When U researcher Mario Capecchi won the 2007 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his work on genetically altering mice, he produced a wave of interest in human genetics8212;one that he would like to see continue.
The human genetics department at the U developed five kiosks that will broadcast information about Capecchi’s prize-winning research, published papers and future research in an interactive setting.
“My feeling (is that) one of our obligations in science is letting people know what we do,” Capecchi said.
The kiosks, which were paid for through the department and created largely by the Office of Information Technology, will be placed at various locations in Utah, including the Salt Lake City-County Building, the State Capitol and the Salt Lake International Airport.
Deborah Peterson, development director for Capecchi’s laboratory, said any group or organization in Utah can borrow a kiosk to learn more information about the renowned researcher’s work. She said the department has spent four months uploading the audio and video recordings and making the kiosk Wi-Fi compatible.
Anyone wanting to review the recordings or papers on their own time can e-mail information to themselves from the device.
“We had to put in additional security,” Peterson said. “There was concern people would be able to feed back into the U (through the Internet).”
Capecchi said he hopes the kiosks inspire students, both young and old, to go into research and encourage others to fund vital research, which is continually being cut through budget restraints.
“Many people aren’t even going into science,” he said. “Maybe they think it’s too risky.”
He said in his lab, it is a positive thing to see so many students from different countries, but it also means the United States is not producing a lot of scientists and researchers. Part of the problem is the U.S. is cutting back on research funding to institutions such as the National Institutes of Health.
“The government says it’s giving a bunch of money to NIH, (but) it gets diverted into other things,” Capecchi said. “We think we’ve got all this money but it’s not there.”
With President-elect Barack Obama taking office, there will be changes in science, Capecchi said.
Although Capecchi receives the majority of his research funds through private donations, he said younger researchers who aren’t established need help getting started.
The kiosks have been designed so interested viewers can donate to support research with their credit card right at the machine.
Erik DaenitzU Nobel Prize winning researcher Mario Capecchi stands with the new kiosks that will display information about Capecchi?s research. The kiosks will be placed at the airport and State Capitol among other places.