14 August 2006

UC researchers speak out at science week

Are CSI crime shows fact or fiction; what effect are video games having on our kids; and are we dealing effectively with mouse plagues? These are some of the fascinating topics that will be discussed by University of Canberra researchers and their colleagues at the Australian Science Festival (ASF) next week.

The University of Canberra researchers will shed light on the latest cutting edge science research at the ASF speakers program on Saturday August 19 and Sunday August 20 at the National Convention Centre.

Saturday's program will kick off at 10.15am when physiotherapy researcher, Dr Gordon Waddington delivers the latest on back pain followed at 11.30am by Dr Michele Fleming's research on the effects of video games on children and adults.

Showcasing complimentary research, University of New South Wales Professor Andrew Lloyd and University of Canberra Associate Professor Suresh Mahalingam will discus the debilitating Chronic Fatigue Syndrome on Sunday at 10.30am. Professor Lloyd will discuss the findings of the Dubbo Infection Outcomes Study which links the illness to the brain rather than a virus or abnormal immunity as commonly believed. Dr Mahalingam will then give an insight into post-infective fatigue syndrome, while a representative from the ACT ME/CFS Society will give a personal account of living with the illness.

Other topics include how viruses, such as the mosquito borne Ross River fever virus, cause disease and using DNA as genetic markers to understand the evolution of different species.

University of Canberra Design and Science students will also take part in the ASF Amazing World of Science. Hands on science activities will include water sampling and microscopic exploration, bone identification, fitness testing and optical illusions. The Industrial design students have taken the theme of the Festival 'Engineering our Future' on board with a design competition for children which will explore fun designs for hybrid cars.

WHAT            Science Week Speakers Program

WHEN            19-20 August, 2006

WHERE         Nichols Theatre, National Convention Centre, Constitution Ave

For more information visit the website:

http://www.canberra.edu.au/divisions/hds/news/items/science_week_speakers_program

UC Communications

Gaye Morrison
T: 02 6201 5855
M: 0409 470 755

Kaddie Pass
T: 02 6201 2681

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Copyright © 2005 University of Canberra

Last Updated on August 1, 2005