(The Editor thanks science reporter Jenny Acopian for this excellent account of our guest speaker's address to the Club).
Dr Mark Tizzard, a Senior Scientist at CSIRO’s Australian Animal Health Laboratory, gave a challenging presentation about his work in genome engineering.
He began his presentation by stating we are now in the midst of a biological revolution that is vital if we are to conserve the planet’s biodiversity while feeding the ever-growing population, preserving habitats and controlling pests and diseases we have introduced across the globe. Humans are not in full control and new biological tools are needed if we are to achieve the above outcomes.
Mark acknowledged there is public concern about genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and posed the questions: What is gene technology? Do we need to worry? Is it safe?Do scientists know what they are doing? In his view these concerns are due to a lack of understanding of the scientific facts. He then proceeded to educate us about genetic engineering – a difficult task given the sophisticated concepts involved.
Mark began by explaining the process of selective breeding in animals that has been used for centuries to improve and diversify various species. He explained that selective breeding uses sex that he described as ‘a primitive form of technology’. We were then treated to a well-illustrated biology lesson about sexual reproduction, meiosis (the’ unseen genetic engineering of sex’), DNA, chromosomes - and the newly developed CRISPR/Cas9 technology.
Mark explained the technique of gene editing. As an example of this technique, he talked about how his laboratory has used it to edit the chicken genome to remove male chicks from the egg-layer industry without having to hatch and cull day-old male chicks (the current practice). By ‘changing the recipe’ through gene editing, egg production can now be far more efficient. Mark was delighted when the majority of his audience indicated they would have no qualms in eating eggs that were produced in this way, even though the chickens had been genetically modified.He had achieved his aim of convincing us the techniques were safe.
Dr. Tizzard’s presentation was stimulating, challenging and thought provoking, and left us all better informed about advances in genetic engineering.
After success with editing the chicken genome, Mark hopes to broaden his horizons and to take a look at how these techniques might be applied in the genetic control of vertebrate pests. His current interests are to see if gene editing in the cane toad, to make it less toxic to predators, can help reduce its devastating environmental impacts.
We will have our Christmas dinner (2 courses) with partners and guests on 12 December at The Hub and the following week (19 December) will be our family function and our final meeting for the calendar year as usual at the Showgrounds.
For the 19 December event, those with youngsters may wish to bring a wrapped and named present for them at a value up to $10.00.
December 12 is a Kris Kringle with everyone to bring a gift of up to $10.00 (members, partners and guests).
Can Youse Help The Sues with Whooz?
Sue Dunlop is standing in for Sue Beretta as WhoozIn guru for the next few weeks.
It will help the Sues out greatly if replies are in by 6.00 pm Sunday but things do change overnight so as soon as possible in the morning if a change is required.
The deadline for the Hub is 11 am Mondayand after that is a bit messy.
Sue B has work and has to fit in reminders, texts and emails in around her paid employment. Sue D is retired and has to fit in access the phone, internet etc around the deadline – and is often not around after the numbers are sent in.
Thanks for your support and assistance with this.
Shine On awards
Graham Thomson has nomination forms for the Shine On awards and can provide details of eligibility.
R.J. Vague Award James Dunlop on behalf of the Community Service Committee is looking for nominations for the R.J. Vague Award.
The award is named after Bob Vague, a Charter Member of The Rotary Club of Geelong East. The recipient receives a cheque for $500.00 to go to the charity of their choice.
The recipient will
be of good character.
have served the community well, over an extended period of time.
reflect Rotary’s values and ideals, particularly ‘service above self’.
not necessarily be a Rotarian.
Ballarat South Raffle
James Dunlop is organising the roster for our Club's sale of the Rotary Club of Ballarat South raffle tickets.
Members are asked to indicate when they can help out.
If you can assist, please contact James.
Wine tasting on 9 January
This will be an opportunity to sample some great wines and perhaps replenish the cellars after the festive season.