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SUMMARY:The ageing eye - Lifestyle vs Genes - Ruth Hogg\, University of Me
 lbourne
DTSTART:20070510T120000Z
DTEND:20070510T130000Z
UID:TALK7123@talks.cam.ac.uk
CONTACT:Cordula Becker
DESCRIPTION:Ageing is a universal phenomenon yet how it affects an individ
 ual is dependent on a multitude of factors including complex gene-environm
 ent interactions.  This talk will summarize a group of visual function tes
 ts used to distinguish normal ageing from the early stages of Age-related 
 macular degeneration (AMD)\, a potentially devastating disease which destr
 oys central vision.  The talk will also outline a pilot study in which the
 se tests were carried out in a group of older twins. The aim of which was 
 to assess the relative genetic contribution to various aspects of visual f
 unction using a classical twin study.  The results showed that the perform
 ance of visual processes mediated by cones was determined mainly by a gene
 tic predisposition.  However\, processes underlying dark adaptation were l
 ess dependent on genetic predisposition with environmental factors influen
 cing performance to a greater degree.   Finally\, I will show how these fi
 ndings have implications for our understanding of the pathogenic mechanism
 s underlying macular disease. \n\n\n
LOCATION:Ground Floor Lecture Theatre\, Department of Experimental Psychol
 ogy
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