UF to host top muscle biologists at 11th Biennial Symposium

January 22, 2009

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Twenty-five internationally-known scientists will gather at the 11th Biennial Free Radical Underground Symposium to discuss the latest findings in important health-related topics linked to muscle wasting and weakness. The conference, hosted by the University of Florida College of Health and Human Performance will be held Jan. 22-23, at the Reitz Student Union.

“Researchers will be discussing many relevant health issues such as care and prevention of muscle wasting, which can occur when someone is put on prolonged bed rest or when someone has to wear a cast,” said Scott Powers, director of the Center for Exercise Science at UF, who organized the symposium.

In addition, the “exchange of scientific ideas and new findings will help us draw consensus ideas about prevention and treatment of various skeletal muscle disorders,” said Powers, distinguished professor in the Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology.

“This symposium is an opportunity to develop collaborative research partnerships among outstanding researchers,” Powers said.

Researchers will discuss the cause and prevention of skeletal muscle weakness in the elderly. The role of nutrition and drugs in protection against skeletal muscle weakness due to aging or inactivity will be explored.

Powers said another benefit of hosting a symposium of this caliber is UF students have an excellent opportunity to learn from outstanding researchers from around the world.

The symposium is free to all UF faculty and students.