> Subject:      asc-l: ANZAAS [Vic] Evening Lecture Meetings
>
> ANZAAS,  VICTORIAN DIVISION:
>
> EVENING MEETINGS IN MELBOURNE
>
> Tuesday,   27th. October 1998,   at  8 p.m.
>
> in the Kaleide Theatre (RMIT), 360 Swanston Street, Melbourne
> (opposite a'Beckett Street).
> Dr Bruce Livett and Dr John Down
> Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of
> Melbourne)
>
> will speak on
>
> "Cone shell toxins: molecular prospecting for novel drugs from the
> sea"
>
> The talk will be well illustrated and will be informative and
> interesting for both scientists and interested lay public.
>
> Following the presentation, light refreshments will be provided.
>
> OUTLINE:
> Cone shells (family Conidae) are marine snails, molluscs found in reef
>
> environments throughout the world.  For centuries they have been
> collected
> for their unique and intricately designed shells.
> Over the last few decades, Cone shells have become an exciting subject
>
> for scientific research.  This is on account of their unique venoms,
> which
> they inject into other marine organisms which are their prey
> (including
> fish, worms, and other molluscs) to immobilise them.  The venoms act
> on
> the nerve cells, and some are lethal to humans.
> The focus of current research is on the pharmacological qualities of
> the active molecules in the venoms, particularly their value in the
> relief
> of chronic severe pain.  Trials have shown that they can provide
> relief
> for most long-term patients for whom increasing doses of opiate drugs
> such
> as morphine or pethidine have become ineffective.
>
> CONTACT DETAILS:
>
> Eric Webb (Convener, ANZAAS Evening Meetings, Melbourne)
> Tel.  [W] (03) 9239-4508,   [H] (03) 9885-6407.
> FAX   [W] (03) 9239-4444.
> e-mail  [W]  [log in to unmask]
>
> A FURTHER MEETING will be on
>
> Tuesday,  17th.   November,   1998,    at 8 p.m.,
>
> again in the Kaleide Theatre (RMIT), address as above.
>
> Mrs Agnes Tan (Microbiological Diagnostic Unit, Department of
> Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne) will speak on:
>
> "Food safety: new concerns for an old problem"
>
> All welcome
>
>
>