TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Dr. Michael B.A. Oldstone, a National Academy of Sciences member and a University of Alabama visiting professor, will present “Zika’s Kiss: How, When and Consequences” Tuesday, April 19 at 7 p.m. on UA’s campus.
The lecture will be held in room 127 of the Biology Building and is free and open to the public.
Oldstone, a professor and head of the viral-immunobiology laboratory in the department of immunology and microbial science at The Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, California, is an expert on viruses, how they cause disease and the host’s immune response. He is the author of the book “Viruses, Plagues, and History,” which addresses a number of global events precipitated by viruses that altered history.
In his lecture, he will discuss the spread of the Zika virus, consequences of the disease, and measures to control the virus’ spread.
“Zika is bad news,” Oldstone said. “Before 2015 there were a handful of cases in Brazil. Since 2015, estimations are 450,000 to 1.3 million.
“The virus is present throughout Central and South America and the Caribbean – and the vector that carries the virus is in most of the United States.”
Oldstone, a UA alumnus, began an appointment as a visiting professor at UA and scholar-in-residence in the department of biological sciences in 2009. He was one of 72 scientists in 2008 elected to the National Academy of Sciences—one of the most prestigious honor societies in the world recognizing scientists who have made monumental achievements in original research.
He is considered to be one of the top experts in viral biology and immunology worldwide and has received many national and international awards. He was a consultant for the treatment and eradication of several viral diseases for the World Health Organization.
He received his bachelor’s degree in biology from UA, an M.D. from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, and took doctoral studies at Johns Hopkins University.
Oldstone is spending the week of April 18 at UA lecturing and consulting with students and faculty members on research projects.
Contact
Courtney Corbridge, communications specialist, College of Arts and Sciences, 205/348-8539, courtney.a.corbridge@ua.edu
Source
Stephanie Kirkland, director of college relations, College of Arts and Sciences, 205/348-8663, stephanie.kirkland@ua.edu