Innovation Anthology #193:
The future of Alberta’s economic development could very well depend on the DNA sequencing of fungi and microbes.
That’s how much genomics and biotechnology are changing traditional industries like agriculture, forestry and energy.
And the man leading that charge is Dr. David Bailey, the President and CEO of Genome Alberta.
Created in 2005, Genome Alberta is one of several research centres across Canada.
DR. DAVID BAILEY: Genomics then is the data that is generated from doing DNA sequencing of a particular species. So the human genome is completed and now people are studying the results of that. And so it’s a number of series of steps from the species to the genome to the interpretation of that data to the specific implications of individual or a combination of gene sequence data. Our job is to recommend to the Province which are the priority areas that would be good for Alberta to invest in. What kind of services can genomics tools provide for health industry, agriculture industry, forestry industry? Particularly in the energy industry, there are lots of applications.
For example, Genome Alberta researchers are sequencing the DNA of mountain pine beetles as well as microbes that could change oil sands extraction.
Learn more at InnovationAnthology.com
I’M CHERYL CROUCHER
* * *
Imagining Science Art Exhibit
Imagining Science at the Art Gallery of Alberta from November 15, 2008 to February 2, 2009 will look at the changing world of genetics, bio-technologies and human engineering.
A publication including essays written by some preeminent scholars on science and art, such as Jay Ingram, Jim Evans and Cynthia Cohen, and edited by Sean and Tim Caulfied accompanies this exhibition. Available at U of A bookstores and most major book retailers.
Guest
,
, , , ,
Sponsor
Program Date: 2008-12-16