Understanding Genetics: DNA, Genes, and their Real-World Applications, Lect. 1-3

Dear group,

We are happy to announce a new series of video lectures that we will be showing on genetics. There are 22 lectures in the series and we will intersperse the lectures between more formal future presentations. The lecturer in the videos is Dr. David Sadava, an award-winning teacher, author, and cancer researcher.

We will start from the very beginning -- from Gregor Mendel's research. In the 1800's monk and scientist Gregor Mendel learned through pea-plant experiments that each parent's characteristics were particulate. The results of his research - the beginning of modern genetics - were not recognized for 40 years before their value was discovered.
The lectures will also introduce simple concepts related to genes and chromosomes, and describe the physical and chemical environment of a gene.

In the beginning of our meeting, Joe will also provide brief updates on several topics:

Ancient Anglo-Saxon remedy to kill hospital germs: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/science/science-news/11504166/Anglo-Saxon-cow-bile-and-garlic-potion-kills-MRSA.html

Fish oil claims not supported by research: http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/03/30/fish-oil-claims-not-supported-by-research/?_r=0

Monsanto's roundup:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/03/27/monsanto-roundup-patrick-moore_n_6956034.html?utm_hp_ref=business&ir=Business

A new nutritious protein bar containing cricket flour: http://www.cnbc.com/id/102527504

A tricorder to detect different medical conditions and monitor vital signs for 72 hours: http://spectrum.ieee.org/tech-talk/biomedical/devices/first-prototype-of-a-working-tricorder-unveiled-at-sxsw

Treatment of Alzheimer's disease with ultrasound:
http://www.sciencealert.com/new-alzheimer-s-treatment-fully-restores-memory-function

Antibiotics in meat:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/03/21/antibiotics-meat_n_6916932.html

Update on GMO's:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/03/20/genetically-modified-potatoes-apples_n_6913798.html?utm_hp_ref=business&ir=Business

We will start at 7:00 p.m., with the afterwards discussion at Baton Rouge, from 9:15 p.m.
The meeting will take place in Committee room 3. The meetup fee is $3 payable at the event. It helps us to cover the cost of the website maintenance and the projector we bought for our presentations.

Looking forward to see everyone on April 17.
Best regards,
Elena and Joe.