GENETICS OF AUTISM:Researchers at the Department of Psychiatry at Trinity College Dublin are looking for Irish families who have a child with an autism spectrum disorder to take part in an international study of the genetics of autism.
Dr Louise Gallagher is leading the study which links into a larger study, the Autism Genome Project. Both studies aim to identify the genes that contribute to the risk of autism.
Tel: 01-8962315 or e-mail autismresearch@tcd.ie for further details.
BREAST CANCER MEETINGS:Europa Donna Ireland, the Irish branch of the international breast cancer charity, is hosting a series of free information meetings on breast cancer and breast cancer services in the forthcoming weeks.
The first meeting, which will be addressed by Prof Michael Kerin, University College Hospital, Galway, is on next Tuesday at 7.30pm in the Harbour Hotel, New Docks Road, Galway city. Pre-booking required on mobile 087 6383609 or visit www.europadonnaireland.ie
ALZHEIMER CONFERENCE:The Alzheimer Society of Ireland's annual conference takes place in Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, Killiney, Co Dublin on Friday.
Aimed principally at health and social care professionals, the conference will include a talk on advocacy from diagnosis to end of life by Prof Murna Downes, chairwoman in dementia studies, University of Bradford, England. Tel: 01-2846616 for more details. See also www.alzheimer.ie
FREE SHIATSU TREATMENTS:The Shiatsu Society of Ireland is offering free short shiatsu treatments this week at the Dublin Fringe Festival office, Sackville Place, Dublin.
The traditional Japanese body therapy involves pressure from thumbs and palms of the hands to various acupuncture points on the body as well as gentle stretches and joint rotation.
The treatments are given to promote the benefits of shiatsu as part of European Shiatsu Week which runs until September 23rd. Visit www.shiatsusocietyireland.com
TINNITUS LECTURE:The medical aspects of tinnitus will be discussed by Dr Petter Tungland, Swedish-born and UK-based ENT (Ear, Nose & Throat) specialist on Saturday at 11am in the Royal Dublin Hotel, O'Connell St, Dublin.
Dr Tungland is former chairman of the British Tinnitus Association's Professional Advisors' Committee.
The free lecture is organised by the Irish Tinnitus Association. See www.nadi.ie or tel: 01-8723800 for more details.
sthompson@irish-times.ie