AT HARBOR BRANCH OCEANOGRAPHIC INSTITUTION |
|
Ft. Pierce, Oct. 8, 2002 -- Florida's leading marine biotechnology scientists, along with
state Sen. Ron Klein (District 28), will meet today at the HARBOR BRANCH Oceanographic
Institution to discuss the latest advances in their field and how to improve the process
of commercializing new discoveries.
One of marine biotechnology's most visible components is the hunt for new chemical compounds produced by organisms in the ocean that can be used as drugs to fight disease. Scientists from HARBOR BRANCH's Division of Biomedical Marine Research and universities and institutions from around the state will discuss a variety of compounds derived from sharks, sponges, microorganisms, and various other marine creatures that have shown promise in fighting cancer and other diseases. Some will also present their work to develop techniques for producing these compounds in laboratories without having to harvest them from the ocean and for altering their natural chemical makeup in hopes of creating completely new and beneficial pharmaceuticals. The marine biotechnology field also includes numerous other pursuits. Scientists will, for instance, be explaining new techniques for measuring harmful microorganisms and toxins in water that could be used to detect biowarfare agents and harmful algal blooms such as devastating "red tides," among other topics. Another major area of discussion, to include Sen. Klein, will be potential ways to expand Florida's marine biotechnology industry such as legislation for new state research funding or for creating economic incentives to attract new companies to the state. "What we really need is a Silicon Valley-type marine biotech alley," says Dr. Russ Kerr, from Florida Atlantic University, who organized the summit. The Florida Marine Biotechnology Summit III, expected to draw about 100 participants, will be held at the HARBOR BRANCH Oceanographic Institution's Marine Education and Conference Center. The event is sponsored by Florida Sea Grant and Florida Atlantic University. Reporters are invited to attend all or part of the summit, which runs from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 8. To arrange for a press pass or interviews with Senator Klein and summit leaders, or for additional information please contact Mark Schrope at 772-465-2400 x433 or Schrope@hboi.edu. To see meeting agenda go to: http://www.flseagrant.org/summit_brochure_and_registration.htm HARBOR BRANCH Oceanographic Institution, Inc., is one of the world's leading nonprofit oceanographic research organizations dedicated to exploration of the earth's oceans, estuaries and coastal regions for the benefit of humankind. |