03.16.07
Next Science Cafe: March 28.
In keeping with St. Patrick’s Day, the next Science Cafe sponsored by the RTP Chapter of Sigma Xi is
CSI Dublin: The Hunt for the Irish Potato Killer
Wednesday, March 28 - 7 pm (doors open at 6:30 pm)
Location: Tir Na Nog, 218 South Blount Street, Raleigh, 833-2460
Speaker: Dr. Jean Beagle Ristaino, Professor in the Department of Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
More than 150 years ago, blight struck the Irish potato crop, leading to
famine. The Irish people were dependant on potatoes as a primary food
source and when the crop failed, more than one million people died and
another two million emigrated from Ireland. Using a forensic DNA
technique pioneered in her laboratory, Dr. Jean Beagle Ristaino at NC
State University has been studying historic collections of infected
plant material to identify the specific strain of “late blight” pathogen
- also known as the fungus Phytophthora infestans - and to track its
migration. The evidence suggests that P. infestans is alive and well,
and causing disease today in many areas of the world. This Science Cafe
is a great way to learn about the links between history, modern
agriculture practices and emerging plant diseases.
Science Cafe is a place where, for the price of a cup of coffee or a
glass of wine, anyone can come to explore current topics in science and
technology. In conjunction with local Triangle Sigma Xi chapters, the
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is hosting monthly talks with
the goal of promoting discussion of science in a community setting.
For more information see www.naturalsciences.org/calendar/scicafe.html
