MEDIA CONTACT: Judy Moore at (847) 491-4819 or jkm229@northwestern.edu

September 16, 2003

Experts to Discuss Science/Quality of Life

EVANSTON --- Northwestern University faculty members will discuss in nontechnical language the recent developments in genetics, stem cell medicine and nanotechnology -- all subjects at the forefront of scientific research -- during the Northwestern Alumni Association interactive program “Small is Big: Science That’s Changing the Quality of Your Life.”

The Northwestern Explores Series program, which is open to the public, will be held from 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Oct. 18, at Norris University Center, 1999 Campus Drive, Evanston campus. A reception for participants and presenters will follow the event.

Deciphering the human genome sequence and the ability to manipulate genetic information will have profound implications on how human diseases are treated. “The study of genes and DNA is revolutionizing medicine. Because of advances such as the deciphering of the human genome sequence, new types of diagnostic tests, drugs and disease therapies are being developed. These promise to improve the quality of medical care in many ways. They also raise a variety of issues for society, including ethical issues surrounding their use, privacy concerns and legal questions,” said Rex L. Chisholm, director of the Center for Genetic Medicine and Adam and Richard T. Lind Professor of Medical Genetics, Cell and Molecular Biology at Northwestern’s Feinberg School of Medicine.

Nanotechnology has been hailed as “the next big thing” for all the ways it could benefit the economy, the environment, human health and living standards worldwide. Mark Ratner,

Charles E. and Emma H. Morrison Professor of Chemistry, Judd A. and Marjorie Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, will explore how nanoscientists manipulate atoms and molecules to create materials with astonishing properties and practical benefits. He also will describe some of the world-renowned nanotech research taking place at Northwestern’s new Center for Nanofabrication and Molecular Self-Assembly.

The potential for using stem cell therapies for treating diseases such as heart attack, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injury and many other disorders have raised hopes as well as questions. John A. Kessler, M.D., Benjamin and Virginia T. Boshes Professor of Neurology and chair of neurology at The Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, will discuss the various types of stem cells, the differences between embryonic stem cells and “adult” stem cells, and how embryonic stem cell lines are derived. He will explain “therapeutic cloning” and how it clearly differs from reproductive cloning, as well as address some of the ethical and political issues regarding stem cells.

Registration fees are $20 for the general public or $15 per person for Northwestern University Club of Chicago members. For reservations, call (847) 491-7975. Registration will be available online at www.alumni.northwestern.edu/education.