FLORIDA SCIENTISTS OVERVIEW

Florida has a strong presence in the fields of marine biotechnology, as the accompanying scientist profiles reveal.

Three researchers from Florida Atlantic University share their insights on the biomedical potential of natural products found in the venom of predatory cone snails (Fields, Mari) and on sustainable means of supplying marine bioproducts for the commercial development pipeline (Kerr).

The investigators from Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution's Division of Biomedical Marine Research present an overview of their exciting marine drug discovery program based on a collection of tens of thousands of invertebrate and microorganism samples collected from around the world via deep diving submersible and scuba diving.

Dr. Bill Baker of the University of South Florida discusses natural products discoveries from the Antarctic. Colleagues David Fries and John Paul discuss their work to develop new tools for monitoring coastal waters for viruses and carcinogens, among other research targets.

Finally, Valerie Paul of the Smithsonian Marine Station talks about her natural products discovery work in Guam and other exotic locales.

Please select from the list of Florida MBT scientists to explore their research in more detail.