NY panel to discuss bioterrorism and medical issues

Cornell panel to discuss bioterrorism and medical issues March 19 at American Museum of Natural History

Contact: Blaine Friedlander Jr.
Office: 607-255-3290
E-Mail: Panel

NEW YORK CITY -- A Cornell University biological engineer will be in New York City March 19 to discuss her work in developing a rapid detector of pathogens, pesticides and toxins. Such a sensor possibly would be in great demand in the event of a terrorist attack involving chemicals or biological agents.

Cornell Assistant Professor Antje Baeumner studies analytical biotechnology in which chemical and biological techniques are used to create devices that can detect, in a matter of minutes, hazardous biological and chemical substances introduced into the environment or food supply.

"We develop platform technologies that allow sophisticated detection in the lab and simple detection in the field, both with very low limits of detection," says Baeumner.

She will be among three panelists in the discussion "Revolutionizing Research: Where Human Health, Engineering and Bioterrorism Meet." The panel will meet at 3 p.m. at the American Museum of Natural History, LeFrack IMAX Theater, Central Park West and 79th Street. The discussion is part of an afternoon-long forum, "The Power and the Promise of Life Sciences," being hosted by Cornell at the museum.

Other panelists are:

o Paul Soloway, Cornell associate professor of nutritional science, whose topic will be "Of Mice and Men: What Steinbeck Did Not Tell Us About the Power and Promise of Mouse Genetics."

o Donald Bartel, Cornell professor of mechanical engineering, who will examine current medical engineering advances in solving musculoskeletal and neuromuscular diseases.

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