COURSE ANNOUNCEMENT

Biology of Disease Vectors
Venue: Manaus (Amazon), Brazil
Date: July 11-24, 1999

The worldwide toll in human suffering and death caused by arthropod-transmitted diseases is immense. Mosquito-transmitted malaria alone accounts for about 2 million deaths per year, mostly African children under 5 years of age. Resistance of parasites to drugs, resistance of arthropods to insecticides, and the present unavailability of vaccines to many of the vector-borne diseases all underscore the importance of searching for alternative means of control. To date, relatively little importance has been given to the study of arthropod vectors of disease. In particular, knowledge at the molecular level, of how parasites and viruses interact with their arthropod hosts is substantially lacking. These deficiencies are compounded by the paucity of scientists trained in this field, diversion of public health funds to diseases considered to be more important, and lack of interest by the pharmaceutical industry to develop new tools to combat vector-borne diseases. The course "Biology of Disease Vectors" originated from the recognized need to rejuvenate and expand the field of vector biology. It has been offered every year since 1989. A principal aim of the course is to incorporate cutting-edge molecular biology and genetic approaches into this research area, in order to develop new and efficacious strategies for the control of vectors and vector-borne diseases. Additional objectives are: 1) To provide common background, training, and conceptual framework for the development of a new generation of experts in vector-borne disease; 2) Recruit scientists from other disciplines into the field of vector biology; and 3) To establish a network of individuals working in vector biology in order to facilitate collaborative investigations and enhance progress in the field.
The course will last 2 weeks and will consist of lectures, laboratory exercises and a field trip. About half of the course will be dedicated to the study of vectors in general, with emphasis on recent discoveries. A field trip and laboratory exercises on vector classification (using classical and molecular techniques) will also be scheduled. The second half of the course will be dedicated chiefly to the study of the role of vectors in the transmission of specific diseases, such as malaria, Chagas, Leishmaniasis, Dengue, Yellow Fever, etc. The course is intended for molecular biologists, molecular geneticists, biochemists, etc. working in unrelated research areas who contemplate becoming involved in vector research. It is also intended for scientists with more conventional training in vectors and vector-borne diseases. The course is recommended for advanced graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and independent investigators. Scientists from countries where vector-borne diseases are prevalent are specially encouraged to apply. Persons with purely administrative posts are usually not selected. Small class size comprised of about 30 selected international students and about 25 world-renowned faculty provide an unparalleled learning experience. All classes will be conducted in English. An application form and a copy of this announcement can be found at the following address:
http://mediswww.meds.cwru.edu/dept/genetics/bdvcourse/

If unable to apply electronically, or if further information is needed, please contact
 Dr. Marcelo Jacobs-Lorena, at Case Western Reserve
University, School of Medicine, Department of Genetics, 10900 Euclid Ave.,
Cleveland, Ohio 44106-4955, USA. Tel: (216) 368-8749; Fax: (216) 368-3432;
Email: bdvcourse@po.cwru.edu. Application deadline is February 26, 1999.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Marcelo Jacobs-Lorena
Case Western Reserve University
School of Medicine
Department of Genetics
10900 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44106-4955
Tel: (216) 368-2791 (office); (216) 368-2790 (lab)
FAX: (216) 368-3432
Email: mxj3@po.cwru.edu
Web site: http://meds20547.meds.cwru.edu/dept/genetics/jacobslorena.html
Address for courier delivery:
Case Western Reserve University
School of Medicine
Department of Genetics, BRB 631
2109 Adelbert Rd.
Cleveland, Ohio 44106-4955
 

********************************************************
Decio Luiz Gazzoni
President, XXI International Congress of Entomology
Caixa Postal 231      86001-970  Londrina       Brazil
Phone +55 43 3716213    Fax +55 43 3716100
********************************************************

