UFC Lunch: How Communities of Microbes Conspire to Cause Disease

University Friends Circle (UFC) meets from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Branding Iron Restaurant, 640 W. 16th St., Merced.

Pew Biomedical Scholar and School of Natural Sciences Professor Clarissa J. Nobile will speak on "How Communities of Microbes Conspire to Cause Disease." Nobile's laboratory is doing groundbreaking research in understanding the causes of disease, including valley fever.

The cost is $20 for members and $25 for guests. For information on joining the UFC or to RSVP, email friendscircle@ucmerced.edu. Reservation deadline is noon Thursday, Jan. 7.

UFC encourages people from UC Merced and surrounding communities to join the organization. Its mission is to inspire and maintain strong relationships between the UC Merced community and the communities of the San Joaquin Valley through activities that promote social and intellectual interaction, programs of service and fundraising initiatives that support UC Merced scholarships.