Beyond the Surface: Understanding Endogenous Retroviruses and Their Impact on Host Organisms

The Science Café event hosted by Fort Hays State University on April 29th will feature a presentation on “Endogenous retroviruses: Hidden hitchhikers and how they spread”. This free and open to the public event is sponsored by the Science and Mathematics Education Institute.

Dr. Eric Gillock, a professor of biological sciences at FHSU, will be giving the presentation. He will discuss how endogenous retroviruses are genetic parasites that reside within the genomes of most eukaryotic cells, much like unwanted house guests that never leave. These parasites can have both positive and negative effects on their host organism.

The Science Café will take place at The Venue in Thirsty’s Brew Pub & Grill, located at 2704 Vine, starting at 7 p.m. Attendees can enjoy refreshments while learning about these fascinating and complex parasites.

For more information about this event or any questions, please contact Cari Rohleder at cbrohleder@fhsu.edu or 785-628-4743. Additional details can be found on the FHSU Science and Mathematics Education Institute website, the FHSU Science Café X website, and the FHSU Science Café Facebook page. Don’t miss out on this informative and engaging event!