By Marley Malenfant/reporter
Sam Rhine, director of the Genetics Education Center will speak on the advancement of genetics Feb. 11 in NE Campus’ Center Corner.
Rhine visits schools around the country to inform students and educators on how genes work.
Rhine plans to talk about stem cell research, types of stem cells, cloning and gene control. He teaches students how to prevent birth defects and AIDS.
“We’re going to talk about man-made stem cells and the types of cells,” Rhine said. “The four types of stem cells are embryonic, adult, cancer stem cells and iPS, which stands for induced pluripotent stem cells.”
Rhine said induced pluripotent stem cells are used for cell replacement therapy and disease modeling.
Rhine said he would talk about the difference of human genomes to various animals.
“We’re going to compare human genomics to birds, mammals, primates and Neanderthals,” Rhine said.
Rhine said scientists have found new ways to control genes.
“We’re able to manipulate genes,” he said. “We can turn many bad genes that cause diseases by using what’s called miRNA [MicroRNA]. It turns off the coding genes.”
NE student Lydia Villalpando said the seminar should be interesting.
“For one, it would be good,” she said. “Anything that you learn about the body would be awesome.”
NE student Harolyn Abney said she might learn more about herself and how genes work.
“I would probably learn why I do some of the things I do,” she said.
NE student Emily Williams said the seminar could show how her mind functions.
“I think I’d learn more about how the brain works and what goes on,” she said. “Maybe learn things that normally wouldn’t show.”
