The University of South Carolina Beaufort will be hosting two presentations on Thursday, February 23<sup>rd</sup>, each led by Dr. Lou Guillette who will be discussing the impact of manmade chemicals on wildlife and possible correlations to disease in humans.   Dr. Guillette is affiliated with the Medical University of South Carolina’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Hollings Marine Lab in Charleston.

The first presentation will take place at 11:45am-12:45pm in Hargray 156 on the Hilton Head Gateway campus, located on hwy 278 in Bluffton.  An evening presentation will take place at the Beaufort High School auditorium from 7:00-8:00pm. Both presentations are free of charge and open to the general public.

This event is being hosted by USCB Professors,  Dr. Alan Warren, human toxicology expert, and Dr. Eric Montie, marine ecotoxicology researcher.  Event sponsors include: ACE Basin NERR, University of South Carolina Beaufort, Beaufort High School, and South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.

The effects of contaminants on wildlife have been studied for more than 50 years, since the publication of Rachel Carson’s “Silent Spring.” Work over the last decade and a half has focused on the ability of environmental contaminants to mimic chemical messengers (hormones) and alter gene expression and functioning of the reproductive and endocrine systems. Although considered rare until a decade ago, evidence that many types of chemicals alter the signaling systems in our bodies and those of wildlife is now common.

For more information, please contact Dr. Eric Montie at <a href="tel:843-208-8107" target="_blank">843-208-8107</a>.