UNBC  will be hosting about 60 genetic researchers from universities across western Canada at a two day conference that starts today.

The will be discussing  new research results, and  future  genetic research  opportunities.  The centre of attention will be  work that has been or will be done on ribonucleic acid (RNA), which carries the genetic information found in DNA to carry out various functions in the body.

RNA research has become  one of the research strengths at UNBC.  This includes  the recent  discoveries   involving RNA  as it  relates to the growth  and  aggressiveness of cancer cells.

There is also  research underway at UNBC  on RNA splicing  and the connections to  disease plus a study on RNA in a microorganism and the production of methane.

of  UNBC scientists are studying RNA in a microorganism that contributes significantly to global warming by producing methane. Other research at the University is exploring a process called RNA splicing, which occurs when genetic material is cut in various locations to create many new proteins. Errors in this splicing process are believed to cause such diseases as cancer and cystic fibrosis.

“Our research team is comprised of 11 students and all of them will be making presentations at the conference ” says Biochemistry professor Stephen Rader, one of the conference organizers.   UNBC research is at the forefront of understanding what truly makes us alive and how environmental conditions may affect our health,” adds Dr. Rader. “At the same time, we think that RNA is vital to unlocking answers about why some things just don’t work in people or why some people suffer from diseases that others don’t. These are fundamental questions and we’re helping to answer them.”

The conference "RiboWest 2007" is being held today and tomorrow at the UNBC campus.