Free screening of I am Legend in series Science in the Cinema

(September 24, 2009, Calgary, Alberta) Calgarians are invited to enjoy an evening of free popcorn, a movie and a discussion about virus research hosted by the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research (AHFMR). On Thursday, October 15, 2009, AHFMR is presenting I am Legend at 6:30 p.m. at the Plaza Theatre, 1133 Kensington Road NW.

I am Legend tells the story of a "cure" for cancer that goes horribly wrong, killing most of humanity and transforming the rest into monsters. Will Smith stars as the sole survivor in New York City who struggles to find a cure for the new virus.

After the film Dr. Daniel Muruve, an AHFMR scholar, will discuss with the audience the latest research using genes and viruses to fight disease. Viruses are being studied as treatments for medical diseases including cancer and diabetes. Dr. Muruve, a specialist who treats people with kidney disease, is a member of the Calvin, Phoebe and Joan Snyder Institute of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation at the University of Calgary Faculty of Medicine. His research team investigates how the immune system responds to DNA viruses. Dr. Muruve's laboratory also explores the role of the immune system in the biology of kidney disease.

"This Science in the Cinema program is part of our ongoing focus on science education, inviting people around Alberta ‐ especially young people ‐ to explore the mysteries and the beauty of science,"says AHFMR Interim CEO Jacques Magnan, PhD. "The idea is to reach new audiences while we learn about the scientific topics raised in the films."

Upcoming Science in the Cinema dates: Philadelphia, Thursday, December 3, 2009

karen.thomas@ahfmr.ab.ca

nancy.whelan@ahfmr.ab.ca, 1.877.423.5727 x260, 1.403.471.7541 (cellular ‐ not for publication).

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