Your Genes: How They Contribute to Who You Are
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***In the very unlikely event that we will need to cancel a lecture due to weather, we will report that here and on a recorded message that can be heard by calling 814-863-8453.***
See the full-size poster here, or click to download a printable PDF. (Best viewed in Adobe Acrobat Reader.)
"Your Genes: How They Contribute to Who You Are" is the theme of the 2013 Penn State Lectures on the Frontiers of Science, which will take place in January and February 2013. This series of six public lectures on consecutive Saturday mornings is designed as a free minicourse for the general public. The lectures will take place from 11:00 a.m. to about 12:30 p.m. in 100 Thomas Building on the Penn State University Park campus, beginning on 19 January 2013. (Directions and parking info can be found here.)
This event features lectures given by Penn State scientists whose labs are expanding the frontiers of scientific knowledge about human genes. The six lectures in the 2013 series include:
Races, Faces, and Human Genetic Diversity
Mark D. Shriver, Penn State
19 January 2013
11:00 a.m.
100 Thomas Building (map)
Which genes are responsible for "race," skin color, and facial features? How do natural selection and sexual selection play a role in the continued evolution of these genes? How can forensic science, and society in general, benefit from increased knowledge about human genetic ancestry and diversity? Read more about Shriver's lecture here.
Life's Little Problem: Determinism vs. Chance in the Complex Ways of Genomes
Ken Weiss, Penn State
26 January 2013
11:00 a.m.
100 Thomas Building (map)
It is widely assumed that genes determine who we are -- but the genetic basis of human traits often turns out to be perplexingly complicated. Learn how the latest research in how genes work, how they vary, and the evolutionary processes that brought about their intricate interactions is revealing the role that genes play in disease, normal traits, and even behavior. Read more about Ken Weiss's lecture or watch a video recording of Kenn Weiss's lecture.
Bringing Genomic Medicine into Focus
Eric Green, National Institutes of Health
2 February 2013
11:00 a.m.
100 Thomas Building (map)
Capitalizing on knowledge about the human genome sequence, generated a decade ago by the Human Genome Project, researchers and clinicians are now developing approaches for using genomic information to advance human health. Learn how these efforts are bringing the era of genomic medicine into focus. Read more about Eric Green's lecture or watch a video recording of Eric Green's lecture.
Personalized Medicine: Are We There Yet?
Marylyn Ritchie, Penn State
9 February 2013
11:00 a.m.
100 Thomas Building (map)
A central goal of identifying genetic variation for complex human traits is using that data for treatment and prevention of common diseases. Learn where the state of the art is in using genetic information for personalizing our health care. Read more about Marylyn Ritchie's lecture here or watch a video recording of Marylyn Ritchie's lecture.
Genetics of Obesity and Weight Loss
Glenn Gerhard, Penn State
16 February 2013
11:00 a.m.
100 Thomas Building (map)
Obesity has become a worldwide epidemic. Although diet, exercise, and other aspects of modern living play important roles, there is strong evidence indicating that genetics is also a major factor. Hear a member of the Penn State Institute for Personalized Medicine describe the search for genes related to obesity and weight loss. Read more about Glenn Gerhard's lecture or watch a video recording of Glenn Gerhard's lecture.
Genome Instability -- The Crucible of Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Children?
Scott B. Selleck, Penn State
23 February 2013
11:00 a.m.
100 Thomas Building (map)
Autism spectrum disorder is on the rise in the U.S. population, currently at an incidence of greater than 1 in 100 children. What is the origin of this increase? What can genetics and genomics tell us about the cause and course of this epidemic? Can we use this knowledge to intervene intelligently? Read more about Scott Selleck's lecture or watch a video recording of Scott Selleck's lecture.
The Penn State Lectures on the Frontiers of Science is a program of the Penn State Eberly College of Science that is designed for the enjoyment and education of residents of the Central Pennsylvania area and beyond. For more information or access assistance, contact the Eberly College of Science Office of Media Relations and Public Information by telephone at (814) 863-8453 or by e-mail at krd111@psu.edu. Use the links to the left to access more information about the Penn State Lectures on the Frontiers of Science, including archived recordings of previous lectures.