Upcoming Events

• DIALOGUES OF DISCOVERY
  RNA Enzymes and the Origins of Life
  SEPTEMBER 17, 2008, 7 p.m.
  The Howard Hughes Medical Institute and the Janelia Farm Research Campus invite the public to attend the third in a series of lectures called “Dialogues of Discovery.” Thomas R. Cech, Nobel laureate and president of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), will present a lecture “RNA Enzymes and the Origins of Life.”
  
  Scientists had long believed that proteins were the directors of the cell's basic functions, overseeing all the chemical reactions that were necessary for life, growth, and environmental responses. In 1982, Cech overturned this view by showing that RNA, or ribonucleic acid could act as a catalyst, sparking some of the biochemical reactions that power the cell—as well as being a carrier of hereditary information. RNA's ability to both store genetic information and catalyze biochemical reactions has led some scientists to speculate that it may have had a central role in the origin of life.
  
  The doors will open at 6:30 p.m. A short question and answer period will follow Dr. Cech's talk. Light refreshments will be served.
• HOW TO OBTAIN A TICKET
  We're sorry, but tickets are no longer available for this event.
• HOW TO GET TO JANELIA FARM
  The Janelia Farm Research Campus is located on Route 7 in Ashburn, directly opposite the entrance to Ashburn Village. You will be directed to a designated parking area when you arrive.

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