From:  "Mike Nolan" <mnolan01@sprynet.com>
To: OTTAWAEM2.OTTRESB(WUK)
Date:  Wed, Jan 6, 1999  8:26 PM
Subject:  RAINFOREST and MARINE BIOLOGY WORKSHOPS

RAINFOREST and MARINE BIOLOGY WORKSHOPS

After reviewing the brief program descriptions outlined below, please consider offering these opportunities to Students, Faculty and Staff....our brochure and detailed itineraries are available upon request. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Mike Nolan

***********************************************************
Rainforest and Reef Conservation Fund 501 (c)(3) non-profit
29 Prospect NE Suite #8
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503 USA
Phone/Fax: (616) 776-5928/E-mail: rainforest@mail.org
***********************************************************

*During 1998 our Workshops included participants from 40 states, 4 Canadian Provinces, England, South Africa, Australia and Brazil. Forty three universities were represented by faculty and students, along science professionals, high school groups and lay people with an interest in natural history and other topics covered in our programs. For 1999 we presently have groups from Penn State, Purdue, University of Maine, College of New Jersey, Muhlenberg College of Pennsylvania, Calvin College of Michigan and a number of junior colleges and high schools.

*Sites: Belize, Costa Rica, Honduras, Panama, Ecuador, Peru and southeast Alaska

*Workshops are field oriented and focus on natural history, rainforest and marine ecology, conservation, land management, medicinal uses of native plants, local cultures, archaeology and geology
 
*Instruction features local Biologists and naturalist Guides
 
*Proceeds go to sponsoring organization in each country and help support valuable education/ conservation projects
 
*Three Undergraduate or Graduate credits in the Natural Sciences or Education are available for attending through Aquinas College of Grand Rapids, Michigan (www.aquinas.edu)

*Workshops are sponsored by the Rainforest and Reef Conservation Fund, a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation based in Grand Rapids, Michigan USA
                                 BELIZE

Length: 14 Days/13 Nights

Cost: $980.00 per person

Host/Course Coordinator: Belize Tropical Education Center/Tony Garel, Belize City, Belize

Topics Covered:
*Tropical Moist Forest Ecology
*Marine Ecology
*Mayan Archaeology
*Garifuna Culture

Highlights:
*Community Baboon Sanctuary
*Chan Chich Lodge and surrounding tropical moist forest
*R?o Bravo Conservation and Management Area
*Chaa Creek Natural History Center and Blue Morpho Butterfly Farm
*Ix Chel Farm and Panti Medicinal Plant Trail
*Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and Jaguar Preserve
*Garifuna drumming and dancing
*Mayan site of Xunantunich
*South Water Caye
*Great Barrier Reef of Belize and nearby marine ecosystems including, grass beds, patch reefs, mangroves
*Sea bird rookeries

                                COSTA RICA

Length: 12 Days/11 Nights

Cost: $850.00 per person

Host/Course Coordinator: Juan Pablo Bello Carranza, Las Juntas, Costa Rica

Topics Covered:
*Tropical Rainforest and Dry Forest Ecology
*Conservation and Land Management
*Geology/Volcanoes

Highlights:
*Monteverde Cloudforest Reserve
*International Children's Rainforest Reserve
*Santa Elena Cloudforest Reserve
 *Arenal Volcano
*Palo Verde National Park
*Tempisque River trip
*Santa Rosa National Park
*Costa Rican cattle and dairy ranch
*Abangares gold mines, Ecological Museum and Butterfly Garden
*Reforestation project along banks of the Abangares River
*Mist-netting and study of vampire bats
*Evening presentations on local cultures, medicinal uses of rainforest plants, sustainable uses of forests and Costa Rican history
*Post-Course extensions to Corcovado and Tortuguero National Parks

                                HONDURAS

Length: 14 Days/13 Nights

Cost: $765.00 per person

Host/Course Coordinator: REHDES/Jerry Haylock, La Ceiba, Honduras

Topics Covered:
*Tropical Rainforest and Marine Ecology
*Conservation and Land Management
*Mayan Archaeology
*Garifuna Culture

