Province helps fund new gene sequencer for Memorial University

Beaton Tulk, Minister of Industry, Trade and Rural Development, today announced a $20,000 contribution to the purchase of a gene sequencer for Memorial University of Newfoundland. The $100,000 device can map and identify the genes in humans and animals.

"This gene sequencer will be housed in a new genetics and genomics laboratory at Memorial University and will be used by scientists in a number of disciplines," said Minister Tulk. "It will support cutting-edge genetic research in areas as diverse as human medicine, pharmacology and fisheries stock identification."

Dr. Steve Carr of Memorial University�s Department of Biology said, "The new sequencer will allow us to investigate current research questions with greater speed and precision, and will allow us to move in a big way into the emerging field of genomics, the study of the complete gene sets of species. We are very excited to be doing this kind of work here in Newfoundland."

"This new equipment will be available to aid local industry, and should help attract research funding from private and international sources," said Minister Tulk, who also praised the spirit of cooperation which led to the purchase of the gene sequencing equipment.

The cost of the gene sequencer is being shared by a number of funding partners, including Memorial University�s Faculty of Medicine and the Departments of Biology and Biochemistry; Janeway Research; and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. Newfound Genomics, a private local company, also supported the decision to purchase the equipment and will be using it in cooperation with Memorial University.

Media contact: Josephine Cheeseman, Communications, (709) 729-4570.

2001 09 18                                    3:15 p.m.