ALFRIED VOGLER- The reality of DNA-based approaches in taxonomy 2008

‘The reality of DNA-based approaches in taxonomy’ By Alfried Vogler (Imperial College London & Natural History Museum) Abstract: The advent of DNA taxonomy and DNA barcoding has stirred up emotions widely among biologists, mainly because of sensitivities in the taxonomic research community and the inadequate evolutionary theory of early procedures. Is there a common…

JACOB KOELLA- Mosquito immunity, evolution, and malaria control 2008

‘Mosquito immunity, evolution, and malaria control’ By Jacob Koella (Imperial College London) Abstract: Genetic manipulation of mosquitoes for malaria control continues to attract much attention (and funding). One idea is to transform mosquitoes with genes enhancing their immune response against malaria (and that can spread though natural populations). Such a strategy…

BRIAN GARVEY- On the use and misuse of epigenetics in evolutionary psychology 2008

‘On the use and misuse of epigenetics in evolutionary psychology’ By Brian Garvey (Philosophy, Lancaster University) Abstract: In recent decades, there has been much work on the role of non-genetic factors in inheritance, development, and evolution. This has led to a re-evaluation of some traditional ideas, and in particular to a questioning…

MATHEW FRITH- City Wild: The nature of a living London 2008

‘City Wild: The nature of a living London’ By Mathew Frith (Landscape Regeneration Manager, Peabody Trust & Vice-Chair, London Wildlife Trust Mathew will be speaking about biodiversity in London and urban wildlife. Date: 7th October 2008, at 18.00 Location: Drayton Ricardo lecture theatre, UCL * Click here to download a poster for…

SHAI MEIRI- From Wrangel to Flores: size evolution on islands 2008

‘From Wrangel to Flores: size evolution on islands’ By Shai Meiri (Natural Sciences, Imperial College London) Abstract: Islands are often portrayed as weird and wonderful places where, free from pressures of factors such as competition and predation, animals can quickly evolve some truly fantastic forms. A key trait that is often…

JANET THORNTON- Evolution in Protein Structures 2008

‘Evolution in Protein Structures‘ By Janet Thornton (EBI Hinxton) Abstract: Protein three dimensional structures include many patterns at all levels of structure. We are all familiar with the repeating alpha-helices and beta-strands. These combine to generate 3D motifs and superstructures, which recur in many unrelated proteins. Most recently we have focused on the evolution…