation's leading innovators.