Yerevan to host series of lectures on genetic instability

The Young Biologists' Association, in cooperation with the Yerevan State University and the European Association of Biochemists, is launching a series of lectures on genetic instability.

The latest achievements in genetics will be introduced by 13 world-famous scientists and 5 Armenian scholars.

Nobel Prize winner Timothy Hunt has been invited from Britain to deliver lectures on the theme, Head of the Young Biologists' Association Arsen Gasparyan told a news conference on Monday.

"We selected genetic instability, considering the actuality of the topic," the organizations coordinator on foreign relations, Hovakim Zakaryan, said.

He said genetic instability could be the root cause of a number of diseases, including cancer.

Zakaryan further introduced the scientists preparing to deliver lectures.

Timothy Hunt won Nobel Prize for discovering the cycline molecule (1982) which plays an essential role in cell division. Later, he was awarded the British Qeen's royal medal.

Among other guest lecturers is Mitsuhiro Yunagida from Japan, as well as two Armenian scientists – Virginia Zakyan (Princeton University) and Grek Hampikian (Boise State Univeristy). A DNA test conducted by the latter has reportedly been helpful in proving the innocence of a person who spent 15 years in prison.

The event organizers say they are planing to make the series of lecturers on-going although they haven't yet reached specific agrements.