Professor to discuss how viruses can improve health

Viruses cause plenty of diseases, from the common cold to Ebola, but according to a UCI chemist, they can also help fight it.

Chemistry and molecular biology associate professor Gregory Weiss will give a talk Tuesday on “Putting Viruses to Work,” discussing his work with viruses to improve health.

Weiss’ research has included wiring specially engineered viruses into electronic circuits as detectors for prostate and lung cancer. He also uses viruses to learn general rules of biological processes.

The free talk will be from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Tuesday at the University Club at UCI. To reserve a spot, call (949) 824-7252, or e-mail events@ps.uci.edu. Breakfast will be served.

— Michael Alexander