Complexity Science Seminar Series - Abstracts
Title:
A Proposal for Population Dynamics Simulation Research for AIDS Impact Mitigation
Presenter:
Dr. Taranjit Kaur, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Tech
Date and Time: Wednesday, January 21st, 2009 11:00am-Noon
Abstract:
Chimpanzees are our closest living relatives. The human and chimpanzee genomes have been sequenced and the DNA sequence between them differs by less than 2%. This close genetic relationship makes them susceptible to the same pathogens, with the potential for pathogen transmission in either direction Ð chimpanzee to human or human to chimpanzee. There is mounting concern about cross-species pathogen transmission as humans are coming into closer proximity to wild chimpanzee populations because of deforestation, bush meat hunting, and research and ecotourism activities. Our studies on wild chimpanzees use non-invasive methods and a multi-disciplinary approach. Our prototypic eco-friendly portable laboratory was developed to support our field studies at Mahale Mountains National Park in Tanzania. Mahale chimpanzees are habituated to human presence and they are regularly in close proximity to humans. Group size has declined from its pre-habituation level and chimpanzee deaths have been occurring due to respiratory illness. Our studies show that the probable causative agent responsible for the fatal 2006 respiratory illness was a virus of human origin.
Seminar Location: The seminars are held at:
Virginia Tech, Corporate Research Center
1880 Pratt Drive, Building XV
Seminar Room, First Floor
Directions: Map (PDF)
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