Evolutionary Genetics - Copy number variation and the secret of life - with Aoife McLysaght
From the description:
Evolution is powered by variation: the differences in DNA sequences. One hugely important form of difference is copy number variation, where genes are duplicated or deleted from one generation to the next.
In this Ri event, Aoife McLysaght from University of Dublin explains how copy number variations gave us colour vision, a sense of smell and haemoglobin in our blood, before exploring the role they play in diseases such as cancer, autism and schizophrenia.The event 'Too Much of a Good Thing' was presented at the Ri on Friday 28 March and forms part of the Ri's all-women line up for Friday Evening Discourses in 2014 as part of a year-long celebration of women in science.
This is a 2014 public lecture providing a small sampling of what the field of genetics has been able to show about evolution, given in Michael Faraday's lecture theatre at the Royal Institution in London.
I believe that's even Faraday's desk she's standing behind. Gotta love that.
Oh, and for the curious, her name is pronounced 'ee-fah mac-lye-set'.
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Duplication + modification = a variation of new genetic information = evolution.
She did a good job, considering the complexity of what she was trying to convey. This is why some people study a subject for years trying to fully understand it.
Modern genetic knowledge is the most fascinating part of science. To those who find this lecture interesting, Richard Dawkins has written several books on the subject. Dr. Dawkins is able to explain genetics to the average dummy [like me] in an easily understood manner, the way few others can. His works are highly recommended.
Ms. Mclysaght is obviously very intelligent, but she is also rather beautiful. Lose the ugly green dress, apply a little make-up, and she goes from scientist to supermodel quite readily!
I had a hard time deciding what was fuglier the desk or the dress. I ended up calling it a tie.
Aw, c'mon. I can't speak for the dress, but I think the desk is almost 200 years old. It may not be pretty, but with all the people who've lectured behind it, its historical value is immense.
Very good lecture but still a lecture. She kept things very simple but (alas) not simple enough for the majority. I like the approach Biologos takes. They are trying to convince Christians that evolution really does exist (and is not the work of Satan) so they have a particularly heavy challenge.
I think quite a few are so unaware of biology that they get thrown off by even the most basic vocabulary (e.g. even the concept of a gene).
Do you really think so? I don't know how much simpler she could have made it, and she only touched on a few topics. I thought she did a fantastic job. I especially enjoyed her enthusiasm.
But at the end of the day they're still presenting some kind of creationist viewpoint, aren't they?
I agree, but if you check-out Biologos treatment of the subject matter you will see what I mean.
Yes, but without distorting the science. I mentioned Biologos only to show an alternate presentation. Not to promote them.
Of course the big problem is not the lack of familiarity with terms and concepts because that can be easily addressed. The big problem is rejection of the science because it clashes with religious views. Unfortunately in the USA that happens far too often for our own scientific health.
This lecture is great for those receptive to learning about evolution and genetics.
That often leaves me stunned and at a lack for words. I can't believe the power religion holds over some people's minds. It's almost as if they are totally psychologically dependent on it, similar to a very strong chemical addiction that just can't be broken, at least not without breaking the person in the process. It's like their entire mental identity has been built up around a particular belief, making that belief impossible to abandon without also losing their sense of self, their mind, no matter how strong any evidence against the belief may be.