Come join taste of science for another evening of discussion! This time we’ll be hearing from two experts working to turn San Diego’s natural treasures into life-changing medicines.
Pharmaceuticals from the Sea, Fact or Fantasy?
Dr. Bill Gerwick, a distinguished professor at the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Scripps Institution of Oceanography, will tell us more about how marine natural products become pharmaceuticals:
“The ocean is home to some of the greatest biodiversity on the planet, and these myriad life forms give rise to a tremendous diversity of biologically active natural products. These marine natural products are the inspiration of some 23 approved pharmaceuticals, and a further 42 agents in human clinical trial. A healthy ocean is truly a treasure trove of valuable molecules that can improve the health of humans; hence, the health of both humanity and the oceans are inextricably linked.”
Understanding Native Medicinal Plants - Good for People and Good for the Planet
Dr. Ben Naman is the Director of Medicinal Plants Research at the San Diego Botanical Garden. In his talk, he’ll tell us how indigenous medicinal knowledge shapes drug discovery:
“Knowledge of medicinal plants stems from thousands of years of traditional ecological knowledge researched by indigenous peoples. Nowadays, this accelerates the discovery and development of natural ingredients and inspirations for FDA-approved drugs, consumer product goods, flavors and fragrances, and more. Hear about San Diego Botanic Garden’s consortium collaborative efforts on the science and conservation of California native medicinal plants and the exploration of their modern applications.“
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