In Brief: April 3

Buchanan Lecture to address ecological developmental biology

The field of ecological developmental biology seeks to look at development in the real world of predators, competitors and changing seasons. Dr. Scott Gilbert, professor of biology at Swarthmore College, discusses his research about ecological developmental biology in the 2017 Jean Pasakarnis-Buchanan Lecture on campus Tuesday (April 4).

Ecological developmental biology brings together aspects of embryology, medical physiology, ecology and evolution. Gilbert will present "Eco-Evo-Devo: The Synthesis of Epigenetics, Medicine and Evolution" at 7 p.m. in the Bowen-Thompson Student Union Theater (Room 206). Gilbert, the Howard A. Schneiderman Professor of Biology, is known for his work in developmental genetics, embryology and the history and critiques of biology. In his public presentation, he will discuss his research, which includes the origin of evolutionary novelties, history of biology and its social functions. The lecture is free and open to the public.

Gilbert will also present ”How the Turtle Got Its Shell,” a scientific lecture, at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday (April 5) in 112 Life Sciences Building. In his afternoon presentation, Gilbert will discuss developmental evidence for turtles' carapace formation during morphogenesis, answering a long-standing question about the origin of turtles' shells. His research addresses three hypotheses on the mechanisms governing turtle shell development: 1) that the carapace ridge forms by the co-option of the developmental program that forms the limb buds; 2) that the ribs induce intramembranous ossification in the dermis, and 3) that the dorsal growth of the rib cartilage precursors depends on their encountering the carapacial ridge.

BGSU’s annual lecture series was created in 1998 by Jean Pasakarnis-Buchanan, who graduated from the University in 1952 and went on to a 33-year career as a cytologist with Massachusetts General Hospital. She also taught cytology, the study of human cells, at Northeastern University. Buchanan received the Alumni Community Award from BGSU in 1972, and in 1987, set up a scholarship for biology or medical technology majors. Her lectureship endowment allows the University to bring some of the leading scientific figures to campus each year.

For more information, contact the Department of Biological Sciences at 419-372-2332. Guests with disabilities are requested to indicate if they need special services, assistance or appropriate modifications to fully participate in the event by contacting Accessibility Services at access@bgsu.edu or 419-372-8495 prior to the event.
 

Play your health hand at the Poker Walk April 5

April 5 is the day to step out and step up your game with the annual Poker Walk.

Come to the Perry Field House between 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. for some laps around the walking track. Collect a card each time around; the best hand wins a prize. But in this Poker Walk, everyone wins, in terms of better health through activity, free blood pressure screenings, helpful information from the fitness and wellness tables, free healthy snacks and giveaways. An added bonus: release stress with the free chair massages.

A joint effort among BGSU, Wood County Hospital, PNC Bank and the city of Bowling Green, the annual walk helps provide big gains through little steps toward a healthier life.

For more information, contact Karyn Smith, health educator, at 372-9309.
 

Free speech and hearing screenings provided by BGSU Speech and Hearing Clinic

The BGSU Speech and Hearing Clinic is celebrating Better Hearing and Speech Month early this year, in April instead of May. The clinic will provide free hearing screenings and speech/language screenings for children and adults of all ages.

Screenings are available by appointment April 10, 12 and 14 at the BGSU Speech and Hearing Clinic in 200 Health and Human Services Building on Ridge Street. Call 419-372-2515 for an appointment. 

Everyone is invited to take advantage of this offer —faculty, staff, family and friends and both the on- and-off-campus communities.