Nerd Nite Boston

Posts Tagged ‘Genomics’

Welcome back, kheds!

Talk 1 – “Science and Art: Bedfellows” by Alberta Chu

SciArt is a growing field that emerged at the intersection of science and art. One of the main reasons the movement has gained so much attention is that it makes increasingly complex science and scientific relationships more accessible in a visual, information­-driven world. Educators in the STEM to STEAM movement, science communicators, and science outreach enthusiasts have demonstrated the potential benefits of combining science and art in schools, museums, and media. Combining science and art is fascinating, necessary, and beautiful. Ultimately, aesthetics make science accessible.

Alberta Chu is a documentary filmmaker exploring the intersections of science, art, and culture. ASKlabs, with Alberta at the helm, aims to bring stories about science and art to the public through documentary film.

Talk 2 – “Genomics Social Networking” by Murray Robinson, PhD

Big technology breakthroughs often lead to big changes in society. Ten years ago, a startling technological feat resulted in the first (sort of) complete human genome. In 2013, this feat costs $5000 and takes a few weeks. Next year: $1000?

So what can you find in your genome? Today–not much; services like 23andMe can interpret a mere 200 of your traits. However, clues emerging from human genetics studies suggest that there may be an enormous cache of personal information in each of our genomes. How do we extract it? How will we use it? How much of our personalities and behavior are genetically influenced? Because we like to (over)share on social networks, will there be a Facebook for genes? GoogleGenome? Will GeneHarmony replace eHarmony? Murray Robinson answers these questions and more!

Murray has been researching the ever-­elusive cure for cancer for over two decades. A molecular biologist and art fan, he has both generated and collaborated on unusual genetic engineering experiments and Bio­Art projects along the way. Dr. Robinson was involved in the early days of genomics work, cloning many novel cancer genes including TERT, a key gene responsible for immortality in tumors. Recent massive technology breakthroughs in genomics has Murray turning his sights toward the challenge of deciphering the 3 billion bases of genetic information that we all possess.

 30 September 2013 | Middlesex Lounge | 8PM | $5