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BACKGROUND:
Every
four years, scientists gather at the international congress
to discuss new research about the effects of light on
life. This year's congress will be hosted by the American
Society for Photobiology. Roderic B. Park, former University
of California, Berkeley, vice chancellor and now senior
associate for academic development at UC Merced, will
welcome the attendees on Saturday.
Among
the presenters will be a dozen biotechnology companies
exploring the uses of light in medicine. These range from
novel treatments for eye disease (macular degeneration)
and technologies for decontaminating blood to phototechniques
for clearing blocked arteries. A public education symposium
on Saturday from 1 to 4:30 p.m. will concentrate on the
fun aspects of light: how our daily or "circadian" rhythms
impact our health; photosensitive chemicals used in medical
treatment; light, jet lag and seasonal depression; and
how light affects the quality of wine grapes.
HIGHLIGHTS
OF CONGRESS:
Symposia
on photoimmunology, or the effects of light on the immune
system. Sunday, July 2, 8-10:45 a.m. and 3-5:45 p.m.
Symposium
on omega-3 fatty acids - common in cold-water fish - and
skin protection. Sunday, July 2, 3-5:45 p.m.
Symposia
on circadian rhythms and the hormonal oscillations that
set our internal clock. Monday, July 3 - 8:00-10:45 a.m.
and 3-5:45 p.m.
Symposium
on sunscreens and skin protection. Tuesday, July 4, 9:30
a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Plenary
lecture: A. R. Young, St John's Institute of Dermatology,
London. "The ability of sunscreens to protect against
endpoints other than erythema" Tuesday, July 4, 8 a.m.
Plenary
lecture: John Hearst, UC Berkeley professor emeritus of
chemistry. "Photomedicine in the 21st century" Thursday,
July 6, 11:45 a.m.
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NOTE:
Media attending the meeting must check in at the press
office located in Regency A, just off Grand Ballroom A.
For
more detail on scientific presentations, check the conference
web page: http://www.kumc.edu/POL/ASP_Home/28asp00.html.
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