GENETICALLY ENGINEERED INSECTS? A NEW PEST CONTROL(Ken)

6:00-8:30 PM, DISCUSSION BEGINNING AT 7:00 FOLLOWED BY Q&A

Bioengineering of organisms has attracted a great deal of public attention ? some good, some bad. Insulin for diabetics, produced by genetically engineered microbes, has been universally embraced, while genetically engineered crops have been controversial. New applications of bioengineering could benefit society if used appropriately, but their use could be hampered if the technologies are shunned by the public. In this Science Café, you will learn about the biological properties of transgenic pests and details about specific genetic pest control projects under development that may be used to improve human food security, human health and ecosystem services.
Speaker: Fred Gould, PhD., is William Neal Reynolds Professor of Entomology at NC State University. Gould's research has examined evolutionary approaches for dealing with agricultural problems, and since 1986 he has conducted theoretical and empirical research aimed at increasing the evolutionary sustainability of transgenic insecticidal crops. Recently, he has begun using evolutionary theory in designing strategies for effective use of transgenic insects for control of insect-vectored human diseases.

I have RSVPed for 20 slots, and I will try to arrive at 6pm and scout out a table or two. The earlier you arrive the better chance you have of sitting with the group. If this event fills up and you wish to attend you must first RSVP to katey.ahmann@ncmail.net. For more information, contact Katey Ahmann at 919.733.7450, ext. 531.

LOCATION: TIR NA NOG, 218 S. BLOUNT STREET, RALEIGH, 833-2460
6:00-8:30 PM, DISCUSSION BEGINNING AT 7:00 FOLLOWED BY Q&A