Highlights:
*Mayan site of Copan
*Village of Tela and traditional Garifuna music and dance
*Lancetilla Botanical Garden and Research Center
*Jeannette Kawas National Park
*Cuero and Salado Wildlife Refuge
*Pico Bonito National Park
*Bay Island of Utila
*Marine ecosystems, including coral reefs, mangroves and tidal pools
*Evening presentations on conservation, rainforest and marine ecology
*Butterfly Farm and Museum
*White-Water Rafting on the Canjegral River
*Post-Course extension to La Mosquitia and the R?o Plßtano Biosphere Reserve

                                PANAMA

Length: 14 Days/13 Nights

Cost: $1100.00 per person
 Host/Course Coordinator: Win Rice, Panama City, Panama

Topics Covered:
*Tropical Rainforest and Marine Ecology
*Conservation and Land Management
*Geology/Volcanoes
*Indian Cultures
*R.O.P.E.

Highlights:
*Chagres National Park
*R.O.P.E. Course
*Mist-netting and study of birds and bats
*White-water rafting on the Piedres and Chagres Rivers
*Embera Indian village of Parara Puru
*Panama Viejo (old Panama City), colonial city and modern-day Panama City
*Panama Canal
*El Cano Archaeological Park
*Bastimentos National Park and the Bocas del Toro Archipelago
*Marine ecosystems including, mangroves, grass beds and coral reefs
*Gnobe and Bugle Indian cultures
*La Fortuna Nature Reserve
*Highland mountain village of Boquete
*Baru Volcano and National Park
*Orchid, fruit and coffee plantations
*Evening presentations on tropical medicine/jungle first-aid and orchids of Panama
*Post-Course partial and complete Panama Canal transits

                                ECUADOR

Length: 14 Days/13 Nights

Cost: $1050.00 per person

Host/Course Coordinator: Jatun Sacha Foundation/Dr. Michael McColm,
Ph.D., Quito, Ecuador

Topics Covered:
*Tropical Rainforest Ecology
*Biodiversity
*Conservation and Land Management
*Quichua Indian Culture

Highlights:
*Quito
 *Andes Mountain Range
*Alpine and cloudforest ecosystems
*Jatun Sacha Biological Station and surrounding tropical rainforest
*Plant Conservation Center
*Solo experience in the rainforest
*Animal Rehabilitation Center
*Local Shaman's nursery, home visit and "cleansing" demonstration
*Quichua Indian village of Capirona
*Avenue of the Volcanoes
*Highland Indians and villages of Ecuador
*Banos
*Evening presentations on a variety of rainforest and conservation topics
*Post-Course extension to the Galßpagos Islands and/or Cuzco and the Lost City of the Incas-Machu Picchu

                                PERU

Length: 15 Days/14 Nights

Cost: $1145.00 per person

Host/Course Coordinator: Dr. Paul Beaver, Ph.D., Indian Shores, Florida

Topics Covered:
*Tropical Rainforest Ecology
*Biodiversity
*Conservation and Land Management
*Indian Culture

Highlights:
*Amazon River
*Tamshiyacu-Tahuayo Biological Reserve-included by Audubon Magazine on itsÆ list of top 50 ecologically based tour destinations in the world (Sep/Oct 1998)
*Fourteen primate species
*Evening cruise on the Tahuayo River
*Pink freshwater dolphins of Charro Lake
*Caiman Lake
*Jungle community of Santa Ana
*Giant lilypads of Barbasco Lake
*Local Shaman "good luck-good health" ceremony
*Rainforest canopy experience
*Camping on the interior of the Tamshiyacu-Tahuayo Reserve
*Local Indian village market
*Post-Course extension to the Galßpagos Islands and/or Cuzco and the Lost City of the Incas-Machu Picchu
                            SOUTHEAST ALASKA

