Science Café Cleveland presents:
The Genetic Basis of Age-Related Macular Degeneration:
Are We Seeing 20/20?
January 13, 2020
FEATURING:
Andrea Waksmunski, BS & Jonathan Haines, PhD
PhD Candidate & Professor of Genomic Studies, respectively
Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences | Case Western Reserve University
EVENT INFORMATION:
Blindness is one of the most feared health conditions because of its detrimental impact on day-to-day life. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the third-leading cause adult blindness in the world. Because it is an age-related condition, AMD is expected to increase in prevalence as the US population ages, resulting in billions of dollars in healthcare costs. Both environmental and genetic risk factors contribute to a person’s risk of developing AMD. And while researchers have identified several genetic changes that are associated with AMD risk, many of the suspected genetic factors have not been identified yet.
In the lab of Jonathan Haines at Case Western Reserve University, researchers use methods from the fields of genetics, epidemiology, statistics, and computer science to identify new genetic risk factors for AMD, and to understand how these genetic changes might lead to the pathology. These approaches are applied to large population studies through international collaborations, and to special populations like those of the Midwest Amish.
Join us for the first Science Café of 2020 to get an overview of the symptoms and risk factors for AMD, as well as for a discussion about how our speakers use both “dry” (computer) and “wet” (lab bench) methods to study the genetics of AMD in the general population and in the Amish.
LINKS OF INTEREST:
This month's speaker has recommended the following links for further exploration of the topic:
What is Macular Degeneration? | American Academy of Ophthalmology
EVENT DETAILS:
WHERE:
The Music Box Supper Club - Concert Hall
1148 Main Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44113
WHEN:
January 13, 2020
Doors will be open 5:30–9:00 pm (last call at 8:45pm). Presentation and discussion is from 7:00–8:00pm. The Concert Hall will also host a limited menu before and during the event, not to mention a full bar! (Click here to view menu). Come early, get a good seat, grab a bite and a beverage, and enjoy the discussion!
WHO:
Sponsored by Case Western Reserve University chapter of Sigma Xi, WCPN ideastream, and the Music Box Supper Club.
