August 24, 2009

CORVALLIS, Ore. - The "Food for Thought" Lectures coordinated by the Outreach in Biotechnology Program at Oregon State University will continue with a winter and spring series, on topics ranging from gene modification to political battles and new approaches to pharmaceuticals.

The winter series begins on Feb. 16 with a presentation on gene modification by Kathy Swords of the J.R. Simplot Co. The lecture will discuss a new method that only uses DNA already available in the specific crop, keeping gene modification within genetic barriers.

The lecture, "All Natural GMOs: Using Native Genes to Modify Plants," will be held at LaSells Stewart Center Auditorium from 7 to 9 p.m. It is free and open to the public.

In addition, Swords will also speak to the OSU science community on "Modification of Agrobacterium Gene Transfer Methods to Avoid Insertion of Non-Plant DNA Elements." That presentation will be on Feb. 17 at 3:30 p.m. in the Agricultural and Life Science Building Room 4000.

The other public lectures, all running from 7 to 9 p.m. at the LaSells Stewart Center, include:

 

  • April 20: "Political Battles Over Biotech Crops On International and Local Levels: The Players, Tactics and Science," by Martina Newell-McGloughlin, director of the University of California Systemwide Biotechnology Research and Education Program;

     

  • May 10: "Gene Patents and Farmers - Good or Bad?" by John Barton, professor at Stanford University Law School, discussing intellectual property issues and the ownership of genes in agriculture;

     

  • May 22: "Plant-Made Vaccines for Diseases of the Developing World," by Charles Arntzen, professor at Arizona State University, discussing the production of pharmaceutical proteins in genetically engineered plants.
    • Source: 

    Kirstin Carroll, 541-737-6072

    Click photos to see a full-size version. Right click and save image to download.