UNSW hosts genetic conference
UNSW is hosting the annual conference of the Genetics Society of AustralAsia, with more than 250 scientists gathering to discuss the latest genetic research on a wide variety of animals.
Published on the 12 Jul 2013
UNSW's School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences is hosting the annual conference of the Genetics Society of AustralAsia from Sunday July 14 to Wednesday July 17.
More than 250 scientists from Australia and around the world are attending to discuss a broad range of genetic research in a variety of animals, including humans, mice, dogs, kangaroos, platypuses, Tasmanian devils, penguins, fish, seahorses and snakes as well as mosquitoes and bacteria.
Topics of research include: epigenetics, ecology genetics, evolution and development, sex chromosomes, medical genetics and teaching and learning.
International Plenary Speakers include:
Professor Anne Ferguson-Smith, University of Cambridge, UK
Professor Ferguson-Smith is an expert in epigenetics and will discuss her research with mice showing how environmental factors such as under-nutrition during pregnancy can have impacts not only on the health of the first generation of offspring, but on their offspring as well – the second generation.
Professor Howy Jacobs, University of Tampere, Finland
Professor Jacobs is an expert in mitochondria – the fuel-burning engines of our cells. He will discuss his research with fruit flies that could lead to greater understanding of debilitating, mitochondrial diseases in humans.
Professor Michael Turelli, University of California, USA.
Professor Turelli is an expert on the mathematics of the spread of viral diseases. He will discuss his research on Wolbachia bacteria that live in the cells of disease-transmitting mosquitoes, and an attempt to use this relationship to control the spread of Dengue fever in Cairns.
Other interesting papers:
Evolution of venom: gene discovery in the platypus
Cool temperatures produce more male skinks in alpine nests.
Using ancient dental calculus to trace the impacts of diet and the evolution of human disease
Emperor Penguins and Weddell Seals: ice-dependent animals in a warming climate
A draft genome sequence for Australia’s Bearded Dragon
Event details:
What: Annual conference of the Genetics Society of AustralAsia.
When: July 14 to July 17, 2013
Where: John Niland Scientia Building, UNSW
Media contact:
Conference chair: Professor Bill Ballard, w.ballard@unsw.edu.au,
UNSW Science media: Deborah Smith, 9385 7307, 0478 492 060, deborah.smith@unsw.edu.au