For many years transplantation protocols have utilised haemopoietic tissues containing adult stem cells. Subsequent progress in scientific and clinical research characterized the cells responsible for haemopoietic reconstitution. Recently, normal and cancer stem cells have been identified in a variety of tissues. Our ability to manipulate these stem cells and/or their progenitors should lead to exciting developments in tissue engineering, tissue regeneration, therapeutic intervention as well as facilitating functional and molecular studies. Talks from leaders in the field will highlight identification and isolation of normal and cancer stem cells; current protocols for their growth and their potential application in cell based therapies - Dr Erica De Wynter, University of Leeds - the Meeting's Chair   more »

This event is the culmination of a series of seminars designed to look at all the issues faced by returners to a career in SET. At the first two seminars a number of key issues were discussed, with emphasis on returning to an academic research career. In this seminar we will address the barriers faced by those wishing to return to industry, the business case for employing returners, and the benefits to both returners and their employers when highly skilled and very talented SET professionals return to their careers. We hope to attract individuals with a wide range of experience in relevant areas, allowing for audience participation, debate and discussion. There will be a speed networking session to allow as many people to meet and network as possible. The Daphne Jackson Trust will be publishing the findings in a report which will help instigate change and move the agenda forward to a position where scientists are no longer disadvantaged by taking a career break.   more »

The Institute of Biology will be running a one day course on ‘Grant Applications And Fund Raising’ on Thursday 4th May 2006 to be held at The Institute of Biology, London, from 10.00am – 4.00pm.   more »

This meeting has a broad remit - basic concepts, variations, data analysis, instrument platforms, signal detection formats, sample collection, assay design, execution PCRs and quality issues. Conventional PCR, real-time quantitative PCR, multiplexing, single tube reactions (RNA to PCR products), all with a focus on clinical & diagnostic use. As with all Euroscicon meetings, we expect a packed agenda with plenty of discussion. There will also be plenty of opportunity for networking - Dr Ralph Rapley, Department of Biosciences, University of Hertfordshire   more »

We are delighted to invite you to join the upcoming Canadian Association of Science Centres (CASC) 2006 Annual Conference, which is being held May 25-27, 2006, in Ottawa. If you and/or your organization plays a role in enhancing and promoting public understanding and enjoyment of science and technology, then this conference is a "must-attend"!   more »

"The ELISPOT represents the most sensitive technology for the detection of immune cells making signature proteins such as cytokines. It therefore represents the “state-of-the-art” for the detection, measurement and functional analysis of immune cells".   more »