MEDIA ADVISORY: Biologist to Speak at MU on Effects of Herbicides on Amphibian and Environmental Health

October 10th, 2011

WHAT: Tyrone Hayes, a noted professor of biology at the University of California-Berkeley, will present his research findings on the impact of the herbicide atrazine on frog fertility, health and development.

Atrazine is one of the most widely used herbicides in the United States. Its widespread application has been linked to the global decline in amphibian populations, specifically by altering reproductive development in frogs. Male frogs exposed to atrazine, a potent hormone disruptor, can develop multiple sex organs.

In his talk “From Silent Spring to Silent Night: A Tale of Toads and Men,” Hayes will explain his research findings showing that atrazine may be an important factor in the global decline in frog populations. Hayes also will address the dangers similar hormone disruptors may pose to human health and fertility.

The lecture is sponsored by the MU Division of Biological Sciences and the Nelson Lectureship. The lecture is free and open to the public.

WHO: Tyrone Hayes, professor of biology, University of California-Berkeley

WHEN & WHERE: 11 a.m., Monday, Oct. 10
Christopher S. Bond Life Sciences Center
MU campus