Science on the Half Shell: How Oyster Parasites Might Benefit Human Health

Science on the Half Shell: How Oyster Parasites Might Benefit Human Health

Part of Bigelow Laboratory’s Café Sci series at the Camden Public Library

April 25, 2017, 7:00-8:00 p.m.

Camden Public Library, 55 Main Street, Camden, ME 04843

The vast biodiversity of life on Earth harbors multitudes of as-yet undiscovered cures and remedies. Some are in the rainforest, while others could be hiding in the woods and estuaries of coastal Maine. Come find out where oyster parasites, chaga mushrooms, and molecular biology all come together in searching for benefits to human health.

Senior Research Scientist Dr. José Antonio Fernández-Robledo runs the Microbiology and Parasitology Laboratory on the Bigelow campus. His research represents the cutting edge of technology, unwrapping the mysteries and potential of parasites through genetic analysis and engineering. On April 25, he will present, “Science on the Half Shell: How Oyster Parasites Might Benefit Human Health.” Guests will learn about the vast genetic diversity of marine parasites, and why this could promise hope for medical science.

Bigelow Laboratory’s Café Sci series is a fun, accessible way for people to engage with leading researchers on critical issues and groundbreaking ocean science. Thanks to generous sponsorship support by First Advisors, the Laboratory is pleased to join with Camden Public Library to offer a special, four-part Café Sci series in 2017.

Fernández-Robledo’s talk will take place on April 25 at 7 p.m. and is the third in Bigelow Laboratory’s Café Sci series at Camden Public Library. The next and final one-hour talk is scheduled for May 23. These events are free and open to the public. Members of the press are encouraged to attend.

Visit bigelow.org/cafesci for more information about this special series.