• Who is at risk for bird flu and what can we do about it?



• Is there an association between mouth bacteria and heart disease?



• What are the implications of the "age boom" as life expectancy increases?

These questions and others will be addressed at the 2005 Medicine for the Public lecture series, Oct. 18-Nov. 1, 2005. The series features physician-researchers working on the frontiers of medical discovery at the National Institutes of Health. Now in its 29th year, Medicine for the Public helps people understand the latest developments in medicine with an emphasis on topics of current relevance presented by speakers who can relate stories of science to the lay public. Sponsored by the NIH Clinical Center, the lectures are held at 7 p.m. on Tuesdays in the Clinical Center's Masur Auditorium, National Institutes of Health, 9000 Rockville Pike, Building 10, in Bethesda, Maryland. All lectures are free and open to the public.

Oct. 18, 2005
Avian Influenza: Preparing for the Pandemic
Avian influenza, or bird flu, is a major concern for public health authorities and is an increasing threat to public health. Dr. David Henderson, deputy director for clinical care of the NIH Clinical Center, will discuss what bird flu is, how it spreads, and where we can look for possible treatment and prevention.

Oct. 25, 2005
Open Wide: Molecular Medicine Enters the Mouth
Studies suggest an association between oral bacteria and heart disease, high blood sugar in people with diabetes, and other medical conditions. This lecture will cover oral health and the connection between oral bacteria and systemic disease. Dr. Lawrence A. Tabak, director of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, will discuss the latest research in molecular medicine and the use of salivary diagnostics as tools for health surveillance.

Nov. 1, 2005
Growing Older: Challenges and Opportunities in Aging
The trend toward increased life expectancy over the last century has been remarkable, resulting in an "age boom" having profound implications for individuals, families, and society. Dr. Richard J. Hodes, director of the National Institute on Aging will cover research insights on the factors affecting health and well-being as we grow older.

For further information on specific topics or speakers, call 301-496-2563, or visit the Medicine for the Public website at: http://clinicalcenter.nih.gov/about/news/mfp.shtml.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) — The Nation's Medical Research Agency — includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services. It is the primary Federal agency for conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and it investigates the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit http://www.nih.gov.