LASER Talks in Palo Alto, Stanford University, Chaired by: Piero Scaruffi

This event will feature two online presentations on genetic heredity and viruses and the environment

EVENT INFO

When: 1st November, 12pm PDT, Find your timezone here

Where: Online, register via ZOOM 

Website: www.lasertalks.com

PROGRAM INFO

Talks

- Antony Jose (Univ of Maryland) on "Heredity constrains the nature of living systems"

- Curtis Suttle (Univ of British Columbia) on "Viruses and their Role in the Environment"

Antony Jose is an Associate Professor at the University of Maryland. His group used the simple nematode C. elegans to demonstrate that RNA from neurons can cause specific gene silencing that lasts for more than 25 generations. They were the first to visualize extracellular RNA crossing generational boundaries in an animal. Their current work addresses how all heritable information is encoded in a cell and passed on from one generation to the next. These findings have implications for our understanding of the origins of inherited diseases, the course of evolution, and the synthesis of new life.

Curtis Suttle is Distinguished University Scholar and Wall Scholar at the University of British Columbia. His research focuses on viruses and their diversity, evolution, and function in the global system, with an emphasis on the oceans. He makes a persuasive case that viruses encompass much of the genetic diversity on Earth and are major drivers of global biogeochemical cycles. His work has helped shift the paradigm from viruses being enemies and agents of death, to the perspective that viruses are essential to life on Earth.

SPONSORS:

The Leonardo/ISAST LASERs are a program of international gatherings that bring artists, scientists, humanists and technologists together for informal presentations, performances and conversations with the wider public. The mission of the LASERs is to encourage contribution to the cultural environment of a region by fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and opportunities for community building to over 40 cities around the world. To learn more about how our LASER Hosts and to visit a LASER near you please visit our website. @lasertalks