Cloning and stem cells to be focus of GVSU genetics conference

Cloning, stem cells, and breakthroughs in genetic disease research and therapies will be spotlighted during the 12th annual Genetic Update Conference November 9 at Grand Valley State University.

Sam Rhine, annual keynote speaker for the conference and medical physician, will give multiple lectures from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in the Kirkhof Center Grand River Room. In addition to discussing stem cells and cloning, Rhine will also present advances in treating, understanding and potentially curing diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, autism, Lou Gehrig’s disease, multiple sclerosis and more conditions.

Kathy Agee, Regional Math and Science Center science program coordinator and conference organizer, said the conference aims to educate high school students and their teachers about the evolving advancements and careers in medicine and genetics research.

“Most of what you hear and understand from Dr. Rhine’s lectures is work that he has gleamed from countless medical journals, technical research papers, colleagues and friends, and medical conferences,” said Agee. “He has a very concise way of synthesizing this information into something that is very exciting and understandable for the public.”

Rhine has traveled the globe for more than 30 years presenting the latest genetic information to high school students and their teachers.

Registration is required for high school students and teachers. Conference admission is free for Grand Valley faculty, staff and students. For more information and to register, visit www.samrhine.com and click “Schedule.”