Science Café is an event where, for the price of a cup of coffee or a glass of wine, anyone can participate in topical discussions with leaders in the fields of science and technology. Hosted by local Sigma Xi chapters and the Museum, these monthly talks are located in coffee shops, bars and restaurants around Raleigh and promote discussion of science in an informal community setting.

Genetically Engineered Insects – a new kind of pest control

Tuesday, May 20, 2008
6:30-8:30 pm, discussion beginning at 7:00 followed by Q&A
Location: Tir Na Nog, 218 S. Blount Street, Raleigh, 833-2460
Bioengineering of organisms has attracted a great deal of public attention … some good, some bad. Insulin for diabetics, produced by genetically engineered microbes, has been universally embraced, while genetically engineered crops have been controversial. New applications of bioengineering could benefit society if used appropriately, but their use could be hampered if the technologies are shunned by the public. In this Science Café, you will learn about the biological properties of transgenic pests and details about specific genetic pest control projects under development that may be used to improve human food security, human health and ecosystem services.

Speaker: Fred Gould, PhD., is William Neal Reynolds Professor of Entomology at NC State University. Gould’s research has examined evolutionary approaches for dealing with agricultural problems, and since 1986 he has conducted theoretical and empirical research aimed at increasing the evolutionary sustainability of transgenic insecticidal crops. Recently, he has begun using evolutionary theory in designing strategies for effective use of transgenic insects for control of insect-vectored human diseases.

RSVP to katey.ahmann@ncmail.net. For more information, contact Katey Ahmann at 919.733.7450, ext. 531.

Past Science Café Topics
Science Café Raleigh Blog

The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences strives to enhance the public's understanding and appreciation of the natural world through exhibits, publications and programs.Visit us in downtown Raleigh at 11 West Jones Street.

Sigma Xi is the international honor society of research scientists and engineers, with more than 500 chapters in North America and around the world. In addition to publishing American Scientist magazine, the Society sponsors a variety of programs that support and promote science and engineering.