19 June 2012

'What causes peanut allergy?' - Café Science event on June 25th

The ways in which groundbreaking research into skin conditions can further scientists' understanding of peanut allergies will be examined at the final Café Science event of the season.

Peanut allergy affects 1-2 % of children in the UK, and may result in a severe, even life-threatening, reaction. The number of people with allergies has increased dramatically over the past 20-30 years. The reasons behind this 'epidemic' are unclear, but our genes and the environment we live in seem to be important.

"Allergies often run in families, showing that genes we inherit from our parents and grandparents are playing a role," explained Dr Brown. "Recently, it was discovered that the gene Filaggrin is related to peanut allergy, and mutations of this gene have been shown to be present in almost half of all severe cases of eczema.

"In my talk, I will be showing how skin research has improved our understanding of peanut allergy. Many questions remain to be answered but we are now closer to understanding what causes peanut allergy in some people.

Café Science events take the form of informal monthly discussions led by leading local researchers that allow members of the public the opportunity to learn more about the ground-breaking science happening in Dundee.

'What causes peanut allergy? Skin research gives us a clue' takes place at 7pm on Monday, June 25th. Seating is limited so attendees are advised to arrive early. Hot meals can be ordered until 6pm, and entry is free and open to all.

Café Science was launched in January 2008, and has attracted more than 3500 people since then. Dr Brown's talk is the final event in the current programme. Café Science will return for a new season in September 2012.

For more information visit Cafe Science website.

For media enquiries contact:
Grant Hill
Press Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384768
E-MAIL: g.hill@dundee.ac.uk
MOBILE: 07854 953277