A LOOK AT BIOINFORMATICS OFFERS A GLANCE INTO THE FUTURE
By John Galles
              
UNC Charlotte continues to grow rapidly with an increased emphasis on basic research. One of the newest avenues for its growth is in the arena of bioinformatics. Bioinformatics involves the use of computer science, mathematics, and information theory to model and analyze biological systems, especially systems involving genetic material. Mary Lynne Calhoun, Dean of the College of Education at UNC Charlotte introduced Dr. Larry Mays who serves as the Director of the Bioinformatics Research Center at UNCC. A professor of computer science, Dr. Mays has education and degrees from the University of Virginia and University of Georgia. He has participated in the American Leadership Forum Class 6 and is married to the provost of UNCC, Dr. Joan Lorden.
 
Bioinformatics is essentially learning about DNA. Because of the size and scope of this research, it is only natural to merge computer technology with this research. All DNA is composed of combinations of the material labeled by the four letters, A-T-C-G. It is the arrangement and sequence of these letters that is the key to the information that DNA holds. Human DNA is over 3 billion letters long and there are more combinations of DNA than there are atoms on the earth. According to Dr. Mays, it truly takes a super computer to keep up with the information and the discoveries within this structure of life.
 
Dr. Mays went on to say that this research and its outcomes are likely to be the electronics of the 21st century. He said that North Carolina currently ranks third in the United States in biotechnology. Nearly 90% of all biotechnology in NC is located in the Research Triangle. However, with the establishment of the Bioinformatics Research Center at UNCC and with the new North Carolina Research Park at Kannapolis, the Charlotte area can enter this new arena and gain a foothold for economic development from this emerging research.
 
The applications developed from this research offer new opportunities in the economy that include new drugs, agricultural applications, bio-chemicals including fuels, energy applications, environmental products and even personalized medicines. One of the most talked about opportunities is the use of DNA to diagnose and treat diseases. UNC Charlotte is engaged in that research with the development of gene chips that perform specialized tests on substances in the human body. Successful development of these gene chips can analyze how humans will react to certain drugs and learn how to improve drug performance with fewer side effects and the reduction of fatalities caused by the rejection or interaction of drugs with different human systems.
 
Dr. Mays described several similarities between bioinformatics and financial services. He suggested that similarities can promote advancements in each area over time. He was most pleased about their new building that is being constructed on campus and is scheduled to open in August of 2009.
 
In answer to several questions from Rotarians, Dr. Mays commented upon the issues of ethics within the development of this information base and its applications to individuals as well as to the idea of encouraging a medical school in the Charlotte area. He also described a complex system for technology transfer that requires lots of lawyers and legal negotiations. He was especially pleased that bioinformatics research invites outstanding talent in new professors at UNC Charlotte. He spoke specifically about 8 new teachers with outstanding experience recently added to the staff that would broaden the scope and opportunities for further research at UNCC.

Head Table: Ken Poe, Bob Freeman, John Snyder, Mary Lynne Calhoun, Robert Freeman, Chase Saunders;
Invocation: Janet Falknor;
Visitors & Guests: Don Carmichael; Health & Happiness: Herb Harriss; Song: Matt Ryan; Piano: Thomas Moore; Photos: Bert Voswinkel

• Todd Stevens recognized several club members for their support and commitment to The Rotary Foundation: New Paul Harris Fellows: Arch McIntosh, Bob Finley, Gene Bratek, John Greer; Level One: Rob Wright and Ed Kizer; Level 2: Tom Burgess; Level 3: Pender McElroy; and Level 4: Fred Lowrance.
    
• This year's Habitat for Humanity project is scheduled to be built between March 6 and April 12. Those wishing to volunteer or review the schedule may do so here.
  
• Sign up for the February Host Dinners here. Available dates: February 9, Steve Montgomery and Feb 22, Phil Van Hoy. The February 16 dinner is being rescheduled.
 
• John Snyder did a good job leading Tuesday's meeting. While at the podium, he recognized members of the Myers Park Interact Club and thanked them for the work they are doing; recognized in the January 2008 Business North Carolina's Legal Elite: David Erdman, Family Law section and Luther Moore, Corporate Law; Lee Tabor contributed to an article on refinancing mortgages.
    
• Charlotte Business Journal announces the Green Awards 2008, an event that will honor those in the Charlotte are who are making efforts to incorporate environmentally sustainable practices into their businesses and community work. For nomination information, visit their site.

• Membership Updates: Jan Thompson retires from Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office on January 31. New contact email - deputyjant@bellsouth.net; Leroy Mayne retires from Mecklenburg County Council Boy Scouts of America and has resigned from Charlotte Rotary. Leroy intends to rejoin a club closer to home. Mark Turner arrives as the new Scout executive in mid-February.

• Well wishes are extended to Dan Kensil, who had back surgery last week.

• CART Fund Benefit - Bobcats VS Hawks -
March 7, 2008 - tickets ordered through the Rotary office by 2/18/08

Should you question the eligibility of any nominee, contact the Rotary office by January 14th.