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When
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Where
Biosphere 2 (Oracle, Arizona)
The focus of this workshop is to bring together environmental chemists and microbiologists working on issues associated with the occurrence and effects of antibiotics in agricultural ecosystems. We will discuss, identify, and debate the best available methods to measure antibiotics, to track antibiotic resistant bacteria (AR bacteria) and antibiotic resistance genes (AR genes) in environmental samples, including manure-impacted water and soil. Issues to be discussed include which antibiotics and resistance targets are most relevant in environmental samples, and how to address the confounding factors of background and baseline resistance.
Specific objectives of the proposed meeting are:
- To gather top experts to openly discuss, debate, and come to consensus on a suite of tools (including molecular and cultivation methods) to track occurrence of antibiotic compounds, AR bacteria and AR genes resulting from the use of antibiotics in agricultural (animal and crop) production.
- To gather top experts and openly discuss, debate, and identify potential methodological standards to address background antibiotic production and baseline AR in natural systems;
- To actively involve graduate and undergraduate students in the workshop, and introduce them to the scientific processes of developing, validating, and implementing methods for detection of antibiotic compounds, AR bacteria and AR genes in pre- harvest and manure-impacted samples; and
- To effectively disseminate conference results by facilitating publication of review articles and a reference guide to raise awareness and exchange the best research practices developed through this workshop with fellow scientists.
Registration fee of only $385 (full), $285 (student) covers lodging, airport transportation, and all meals. Early Registration Deadline ENDS on June 30, 2014! Thereafter Registration will increase to $485.
Learn more and register for this workshop here: https://wrrc.arizona.edu/arasos-home.