6-11 May 2012

Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi

Deadline for applications: 27 January 2012

Large-scale genetic studies have become a powerful tool for understanding resistance and susceptibility to disease. There is growing interest among medical researchers in Africa in applying these new methodologies to gain a better understanding of common diseases that affect African populations. This course aims to describe the key aspects of population genetics and genome wide association studies (GWAS); participants will be able to perform analyses in their own research. We will cover both theoretical and practical issues of genetic epidemiology via association analysis, illustrating particular concepts with examples from recent studies in Type 2 Diabetes, sickle cell disease and Malaria.

Cost: Free and bursaries are available to cover travel and accommodation costs (full details on our website).

www.wellcome.ac.uk/advancedcourses

Africa is the colossus amongst continents. It was at the heart of Pangaea at the time of the supercontinent. Over the past 10 million years, Africa is where each step in the evolution of Homo sapiens has occurred from the earliest pre-humans through to us today. It includes Earth’s podium geodiversity; and the hotspot of biodiveristy occurs here at the southern tip of Africa. 

Africa is home to the only intact mega-fauna. We talk of the big five – it is only on the African continent that we still find preserved the large mammals. They have become extinct on all other continents, either through our actions, or through natural climate change.

But, ironically, Africa is also the place of greatest human suffering.

Research results in significant breakthroughs for grape, wine industry - Researchers at the Vitus Gene Discovery Program at the Center for Grapevine Biotechnology in Missouri State University’s W. H. Darr School of Agriculture announced two major breakthroughs:  Norton, the state grape of Missouri, has now been sequenced; and the first DNA virus ever discovered in grapes has been sequenced. The genome of the new virus is a double-strand circular DNA molecule. Close association of this DNA virus with an emerging grape disease will lead to a more detailed study of the new virus that will help prevent further spread of the virus and the loss of grapevines in vineyards. KY3

Grapery™ introduces New Cotton Candy® variety to select retailers - Cotton Candy was developed and patented by International Fruit Genetics (IFG). IFG developed this variety of grape in its Delano, Calif. based breeding program over a 10-year period. Cotton Candy was created under an exclusive contract with the University of Arkansas, by using traditional breeding methods to cross the best California grape varieties with grapes bred at the University of Arkansas. Fresh Plaza

 Moderate Alcohol Consumption Linked To Women's Health - Researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health analyzed nearly 14,000 responses to the Nurses’ Health Study -- one of the largest ongoing women’s health studies in the U.S. They found that women who reported drinking approximately one alcoholic beverage per day at age 58 had a 20 percent better chance of “successful aging” than their non-drinking counterparts. The researchers defined “successful aging” as making it to 70 with good cognitive function, no major chronic diseases, no physical limitations and good overall mental health. Huffington Post

Climate Change Offers Up a New Wine List - You’ve probably heard of the wines that made Napa and Sonoma famous, like Cabernet Sauvignon or Chardonnay. But what about Negroamaro or Nero d’Avola? They’re wine grapes that are well-adapted to hotter climates – the kind of conditions that California may be facing as the climate continues to warm. But for wineries that have staked their reputations on certain wines, adapting to climate change could be a tough sell. Climate Watch