Yeast conference focuses on people

What is so awesome about yeast? Next week, almost 500 of the world's top yeast researchers will gather in Melbourne to discuss that topic at the 23rd International Conference on Yeast Genetics and Molecular Biology at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre.

The conference will focus on Australian and international research that is spread across the spectrum of yeast discoveries and applications.

Prof Ian G Macreadie, chair of the 23rd International Conference on Yeast Genetics and Molecular Biology, said: "Researchers are making contributions to basic biology, improved wine and beer, new fuels, and human health through the use of yeast.

"Most people were ignorant about the fact that yeast is a wonderful lifesaving organism that is bringing new hope to all areas from medicine to agriculture to biofuels.

"For instance, the newest vaccine for cervical cancer is produced in yeast, therapeutic antibodies like Herceptin will be produced in yeast and insulin is produced in yeast."

Prof Macreadie said that yeast basic research in molecular biology and genetics underpins much of the great knowledge that we have about the human genome.

Attending the conference will be Sir Paul Nurse, whose Noble Prize was earned by yeast research that applies to human cancer.

Sir Paul Nurse and Alex Franzusoff PhD will discuss the importance of yeast in cancer research at a 2007 Alfred Deakin Innovation Lecture on Friday 6 July, Lower Melbourne Town Hall at 12.30 pm. Sir Gustav Nossal will facilitate the lecture.

Program information is at www.yeast2007.org.

2007 Alfred Deakin Innovation Lecture: Cancer Treatments Innovations " how studying yeast can help

Venue: Lower Melbourne Town Hall
Date: Friday 6 July
Time: 12.30 pm " 2.00 pm
www.deakinlectures.net