During the last two decades, the world of genetic engineering has become cheaper and easier, resulting in huge increases in our knowledge about the ways in which genomes work. This has allowed scientists to do incredible things like mass producing human insulin and modifying drugs to be safer and have longer shelf lives.

Senior Research Scientist José A. Fernández-Robledo has been interested in the world of genetic engineering due to his work with oysters, specifically oyster parasites that affect aquaculture production. Join him for Café Sci on Tuesday, Aug. 15 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. to discuss the importance of genetic engineering, its ability to enhance oyster aquaculture production, and its potential to help us protect our wild places.

This fun, free event is open to the public and will be held at Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences in East Boothbay. Learn more and register at www.bigelow.org/cafesci.