Scientists and researchers from all over the world who work on Bacillus anthracis, the causative agent of anthrax, and on B. cereus and B. thuringiensis, two closely related bacillus species, will be heading to Victoria, British Columbia, in October 2017 for the international conference known as "Bacillus ACT.(link is external)" (http://www.cvent.com/events/the-international-conference-on-bacillus-anthracis-b-cereus-and-b-thuringiensis/event-summary-65af2c06ed4f46eab33b5dce350f52cb.aspx). The bi-annual conference, set for October 1-5, will allow members of the scientific community to present their work and meet more than 200 global peers. "World-renowned scientists will present their latest findings -- from studying genomics, cell wall and spore structure and function, gene regulation, sporulation and germination, toxins, epidemiology, ecology, and bacteria-host interactions of these species," said Bacillus ACT 2017 Co-Chair Staci Kane, Ph.D., of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). In addition, experts working on rapid diagnostics, decontamination, vaccine development, therapeutics, and general physiology will be participating in this conference, which was last held in 2015 in New Delhi, India, Dr. Kane said. "By choosing international destinations, we can tap into local knowledge and bring together global expertise. Friendships and collaborations are formed that may never have happened without people meeting at this conference," she added. Victoria, British Columbia, was chosen because of its access to scientific hubs in Vancouver, Seattle, Portland, and across California. This year's conference is organized by LLNL's Global Security Principal Directorate, which applies multidisciplinary science and technology to anticipate, innovate, and deliver responsive solutions to complex global security needs.
Login Or Register To Read Full Story