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Researchers at Binghamton University study how malaria evolved
resistance to the medication chloroquine.


Dr. Koji Lum

Dr. Koji Lum is the principal investigator on the five-year, $1.5 million study, which is being funded by the National Institutes of Health. The research centers around 11,000 samples of human blood collected in malaria-prone areas of the world over the last 60 years. Dr. Ralph Garruto, co-investigator on the study, brought the samples to Binghamton University from the National Institutes of Health and oversees the archive at Binghamton University.

Drs. Lum and Garruto will extract the malaria parasites from the samples, and will then extract DNA from the parasites in order to study the extracted DNA to look for clues as to how, and why, the parasites evolved to be resistant to chloroquine.

 

 

 

 

Click for larger image.
  Life cycle of malaria, NIH
(Click graphic for larger version)

 

WSKG'S DNA Files homepage

Dec. 13: Over the past five weeks, WSKG Radio has aired a series of reports on genetic science research in our region. The reports we've heard have usually focused on the end result of a study or period of research. In our last piece in the series, Crystal Sarakas takes a different approach with a look at the beginning of the process with a look at a new study at Binghamton University.

Listen now (9 minutes):
    

 More information


Dec. 6: Crystal Saraks speaks with Dr. Leon Kochian of Cornell University on his research into aluminum-tolerant sorghum.

Listen now (9 minutes):
   

 More information


Nov. 29: Crystal Sarakas speaks with Dr. David Winkler and Dr. David Wolfe of Cornell University on climate change and how some species are adapting.

 Transcript of radio report
(coming soon)

Listen now (9 minutes):
   

 More information


Nov. 15: Crystal Sarakas spoke with Dr. David Davies about his research into colonies of bacteria, called biofilms, and what effect that research may have in the future.
 Transcript of radio report

Listen now (9 minutes):
   

 More information, incl. video of Dr. Davies explaining biofilms


Nov. 8: Producer Kathleen Cook visited the Discovery Center’s ‘Amazing Arachnids’ DNA camp to follow along with the teaching and the experiments.
 Transcript of radio report

Listen now (9 minutes):
   

 More information, including video of kids learning about DNA



Exploratorium Workshops: Genetic science affects many aspects of our lives, including our health, food, and families. These interactive workshops, created in conjunction with five new episodes of the award-winning public radio documentary series, The DNA Files, provide an introduction to the basics of genetics for general audiences. Hands-on activities explore DNA’s structure and role in evolutionary change, similarities between humans and other creatures, and the role of climate change in genetic processes. The workshops can be used on their own or as an educational supplement to The DNA Files radio programs.

Each hour-long workshop is designed for 20 to 30 participants and is geared to families and groups of all ages. The DNA Files Workshop Series is especially appropriate for ages 7-12. Presenters can download workshop scripts, activity instructions, graphics, and source lists of easily available materials to create an engaging learning experience for audiences in a variety of settings. No prior knowledge about DNA is required for workshop presenters or participants.