Vision the first focus of conference for physiologists and neuroscientists

Delegates at an international conference in Brisbane this month will learn how Queensland's Tawny Frogmouth Owl and the humble Sandlance fish hold clues to the complexities of human binocular vision.

Binocular vision will be the focus of the opening address by Professor Jack Pettigrew, of the University of Queensland's Vision, Touch and Hearing Research Centre, at a conference for physiologists and neuroscientists in Brisbane from September 27 to October 1.

Binocular vision, in which animals use both eyes to integrate a visual scene, is fundamental to many studies including psychology and artificial intelligence. However, an estimated two per cent of humans cannot utilise binocular vision and experts remain puzzled as to the best treatment methods for these disorders.

Professor Pettigrew will use many examples from the animal world to illuminate binocular vision.

The Brisbane '98 conference at the Hilton Hotel will provide the forum for the Fourth Congress of the Federation of Asian and Oceanian Physiological Societies (FAOPS) and the Second Congress of the Federation of Asian-Oceanian Neuroscience Societies (FAONS).

It will also host the Annual National Meetings of the Australian Physiological and Pharmacological Society (APPS) and the Physiological Society of New Zealand (PSNZ).

Federal Industry, Science and Technology Minister John Moore will open the conference.

The conference will provide an interdisciplinary forum for physiologists and neuroscientists from Australasia and the Asian-Pacific region to hear the latest developments in their fields.

The organising committee includes the head of the University's Physiology and Pharmacology Department Professor David Adams and Dr David Vaney from the University's Vision, Touch and Hearing Research Centre.

According to Professor Adams, the conference will strengthen the links between physiologists and neuroscientists in the Asian-Oceanian region.

Lectures and workshops will cover a wide range of areas including the cost and benefits of animal research, growth hormone, blood pressure regulation, the development of central nervous pathways in marsupials, smell and taste and male reproductive physiology.

For information about registration, contact telephone 02 9241 1478, facsimile 02 9251 3552, email physiol98@icmsaust.com.au or the Congress' website at http://www.physiology.unimelb.edu.au/users/apps/apps.html