6 Aug (Thu): Talk on "Beauty & the Beasts"

By Prof Ponnampalam Gopalakrishnakone, Department of Anatomy, National University of Singapore

SNAKES and scorpions are much known – or maligned as in many a Hollywood movie – for their deadly venoms. However, to Prof Gopal of the Venom and Toxin Research Programme, the components of venoms can be used to develop drugs that help to alleviate certain symptoms such as soothing inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis or pain relief in terminal illness. Prof Gopal will give a presentation on the dangerous animals in the lands and seas around Singapore and how to identify them and also prevent their bite, and if any accident happens, what to do! He will also touch on the uses of these venoms in medicine.

This talk was also featured in "Bloats like a pufferfish, stings like a bee" by Teh Jen Lee, The New Paper 5 Aug 09;

Registration required. More details on the Science in the Cafe website.

Time: 7pm
Venue: Mendel Auditorium, Singapore Science Centre location map
Website and contact: http://www.science.edu.sg/ssc/CafeMain.htm