[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/Shanahan1.jpg” caption=”Dr. Fergus Shanahan, chair of medicine at University College, Cork, Ireland. Photo courtesy of FHS.”]The gastrointestinal tract contains the highest density of microbes on the planet. The recent explosion of knowledge about bacteria living in the gut with emphasis on the mucosal immune system will be the focus of the Daniel Perey public lecture on Wednesday, June 18.

The lecture is by Dr. Fergus Shanahan, an internationally recognized clinician in the fields of gastroenterology and immunology.

He will discuss the latest molecular-based strategies aimed at developing new therapies for a variety of conditions that are not restricted to the gut, which will include the use of genetically modified bacteria, probiotics and metabolomic-based approaches.

Shanahan is the chair of medicine at University College, Cork, Ireland. The lecture begins at 4 p.m. in Room 3020 of the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine. A reception will follow in the Atrium. Admission is free.

The annual research lecture was established by the Faculty of Health Sciences through the donations of friends, colleagues and the MacDonald Stewart Foundation in the memory of Daniel Perey, a devoted scholar, scientist and teacher.

The lecture is intended to impart to many an appreciation of the real excitement and timeless value of the process and products of discovery of which he was keenly aware.