Abstract
This autumn, 95 scientists and students from the Rocky Mountain area, along with invited speakers from Colorado, California, Montana, Florida, Louisiana, New York, Maryland, and India, attended the 19th annual meeting of the Rocky Mountain Virology Association that was held at the Colorado State University Mountain Campus located in the Rocky Mountains. The two-day gathering featured 30 talks and 13 posters—all of which focused on specific areas of current virology and prion protein research. The keynote presentation reviewed new tools for microbial discovery and diagnostics. This timely discussion described the opportunities new investigators have to expand the field of microbiology into chronic and acute diseases, the pitfalls of sensitive molecular methods for pathogen discovery, and ways in which microbiology help us understand disruptions in the social fabric that pose pandemic threats at least as real as Ebola or influenza. Other areas of interest included host factors that influence virus replication, in-depth analysis of virus transcription and its effect on host gene expression, and multiple discussions of virus pathology, epidemiology as well as new avenues of diagnosis and treatment. The meeting was held at the peak of fall Aspen colors, surrounded by five mountains >11,000 ft (3.3 km), where the secluded campus provided the ideal setting for extended discussions, outdoor exercise and stargazing. On behalf of the Rocky Mountain Virology Association, this report summarizes 43 selected presentations.
Highlights
IntroductionCampus, located 50 miles west of Fort Collins, Colorado, was selected as the venue since its location at the base of the continental divide provided sufficient seclusion to enhance attendance at all presentations and programed free time was provided to explore the beautiful mountain setting
The Rocky Mountain Virology Association was established in 2000 to address the critical need of a venue to showcase regional scientists investigating all facets of host–virus interactions in order to provide an environment where graduate students could interact with more established virologists, and new investigators could establish productive collaborations
Dr Jayasri Das Sarma (Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Kolkata, India) opened the meeting with her invited presentation describing the protective role of Ifit2 during neurotropic virus infection
Summary
Campus, located 50 miles west of Fort Collins, Colorado, was selected as the venue since its location at the base of the continental divide provided sufficient seclusion to enhance attendance at all presentations and programed free time was provided to explore the beautiful mountain setting. Professional childcare was again provided to facilitate attendance by individuals with young children. The kids preformed “Kidtagion,” a skit that portrayed pathogen transmission advance science and mentorship. Professional childcare was again provided to facilitate attendance through fomites. The kids preformed “Kidtagion,” a Lipkin (a.k.a. The Virus Hunter), who was the chief scientific advisor of the 2011 film Contagion. Virology continued its the legacy of virology, biology, and night skies, it was Association easy to seemeeting that not(Figure all the1)stars were at podium
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
