subject of a lecture tonight.

Mr. Hank Trapido-Rosenthal will bring his expertise in molecular biology to the Island's biological station in May.

But he will give members of the public a taste of how DNA, RNA and sensory and chemo-sensory studies underwater can help human problems on land.

Hopes are high that this type of study could lead to steps forward in medicine and other areas like fishing and sailing.

The station has been preparing for Mr. Rosenthal's arrival with laboratories being rebuilt with a grant from the National Science Foundation. It means the Island has a Molecular Biological Facility and an expert to use it.

Biological Station director Dr. Tony Knap said: "Biology used to be all microscopes but it has now taken a quantum leap forward.'' Mr. Rosenthal's work will include looking at what makes barnacles stick to rocks and ships. He hopes to investigate methods and solutions to remove them from the hulls of ships.

Also, he will be looking at what attracts lobsters to food and each other so that better methods of lobster farming can be developed.

One major aspect of the study will be the way that organisms in the oceans around Bermuda cope with temperature stress. They have developed systems to combat disease and other factors in the ocean.

Scientists even hope molecular biological research will eventually help in the cure for cancer.

The meeting begins in Hanson Hall at 8 p.m. and all members of the public are welcome to attend.

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