Length: 14 Days/13 Nights

Cost: $995.00

Host/Course Coordinator: David Berg, Petersburg, Alaska
 
Topics Covered:
*Temperate Rainforest and Marine Ecology
*Conservation and Land Management
*Marine Mammals
*Geology/Glaciers/Volcanoes
*Indian Cultures
*Russian History

Highlights:
*White-water rafting on the Sauk River in Washington state
*Cascade Mountain Range
*Inside Passage of southeast Alaska
*Wrangell
*Petroglyph Beach
*Petersburg
*Sea kayaking
*Whale watching in Frederick Sound
*LeConte glacier
*Camping in temperate rainforest
*Starrigavan Bay estuary and near-shore tide pools
*Harbor Mountain-Gavan Hill Trail hike and camp
*Mount Edgecumbe hike and camp
*Tlingit Native dancing and cultural experience
*Sitka Historical Park
*Sheldon Jackson Museum and itsÆ collection of Native artifacts
*Sage Science Center and fish hatchery
*Sitka Raptor Rehabilitation Center

             CONTACT US FOR DETAILED WORKSHOP ITINERARIES

                  REFERENCES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

        Rainforest and Reef Conservation Fund 501(c)(3) non-profit
         29 Prospect NE Suite #8 Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503 USA
 Phone: (616) 776-5928/Fax: (616) 776-5931/E-Mail: rainforest@mail.org

                        WORKSHOP DATES 1999*
 Number Course by order of preference with #1 being your first choice. Spaces are filled on a first-come first-serve basis. Please be aware that Courses are popular and may fill quickly. It is recommended that you register as early as possible.

BELIZE: 14 D/13 N         Jun 15-28_____   Jul 13-26_____  Aug 3-16_____

COSTA RICA: 12 D/11 N     Jun 14-25_____   Jul 12-23_____  Aug 9-20_____

HONDURAS: 14 D/13 N       Jun 10-23_____    Jul 8-21_____  Aug 5-18_____

PANAMA: 14 D/13 N         Jun 12-25_____   Jul 10-23_____  Aug 7-20_____

ECUADOR: 14 D/13 N        Jun 17-30_____   Jul 15-28_____  Aug 4-17_____

PERU**: 15 D/14 N Jun 26-Jul 10_____  Jul 10-24_____  Jul 24-Aug 7 _____

**Our Peru Workshop can be offered to individuals and groups on most Saturdays throughout the year.

SE ALASKA: 14 D/13 N        Jun 17-30_____  Jul 4-17_____ Jul 18-31_____

*Other dates throughout the year are available upon request
 

        ***** Please reply to  Astrid & Andy Taylor <a.taylor@gmx.de>

From: Astrid & Andy Taylor <a.taylor@gmx.de>
X-Mailer: Mozilla 4.01 [en] (Win95; I)
MIME-Version: 1.0
To: acarology@nhm.ac.uk
Subject: Information request
X-Priority: 3 (Normal)
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit

Dear all,

we are hoping that someone may be able to help us with some queries we have about soil-dwelling mites. In particular, we are interested in the latest classification of mites into feeding guilds or groups, biomass estimates of individual mites of different species and finally in any recent reviews of the feeding of mites upon fungi and other soil micro-organisms.

We very much appreciate your help with this.

Astrid and Andy
 
 
 

From:  Daniela Zelaschi <dany.zelaschi@iol.it>
To: AGCAN.INTERNET("acarology@nhm.ac.uk")
Date:  Mon, Jan 18, 1999 10:46 AM
Subject:  Protocols for RNA extraction from house dust mite
 

Hello,

can somebody help me in indicating where could I find it??

