Expert speakers will take part in a free public day on Monday July 12, held as part of the 7th International Conference on Ancient DNA and Associated Biomolecules at the University of Queensland (Australia). The conference will provide a forum for leading experts on DNA, microbiology, medicine, forensics, population genetics and diseases, with a focus on the latest developments in archaeology. Conference organiser Dr. Tom Loy said the public day will appeal to anyone with an interest in forensic science and ancient DNA. “Thanks to programmes like CSI there are a lot of people interested in the role forensic archaeology can play in solving crimes, both past and present. Although the day is primarily aimed at school students and their teachers, we are welcoming anyone interested in this ever-evolving area.”
     A lecturer in forensic archaeology at UQ, Dr. Loy will speak on the life and death of Oetzi the Iceman. Other speakers include Dr. Mark Spigelman, who will explain how mummies help explain ancient mysteries, and Dr. Phillippa Uwins, who has discovered mysterious entities called nanobes. These last are currently the subject of debate amongst scientists, some of whom hold that they are a new type of life which may prove that life has existed on other planets.
     The conference will run from July 10 to July 12. Places for the public day are limited. Those interested in attending are advised to call UQ on +61 7 3365 7252, or go to: publicday.dna7@uq.edu.au, http://www.uq.edu.au/

Source: news-medical.net (26 May 2004)