Sometimes it pays to look in unlikely places to uncover fundamental principles of biology!
Researchers Bonnie Bassler of Princeton University and Baldomero Olivera of the University of Utah are this year's lecturers and they will be sharing their insights with us live during HHMI's 2009 Holiday Lectures on Science.
The theme of this year’s lectures is “Exploring Biodiversity: The Search for New Medicines.” Presentations by both will highlight the importance of studying and learning from the diversity of organisms found in nature.
Here's a little information about what they study:
Bassler, who is an HHMI investigator at Princeton, will explain how bacteria talk to each other. One type of communication—called quorum sensing—allows simple asocial creatures to coordinate complex activities, including working together to attack their host. Bassler first discovered this bacterial chatter by studying bioluminescent bacteria that live symbiotically inside squid.
Curiosity drove Olivera, an HHMI professor, to study venomous cone snails. These ocean-dwelling snails sting and inject potent venom to kill fish, worms, and even people—if they are in the wrong place at the wrong time. Each of the 700 cone snail species makes a unique venom that targets the victim’s nervous system and causes sedation, shock, or paralysis.
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The topics look very interesting. I read more about them on their website. Good Luck and enjoy DC. We'll be thinking of you and watching from North Louisiana!
ReplyDeleteBoth Bassler and Olivera seem to be speaking on information that my school's Biology division studies. I am sure that our school will be watching the lectures to hear the information both researchers will provide. It seems like an educational experience that our science sector as a whole will not be able to pass up.
ReplyDelete-Wishing you the best of luck and Louisiana's love.