THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF SOUTH AFRICA AND THE ACADEMY OF SCIENCE OF SOUTH AFRICA
http://www.royalsocietysa.org.za
http://www.assaf.co.za
Invited Speaker: Dr Maritha Kotze
Senior Researcher, Department of Pathology, University of Stellenbosche
entitled
‘Genetic Structure of African Populations and some Implications’
‘Our study published in Science earlier this year provided a genetic database that can be used by historians, anthro-pologists, and biomedical researchers in order to learn more about the history of Africa and to facilitate future human genetics research in the African continent.
In addition to answering questions regarding the origins of African populations, the research findings have important implications for infectious and many other chronic disorders. As with any discovery, the challenge going forward is to develop a more complete knowledge of the metabolic pathways and genetic determinants of diseases that plague Africans. This will be done by applying a new concept in healthcare termed pathology supported genetic testing, which is based upon an integrated service- and research approach used to address complex diseases with a genetic component.’
Date: Wednesday, 14 October 2009
Time: 17h00
Place: South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) Auditorium, Observatory Road, Observatory
Contact details: 021 650 2543 ; Email: royalsociety@uct.ac.za