Ergot: An ancient enemy and modern friend
Ottawa Research and Development Centre Speaker Series: “Ergot: An ancient enemy and modern friend” with Dr. Mindy Lui
Have you ever wondered what’s growing in the fields of the Central Experimental Farm (CEF)? Now’s your chance to find out!
To celebrate the 150th birthdays of both Canada and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), expert scientists from the Ottawa Research and Development Centre (ORDC) are hosting a monthly speaker series between now and November to talk about the research work they do in the fields and labs on the CEF. The talks take place on Thursday evenings from 7-8p.m. in Salons A and B of the K.W. Neatby Building, 960 Carling Avenue. Admission and parking are free.
Date and topic for August 24, 2017:
“Ergot: An ancient enemy and modern friend” with Dr. Mindy Liu
- Ergot is a fungus that produces a potent toxic alkaloid that can harm plants, animals and people. However, when used in a proper dosage, compounds derived from ergot have been used to develop major drugs to treat hypertension, migraines, Parkinsons, and reproductive disorders, and can have anti-microbial and anti-tumor functions. Come learn more about ergot.
- Scientist Profile: Dr. Miao (Mindy) Liu is a scientist in Environmental Health and has a doctoral degree in mycology from Cornell University. Prior to joining AAFC, she worked at the University of Kentucky, and the US Department of Agriculture. k Her current research interests include phylogenetics, diagnostics, population evolution, and genomics of plant related fungi in Ascomycota.