On the Trail of Mis-Folded Proteins: Biochemistry and Neurodegenerative Disease

Pioneering Science Series

Featured Speaker: Michael R. Nichols, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry and BioChemistry, University of Missouri – St. Louis

Mis-folded proteins are a fascinating biochemical topic and the accumulation of these mis-folded protein aggregates looks to be the next big medical challenge. The phenomenon is an underlying cause of numerous neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s. As our lifespans increase and more people live to a ripe old age, the detrimental effect of protein aggregation is now much more appreciated and a tremendous number of biophysical, biomedical, and clinical studies have been conducted. Join biochemist Dr. Michael Nichols as he works to unravel the mystery behind of the biochemistry of protein aggregation and its relevance to human disease.

STUDENT OPPORTUNITES TO COMPETE FOR COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS— two $250 scholarships for middle and high school students. Attend 3 seminars or panel discussions and write about your experience. Scholarship decisions announced in May 2013.

DRAWINGS FOR TWO FREE JUNIOR SCIENCE ACADEMY MEMBERSHIPS at each Pioneering Science Seminar. Junior Academy of Science— Real-world science opportunities and field trips monthly— for students of all abilities in grades 6 – 12.

Location: Kirkwood High School Keating Theater

801 West Essex, Kirkwood, MO 63122

FREE parking in Kirkwood High School lots.

FREE and OPEN to ALL—middle and high school students, teachers, adults and the general public. Registration not required.

Pioneering Science Series co-sponsor: