Research Story, Media Release, Sciences

Free public lecture: how we're fighting to save species

The important role of genetics in the battle to save animal and plant species from extinction will be highlighted at a free public lecture at the University of Adelaide next week (Tuesday 8 May).

While many people know about the importance of the Human Genome Project in better understanding how the human body works, considerably less people know about how the genomes of all plant and animal species on our planet can be used to preserve biodiversity.

A genome is simply all the genetic material contained in an organism.

The next Research Tuesdays [1] free public lecture at the University of Adelaide will be presented by Professor Andrew Lowe [2], Director of the Australian Centre for Evolutionary Biology and Biodiversity at the University of Adelaide's Environment Institute [3].

"Biodiversity currently faces some of the greatest challenges in the history of the Earth, with the impacts of habitat clearance, invasive species and climate change," Professor Lowe says.

"There is a huge amount of exciting research being covered in the genomics area, and I will explain how scientists are using this research to improve the fate of the Earth's biodiversity and conserve species."

Current research in this field includes:

• Attempts to discover the 12 million-plus species on earth using 'DNA barcoding';
  
• Using genetic labels to monitor the trade in illegally harvested species - such as logging - so that consumers can make an ethical choice;
  
• Valuing of species and ecosystems using genomics data to prioritise conservation;
  
• Developing strategies to increase the potential resilience of species and ecosystems to change.

WHAT: Research Tuesdays: Life Strikes Back by Professor Andrew Lowe
WHERE: Napier 102 Lecture Theatre, North Terrace Campus, University of Adelaide
WHEN: 5.30pm to 6.30pm Tuesday 8 May 2012
COST: Free but registration is essential [4].

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Professor Andrew Lowe from the Environment Institute, University of Adelaide.
Photo by Michael Mullan.
Full Image (173K) [8]