TORONTO, September 28, 2016 – Five York University science professors will delve into the fascinating, and sometimes scary, world of infectious diseases in a series of public talks at the Toronto Public Library this fall.

The Faculty of Science professors will discuss everything from a plant protein that inhibits the replication of HIV, to the stats behind infectious diseases, and the how and why of superbugs. They will reveal how to foil mosquitoes and ticks and explore the world of biological nanomachines that help infections resist antibiotic treatment.

Infectious diseases have wreaked havoc for millions of years, but scientists are fighting back.

The following talks are open to the public:

Harnessing Nature’s Pharmacy
Oct. 1, from 3 to 4pm, Brentwood Branch

Humans have taken advantage of plants’ natural defences to fend off pathogens for thousands of years. Professor Kathi Hudak will discuss an antiviral protein that protects plants and inhibits the replication of human retroviruses such as HIV.

Mining the Data: What Can We Learn About Infectious Diseases?
Oct. 4, from 7 to 8pm, Danforth/Coxwell Branch

Statistics is about understanding the world. Professor Hanna Jankowski will show how statisticians are using data to surveil and report on infectious diseases, and to learn more about how to manage them.

A War on Superbugs
Oct. 19, from 6:30 to 8pm, Don Mills Branch

Microorganisms live on and within humans, an often beneficial relationship, but some bugs can have deadly consequences. Professor Dasantila Golemi-Kotra will explain how humans contributed to the evolution of “superbugs” and how they could be reverted back to “benign” organisms.

The Biology of Bloodthirsty Disease Vectors
Oct. 25, from 7 to 8pm, Annette Branch

Diseases spread by mosquitoes and ticks infect over half a billion people and kill some two million every year globally. Professor Jean-Paul Paluzzi will discuss the biology of these blood-feeders and how we can use their blood sucking ways against them to tackle things like Lyme disease and the Zika virus.

Bacterial Nanomachines: The Key to Infection and Resistance
Nov. 7, from 7 to 8pm, Barbara Frum Branch

Bacteria have sophisticated nanomachines to help them stick to various surfaces (including humans) and to exchange genetic material and molecules essential to their survival and spread. Professor Gerald Audette will explain how these machines are created and how they enable infection and resistance to treatments.

York University is known for championing new ways of thinking that drive teaching and research excellence. Our students receive the education they need to create big ideas that make an impact on the world. Meaningful and sometimes unexpected careers result from cross-discipline programming, innovative course design and diverse experiential learning opportunities. York students and graduates push limits, achieve goals and find solutions to the world’s most pressing social challenges, empowered by a strong community that opens minds. York U is an internationally recognized research university – our 11 faculties and 26 research centres have partnerships with 200+ leading universities worldwide. Located in Toronto, York is the third largest university in Canada, with a strong community of 53,000 students, 7,000 faculty and administrative staff, and more than 295,000 alumni.

-30-

Media Contact:

Sandra McLean, York University Media Relations, 416-736-2100 ext. 22097, sandramc@yorku.ca