Spring 2004

Spring 2004 RSM conferences open to the press

The following conferences are all open to the press.

Friday 5 March
Stem Cells: Nuclear Reprogramming and Therapeutic Applications
Presented in association with The Novartis Foundation
South Korea has cloned the first human embryo, claiming it is a tremendous step forward in stem cell research. Speakers from Britain, the United States and Europe will give a complete picture of the importance of stem cells since first isolated in the human embryo in 1998. Topics will include the origins of embryonic stem cell biology, possible therapeutic applications in diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, a discussion of issues surrounding nuclear reprogramming and ethical issues raised by stem cell research.

Wednesday 10 March
Childhood Immunisation
The safety and efficacy of childhood immunisation has received a lot of attention in the face of highly publicised controversy surrounding the MMR and other combination vaccines. The question remains: is there any truth to claims that MMR will make your child sick? Are vaccines as risky as reported in the press? Topics covered at this conference will include evidence about the safety of MMR and other vaccines, newly introduced vaccines and parental and medical perspectives on immunisation.

Tuesday 23 March
Nutrition, Cognition and Alzheimer’s Disease
Organised in association with The Alzheimer’s Society
The decline of an Alzheimer’s patient’s cognition is affected by their vitamin and fatty acid intake levels and lifestyle choices. Does epidemiological evidence support the association between diet and dementia? Are our brains affected by what we eat? Speakers at this open meeting talk specifically about which nutrients are most important in delaying the progression of Alzheimer’s.

Wednesday 24 March
World TB Day
Tuberculosis: HIV’s Constant Companion
Tuberculosis is the most common cause of mortality from HIV/AIDS across the world. In commemoration of World TB Day, this meeting will raise awareness of this fact and discuss the HIV-related TB epidemic across the globe.

Tuesday 30 March
What About the Workers?
The Health and Safety Executive reported that workers visit their GPs for occupational ill health over 20 million times per year, and under 3% of businesses adopt adequate risk management of their occupational health risks. How can we better manage our workers’ health? Why do we have far fewer occupational physicians than our European neighbours? How can workers be treated more efficiently, enabling them to miss less time at work? The programme addresses the financial impact and common problems suffered by ill workers, gives an international perspective and offers suggestions on how to help solve the problem.

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