*Thu 13 Mar 2008: 2pm (DBS SR3) - Rittschof on "Pheromones and Signals in
Crustaceans and Molluscs"*

http://habitatnews.nus.edu.sg/index.php?entry=/talks/20080310-Rittschof-13mar200\
8.txt

(Hosts: Serene Teo & Peter Ng)

*Abstract*: Communication, especially communication that controls behavior
vital to survival has evolved in all animals. Many highly specific
communication molecules are peptides that are generated by the most
ubiquitous and ancient proteolytic enzymes such as trypsin-like serine
Proteases. We will explore some critical behaviors and support the
hypothesis that a huge family of communication molecules evolved as
byproducts of essential processes like glue polymerization and shell
formation.


*About the Speaker*: Prof Rittschof is Professor of Zoology at Duke
University's Nicholas School of the Environment. Basic studies in his lab
include chemically-mediated and physiologically regulated breeding and
spawning behaviors of behaviors of crustaceans and mollusks, such as
organization of spawning, breeding navigation and movement behavior by
kairomones and pheromones; hormonal and metabolic modulation of behavior and
signaling uses of volatile compounds by marine organisms. Dr Rittschof is
interested in signaling peptides and substituted amino sugars and disruption
of signaling transduction cascades by pharmaceuticals and biocides. The
ultimate goal of these studies is an understanding of the mechanisms and
evolution of signaling systems. Current projects include studies on barnacle
adhesion, impacts of biocide boosters on reproduction of target and non
target species; and studies on a variety of aspects of ecology and
reproduction of blue crabs. Prof Rittschof is Visiting Research Professor at
TMSI.



*Next Week:*

"Evaluating forest conservation in the tropics"

By Matthew Linkie
Consultant, Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology (University of
Kent)
(Host: Navjot Sodhi)

Tue 18 Mar 2008: 9.15am
Conference Room, Dept Biological Sciences, NUS
See (pdf):
http://www.dbs.nus.edu.sg/eventlist/seminars/poster/2008/matthew.pdf


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