HKU Bulletin February 2004 (Vol. 5 No. 2)

4 INTERNATIONAL U niversity researchers are involved in an international project to create a genetic map that would be used in identifying genes related to common illnesses, such as asthma, cancer, diabetes and heart disease. The haplotype map (HapMap) is the next stage in the Human Genome Project, which identified three billion genes in humans. We share most of these genes, but at least 10 million are var iat ions cal led ‘SNP’s’ ( for single nucleot ide polymorphisms) . The var iat ions are of ten grouped in ‘neighbourhoods’, called haplotype blocks, and the HapMap will seek to identify these blocks. The HapMap project involves researchers in the United States, Britain, Japan, Canada and China (including Hong Kong), who are analysing samples taken from people of African, European, Japanese and Chinese ancestry. Hong Kong HapMap Group has been assigned two per cent of the map and the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Lap-Chee Tsui, is leading the Group, with researchers from The University of Hong Kong, The Chinese University of Hong Kong and Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. They have received $25 million from the Universi ty Grants Committee, $10 mi l l ion from the Innovation and Technology Fund and $2.5 million from two sponsoring companies. The Universi ty’s Genome Research Centre has also invested resources and effort in developing the technology infrastructure for this project, as well as other high throughput platforms for genomic research. “I am glad that scientists at the three Universities are working together on this large-scale project. This will not only allow us to contribute to the international consortium and gain valuable exper ience in high-throughput genotyping experiments but will also provide us with the technology platform to tackle common health problems in the region,” said Professor Tsui. Title: To Construct a Haplotype Map (HapMap) of 2% of the Human Genome HKU Joins International Genome Project 5 SWIMS in the Swim T he windswept and interesting Swire Institute of Marine Science (SWIMS) has unveiled a $8 million upgrade designed to boost facilities and improve the Institute’s profile. To usher in the new era SWIMS welcomed Vice-Chancellor Professor Lap- Chee Tsui for a celebration ceremony in December 2003 at the refurbished Institute, which first opened its doors in 1990. James Hughes-Hal let t , Chai rman of Swire Pacific – which donated $4 million towards the costs – was also shown around the new facilities by the Institute Honorary Director Dr Gray Williams. Williams said: “This refurbishment has allowed us to step back a little and review what we need and our future needs. “With our close proximity to the shores we are in a unique position to take advantage of these facilities. “These are brilliant shores and there is nowhere else in the world quite like it.” Situated on the tip of the Cape d’Aguilar Peninsula, SWIMS has played host to generations of marine scientists eager to take advantage of the unique location. Buffeted on one side by the full force of the open seas, the Institute is also just metres away from the sharp contrast of a comparatively sheltered bay. Although originally autonomous, SWIMS now comes under the umbrella of the Department of Ecology and Biodiversity. Williams, who has been at the University since the Institute’s inception, believes that this has allowed the institute to rationalise its resources. As a consequence this has meant less pressure on space. As well as having a secure and designated library, the Institute has seen a radical redesign of the laboratories, which has meant students are given much greater bench space. The specialist laboratory equipment has been allocated designated rooms to cut down on clutter. For students using the aquarium, a modular shelving system has been brought in which gives students greater flexibility to design their own tanks and experiments. Jasmine Ng, a PhD student in marine ecology, said: “I started here a couple of years ago and the renovation has vastly improved the working environment. “The lab is brand new and the design has brought better order and more space with it. “The aquarium is very good with tanks, filters for the sea water and pumps. It means that the sea-life is in a much better environment.” For the first time, SWIMS also has emergency power as a back up in case there is problems with the power grid. To go hand in hand with the refurbishment of the residential block, the upgrade has also seen the Institute guaranteed a fresh water supply for the first time. Williams said: “The ceremony was really a family affair for staff and those involved with the Institute to celebrate its achievements to date and this latest stage in its development. “I believe we have every reason to be proud of these achievements and with this upgrade I think we are in the position to further enhance our reputation and global profile.” NEWS ROUND-UP James Hughes-Hallett (left) and the Vice-Chancellor.