Millions of people use prescription drugs daily to cure their various illnesses, but do they consider the detrimental effects these drugs could pose to their health after years of use?
Dr. Janet Duerr, Associate Professor of Biological Sciences in the College of Arts & Sciences, answers this very question in her Science Café discussion on “Genes: Are we just big, smart worms?” at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11, in the Front Room in Baker University Center. Free coffee will be provided to the first 50 attendees.
“The Science Café discussion topics always directly pertain to students in some way,” said Breanna Carrero, President of the Ohio University Science Club. “That’s why people really love them.”
Duerr’s research uses a model organism — a microscopic soil nematode — to examine the development and function of the nervous system. It also observes the changes that develop when the worms are treated with various prescription drugs, such as anti-depressants and ADHD medicines.
“I want people to understand how basic our brain functions are and make people aware that when we take drugs there can be consequences,” Duerr said of her work.
Café events are free and open to students, faculty and staff. Both cafés are venues for students to share their interests informally during a conversation exchange in a friendly setting. The Science Cafe is hosted by Dr. Sarah Wyatt, Professor of Environmental & Plant Biology and Vice President of the Ohio University Chapter of Sigma Xi. The two series are sponsored by the Ohio University chapter of Sigma Xi and the Office of the Vice President for Research. Find the Science Café on Facebook and Twitter.
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