Seminar on DNA technologies aimed at life science audience

Developments in DNA technologies have accelerated in recent years. In the seminar focused on DNA technologies, experts in these techniques share their knowledge and provide insight into the many applications that are possible now and in the future. This seminar is specifically aimed at lab managers, laboratory technicians and researchers from life science and biotech.

CRISPR-Cas
One of the most important technologies at the moment is CRISPR-Cas. This technique allows scientists to edit the DNA of organisms very precisely by cutting, replacing or adding pieces of the DNA. Professor Raymond Staals of Wageningen University & Research (WUR) will open the day with a lecture on this technique. WUR has been closely involved in the discovery of CRISPR-Cas through years of research and Raymond Staals will outline the developments, the importance and the many applications of this technique.

Refinement
An example of such an application is breeding. CRISPR-Cas enables breeders to improve crops very precisely and efficiently. With the growing world population and climate change, CRISPR-Cas seems to be the solution for sustainable agriculture. Monique van Vegchel of Plantum, the trade association for breeders, presents a number of practical applications of CRISPR-Cas in plants that are already on the market and gives examples of applications in the future.

A DNA-based healthcare
Developments in DNA technologies not only play a major role in agriculture, but are also revolutionary in healthcare. For example, an international study led by the Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC) shows that prescribing medication based on a DNA profile really does have an effect. In this form of precision medicine patients' medication is adjusted to their DNA using, for example, a DNA medication pass or app. To map out the various developments and their consequences, professor Johan den Dunnen of the LUMC will give a lecture on DNA-based healthcare.

The seminar developments in DNA technologies will take place on Wednesday September 27 from 9:30-11:00 during the LabNL trade fair.