Thanks a lot

Daniela Zelaschi
 
 

Dear Colleagues,     I am looking for some colored photographs of mites, ticks and their infestations etc. for consideration of publication on the cover page of International Journal of Acarology.  Appropriate acknowledgement will be given in the published issue of the journal.  I would appreciate if you can send these to V. Prasad, Editor-in-Chief, International Journal of Acarology, P.O. Box 250456 West Bloomfield, Michigan 48322, USA. Vikram Prasad
 

Dear Colleagues,

    I am looking for some colored photographs of mites, ticks and their infestations etc. for consideration of publication on the cover page of International Journal of Acarology.  Appropriate acknowledgement will be given in the published issue of the journal.  I would appreciate if you can send these to V. Prasad, Editor-in-Chief, International Journal of Acarology, P.O. Box 250456 West Bloomfield, Michigan 48322, USA.

Vikram Prasad
 

From:  "Eric Palevsky" <palevsky@netvision.net.il>
To: "Acarology Discussion List" <acarology@nhm.ac.uk>
Date:  Mon, Jan 25, 1999  1:47 AM
Subject:  Mites in date palms

Dear Colleagues,
 

I am interested in recent applied studies on the date mites, Oligonychus pratensis and O. afrasiaticus. I am presently beginning an applied project on the control of date mites in the Arava valley (southern tip of Israel bordering with Jordan, adjacent to the Red Sea) and would be interested in cooperating with research and extension personnel on aspects such as chemical and biological control, IPM, alternate hosts, movement between alternate hosts and date palms, aerial dispersal and taxonomy.
 

Looking forward to your replies,
 

Eric Palevsky

Faculty of Agriculture

Hebrew University

Email-palevsky@netvision.net.il
 

      ****** Please reply directly to Patrick Shaw <dps@istar.ca> *******

Date: Thu, 21 Jan 1999 13:59:55 -0800
From: Patrick Shaw <dps@istar.ca>
To: acarology@nhm.ac.uk
Subject: Bat Mite Identification Help

Hello All -

In the course of a biosurvey of some caves in western Canada, I  collected a single parasitic mite from a Myotis keeni captured during bat mist-netting studies. Might there be anyone subscribing to the list who might be willing/able to identify the specimen?

Since I'm not subscribing to the list, could interested persons contact me directly at dps@istar.ca.

Many thanks in advance -

Patrick Shaw
 
 
 

Date:    25.01.99

Hello everybody,

I am interested in studies concerning oribatid mite fauna from carstic regions. I would appreciate
any information about papers or specialists dealing with this subject. Thank you!

Best regards,

Lacramioara
--------------------------------------
Lacramioara Fabian
Institute of Biological Research Cluj
48 Republicii Street
Po-Box 229
Ro-3400 Cluj-Napoca
Tel/Fax: (+)-40-64-191238
ROMANIA
--------------------------------------

I am looking for generic or specific level keys to neartic trombidiids, particularly species found in the southwest US.  Is anyone aware of any such keys?  I have the Thor & Willman paper in Das Tierreich, but it is in German and it is very time consuming and there is too much room for error in translation.

Thanks.

Richard Fagerlund                  Mail:  993 Orchid SW
University of New Mexico                  Rio Rancho, NM 87124
E-mail: fagerlun@unm.edu                  (505) 896-2524
 

     *** Please reply to <ggpitbij@lgdx04.lg.ehu.es> if you wish****
 

Date: Fri, 29 Jan 1999 13:07:37 +0100 (MET
From: "Juan C. Iturrondobeitia Bilbao" <ggpitbij@lgdx04.lg.ehu.es>
To: acarology@nhm.ac.uk

I am lookin for the complete reference of the original description of the tick Boophilus microplus Canestrini, 1887.

Can anyone help me?

Thanks. Juan Carlos
 
 

Dear Colleague,

    Once a year we publish e-mail addresses of mite and tick workers in International Journal of Acarology which has been liked very much by the acarologists.  We plan to publish next list in March 1 issue of IJA (volume 25, no.1).  If you have not sent yours yet, please send it as soon as possible.

Vikram Prasad
Editor-in-Chief, IJA