http://illinois.edu/calendar/Calendar?calId=705 Office of Research and Advanced Studies presents: Brown Bag Seminar The university and federal government have extensive policies and regulations concerning animal use in research. While these policies are important to know and follow, they do not cover the appropriate consequences when policies or regulations are violated. In this session, participants will engage in a short role-play scenario that highlights ethical issues in an animal research situation. Participants will then discuss the appropriateness and effectiveness of various strategies for responding to potential violations. All Graduate students and faculty are encouraged to attend. http://illinois.edu/calendar/Calendar?calId=705&eventId=120709&ACTION=VIEW_EVENT Seminar Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:00:00 CST Parkinsons disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects 1-2% of the population over age 55. Accumulation of misfolded -synuclein protein is the major pathological hallmark of Parkinsons disease, and mutations in the gene encoding -synuclein are associated with early-onset familial forms of PD. These observations suggest that -synuclein aggregation leads to neuronal death, and numerous research efforts have been directed at identification of compounds that can inhibit or reverse its misfolding. In addition, my laboratory has demonstrated structural and functional similarities between -synuclein and the plasma apolipoproteins, the major lipid carriers in the blood. On this basis we propose that normal, soluble -synuclein may function as a lipid carrier or chaperone within neurons. Perturbation of this normal function of -synuclein might contribute to the loss of dopamine neurons in Parkinsons disease, independent of the potentially toxic effects of aggregated -synuclein. A better understanding of the specific mechanism of -synuclein toxicity will be important for future efforts to therapeutically target -synuclein in Parkinsons disease. http://illinois.edu/calendar/Calendar?calId=705&eventId=129488&ACTION=VIEW_EVENT Public Event Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:30:00 CST Winter Safety for Pets http://illinois.edu/calendar/Calendar?calId=705&eventId=129507&ACTION=VIEW_EVENT Public Event Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:00:00 CST Why is My Pet Licking, Scratching, or Biting Itself? And, What Can I Do? - Our furry companions show us when they are itchy or uncomfortable in many ways, but often it is through rubbing, chewing, or scratching the skin, ears, and paws. We always want to find the root of the problem to find a way to relieve them. However, there are so many variables and possibilities that may complicate providing an easy explanation. This session will discuss these variables that may be involved, over-the-counter remedies, various preventive and management tools, and when a visit to the veterinarian is needed. http://illinois.edu/calendar/Calendar?calId=705&eventId=108939&ACTION=VIEW_EVENT Conference Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:30:00 CST