Monash Memo - 15 August 2001

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Briefs

Pre-implantation test for Down's syndrome

Monash Institute of Reproduction and Development scientists have developed a reliable DNA test to detect Down's syndrome in embryos before they are implanted in a woman's womb during IVF treatment.

The DNA fingerprinting test can be combined with existing tests for inherited disorders involving defects in single genes, such as cystic fibrosis.

The test will help women who are trying to have children, particularly those in their late thirties and older who have an increased risk of producing embryos with genetic abnormalities.

DSTC academic opportunities

Find out about postgraduate opportunities with the CRC for Enterprise Distributed Systems Technology (DSTC) at a forum to be held on 16 August.

Monash staff and third-year, honours and other prospective postgraduate students in information technology and electrical and computer systems engineering are invited to this event.

The forum will cover student projects and scholarships, free and discounted courses, honours/masters project employment opportunities, and other job opportunities.

The session will be held at 4 pm in the Clayfield Room (room 34), building A, Caulfield campus. RSVP to rob@dstc.monash.edu.au or call Mr Rob Gray on extn 32307.

Children of Eden musical

Get your tickets for the Monash Drama Theatre's production of Children of Eden from 5 to 15 September.

Centre of Drama and Theatre Studies head Associate Professor Peter Fitzpatrick is directing the Stephen Schwartz musical, which features a cast of Monash performing arts students.

Showcasing 36 contemporary songs written for the stage, the musical is a modern retelling of the Bible stories of Adam and Eve and Noah's Ark.

It highlights the trials and struggles of parenting and the relationship between the older and younger generations.

Tickets are $22 (full), $12 (concession) and $10 (group). Bookings: (03) 9905 9135.

Insight into genocide

Staff are invited to a free public lecture about genocide on Monday 20 August.

Presented by Monash Alumni Relations in conjunction with the Monash Asia Institute, the lecture, titled 'Genocide: themes and variations from Armenia to East Timor', will feature guest speaker Ben Kiernan, who is the A. Whitney Griswold Professor of History at Yale University.

Professor Kiernan is also director of the Genocide Studies Program at Yale and a former Monash student.

The lecture will be held at 6 pm at The Naval and Military Club, 27 Little Collins Street, Melbourne. For more information, contact extn 52363 or visit www.alumni.monash.edu.au/events