“From Bench to Bedside: Biomedicine at the New Millennium,” a series of free public lectures presented by scientists at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, is scheduled to begin October 7 at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Oklahoma City.
OMRF’s nationally and internationally recognized biomedical researchers will explain in easily understood terms the latest research being done in cardiovascular disease, systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus) and its possible causes, and the role of bacteria in the history of human disease.
Lecture topics are chosen for clinical relevance and to highlight the cutting-edge research being done at OMRF, considered to be one of the top private, non-profit biomedical research centers in the U.S.
The first lecture, on October 7, will be “Can a Common Virus Cause Lupus?,” given by Judith James, M.D., Ph.D., Assistant Member of the Arthritis and Immunology Research Program. James, a physician-scientist, was co-discoverer in 1997 that Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), the virus that causes mononucleosis (the “kissing disease”) often found in teenagers and young adults, may have a strong relationship with the development of lupus, which affects mostly young women, and black women more than any other group.
On October 21, Rodger McEver, M.D., Member of the Cardiovascular Biology Research Program and Professor of Medicine at the OU Health Sciences Center, will present “Heart Health: The Two-Edged Sword of White Blood Cells.” McEver’s area of research focuses on how white blood cells, which normally ingest or destroy invading pathogens and help repair tissue injuries, can also lead to inflammation and thrombosis in the cardiovascular system when they accumulate in inappropriate numbers.
J. Donald Capra, M.D., OMRF president and noted immunologist, will talk about the role of bacteria in the history of human disease October 28 in “Winning the War on Germs: A Historical Perspective.” Capra’s lecture will explore such diverse issues as how germs played a part in the conquest of America and on the battlefields of the great wars; the epidemics of black plague, influenza and AIDS; antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria; and emerging germs in contemporary society and the future.
All lectures will be presented at 7 pm at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 4400 N. Shartel. Ample parking is available for the hour-long lectures, which includes a question and answer period followed by light refreshments. For more information, call 271-9403.
