February 1, 2010, Yarmouth, Maine: Jackson Laboratory researcher and scientist Carol Bult visited North Yarmouth Academy (NYA) AP Biology and Genetics classes on Wednesday, January 27. Bult's work focuses on using an understanding of the molecular genetics of normal lung development as a framework for identifying key genes and pathways in lung diseases. She also focuses on building information systems that can facilitate the use of the laboratory mouse as a model system for understanding disease processes in humans. She discussed her work and answered student questions in both classes.
Teacher Barbara Farrell looked forward to the visit because her Genetics class recently finished a unit on oncology and the molecular understanding of cancer, and they also studied how mice are used for testing and how they can be genetically engineered for that purpose. Dr. Bult discussed how understanding healthy lung cell development can help to identify where diseased cells, like with lung cancer, might have gone wrong. "She compared it to an auto mechanic, and how knowing how a car should work can help the mechanic diagnose and fix a problem," said Farrell. Bult also discussed genetics and their ability at the Lab to mutate specific genes in mice in order to study specific diseases. Farrell always tries to give her students real-world examples for what they are learning. "Carol was able to reinforce this with the amazing work being done at Jackson Lab," said Farrell.
Jackson Laboratory, located in Bar Harbor, is an independent, nonprofit organization focusing on mammalian genetics research to advance human health. Their mission is to discover the genetic basis for preventing, treating and curing human disease, and to enable research for the global biomedical community. Along with research, they provide scientific resources, techniques, software and data to scientists around the world. The lab breeds and manages colonies of mice to supply other research institutions and laboratories.
North Yarmouth Academy is an independent, college preparatory, coeducational day school serving students in grades 5 through 12. NYA is dedicated to fostering integrity, character and intellect in young adults.
For more information, please contact:
Kristi Belesca
Director of Community Development and Communications
North Yarmouth Academy
148 Main Street
Yarmouth, ME 04096
207-846-2380 ext. 9305
kbelesca@nya.org