July 27, 2004
MEDIA CONTACT: Caroline Witherspoon
Becker Communications
(808) 533-4165
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BISHOP MUSEUM RECEIVES GRANT FOR DNA ANALYSIS EQUIPMENT AND LONG-TERM DNA STORAGE
HONOLULU - A grant of $101,582 has been awarded by the National Science Foundation to Bishop Museum Laboratories. Under the direction of Drs. Christopher F. Puttock and Shelley A. James, the grant will support the acquisition and maintenance of a DNA genetic analysis system, associated sequence analysis software and hardware, a gel analyzing system and spectrophotometer, and equipment for long-term DNA storage. This is only the sixth DNA analysis system in the state of Hawai‘i , and brings Bishop Museum once again, to the forefront of this cutting-edge research field. Bishop Museum has long been committed to addressing natural science and cultural history questions of Hawai‘i and the Pacific region. The new grant will increase molecular research productivity, which has been hindered in recent years by instrument availability, prolonged delays due to outsourcing for sequencing and genetic analysis, and the lack of accurate temperature storage. The grant will greatly enhance the research capacity and training for the study of biota in Hawai‘i and the Pacific region in five key areas: specimen preservation; biodiversity; systematics and ecology; identification and forensic studies; and bio-anthropology. In addition, the grant will further support training and education in the field of Natural Science for scientists and students, in particular, those of Hawaiian, Pacific Island and Asian-American descent. The Museum will offer internship and training programs and will provide research opportunities through genetic resource samples, accessible facilities and use of equipment to local, national and international scientific research communities. A treasured resource of Hawaiian history and heritage Bishop Museum was founded in 1889 by Charles Reed Bishop as a tribute to his wife Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, the last descendant of the royal Kamehameha dynasty. Located at 1525 Bernice Street, the Museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $14.95 for adults; $11.95 for youth 4-12 years, special rates for kama‘āina, seniors and military; children under 4 years and Bishop Museum Association members are free. For information, call 847-3511 or visit www.bishopmuseum.org. ###