Research findings ranging from the current health of the Great Lakes to potential anti-cancer properties in food will be presented at the Great Lakes Regional Meeting of the American Chemical Society, the world's largest scientific society, in Fargo, N.D., June 4-6. More than 200 papers will be presented, with nearly 500 scientists expected from the surrounding area.
Research highlights include:
Mom Was Right, Eat Your Veggies: Research indicates that supplementing selenium (Se) in your diet may prevent colon cancer in humans. Regular levels of Se in broccoli do not accumulate in the body as fast as other forms of the compound. The researcher will illustrate how high-Se broccoli is metabolized and may provide increased protection against colon cancer. "Selenium from high-selenium broccoli is protective against colon cancer," J.W. Finley, USDA-ARS Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center; Sunday, June 4, 3:30 p.m.
Hair Today, Assessed Tomorrow: Hair analysis is a reliable and effective way to test human exposure to a variety of elements. The research tracks one man over 20 years and the environmental, dietary and occupational variables that can alter the assessment results. "Hair analysis environmental assessment,"D. Christopherson, USDA-ARS Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center; Monday, June 5, 9:20 a.m.
Analyzing a DDT Replacement in the Great Lakes: Toxaphene was DDT's replacement in the late 1970s and was commonly used on a variety of crops until it was banned from 1982-86. Toxaphene is still evident in the environment and now contaminates the Great Lakes and the Arctic region. The researcher will present data collected for the past 20 years on the levels of toxaphene in and around the Great Lakes. "Toxaphene in the Great Lakes environment: The application of mass spectrometry for the analysis of extremely complex mixtures," R. Hites, Indiana University, School of Public and Environmental Affairs and Department of Chemistry; Monday, June 5, 10:50 a.m.
WHAT: 32nd Great Lakes Regional Meeting of the American Chemical Society
WHO: Sponsored by the Red River Valley Section of the American Chemical Society
WHEN: Sunday, June 4, through Tuesday, June 6
WHERE: Holiday Inn Conference Center
3803 13th Ave., South
Fargo, N.D.
News media are welcome to attend the meeting. Please see the 32nd Great Lakes Regional Meeting website (http://mvl.chem.ndsu.NoDak.edu/glrm/ ) or call Hillarie Fogel at 202-872-4371 for more information.
A nonprofit organization with a membership of 161,000 chemists and chemical engineers, the American Chemical Society publishes scientific journals and databases, convenes major research conferences, and provides educational, science policy and career programs in chemistry. Its main offices are in Washington, D.C., and Columbus, Ohio.