October 1, 1998 For Immediate Release

The University of Northern British Columbia's genetic research capacity has surpassed the ability of many other small universities thanks in part to a contribution by the Bank of Montreal.

The Bank has contributed $50,000 towards the purchase of a DNA sequencer, a sophisticated piece of equipment that enables researchers to analyze the genetic code of organisms under study. The equipment can determine the molecular size of DNA fragments and can be used for very precise genetic fingerprinting. It also determines the DNA sequence of genes.

The sequencer is currently being used on projects that assess the genetics of farmed salmon, the genetic differences between rainbow trout and steelhead trout, and the biodiversity of fungi that help trees grow.

Bank of Montreal and UNBC officials will officially unveil the new DNA Sequencing Facility at 1pm on Friday, October 2nd. The equipment will be demonstrated and there will be an explanation of its research application. Media representatives can meet on the third floor of the Laboratory Rotunda.

An application for additional equipment to complement the DNA sequencer received $61,000 in funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.