Photograph By PIXABAY.COM
Simon Fraser University’s Café Scientifique is tackling vaccinations in the wake of recent outbreaks of the measles.
Café Scientifique is a series of informal discussions connecting research to important issues of interest to the community. The events include light snacks and refreshments “while engaging with cutting-edge, award-winning researchers from Simon Fraser University’s Faculty of Science,” said a news release.
The May 8 event at the Bob Prittie Metrotown Burnaby Public Library is called the Science Behind Viruses and Treatments.
Attendees will hear three different discussions:
- How Do Vaccines Work? Is with Dr. Mark Brockman, Associate Professor, Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry. “Vaccines have contributed to dramatic declines in illness due to pathogens. Recent outbreaks of measles and other vaccine-preventable infections highlight the vital role that they play in our healthcare system. Mark Brockman will introduce the science behind vaccines and discuss how they help to protect individuals and populations from disease.”
- Fighting Cancer with Radioactive Drugs is with Dr. Caterina Ramogida, Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry, Simon Fraser University & Life Sciences Division, TRIUMF. “Cancer continues to be the leading cause of death in Canada. A new class of radioactive drugs shows immense potential for the treatment of difficult to treat cancers. Caterina Ramogida will introduce how these radioactive isotopes can be used to safely and effectively treat disease and discuss some of the current challenges associated with developing these drugs for wide spread use.”
- Are you really good with numbers? is with Dr. Nilima Nigam, Professor, Department of Mathematics. “Many of us view mathematics as a topic that caused us discomfort at some juncture, though we hear it is very useful. A closely-guarded secret is that many mathematicians are terrible with arithmetic, and prefer problems which are challenging or fun. Nilima Nigam will talk about the mathematics of a high-dose targeted radiation therapy for rectal cancers, and of the zombie apocalypse (hint: get the anti-zombie vaccine!).”Location: 2nd floor program room - Bob Prittie Metrotown Burnaby Public Library, 6:30-9:00pm (doors open for registration at 6:00pm)
Reserve your free seat by emailing here.
