For a few hundred dollars and a tube of your own spit, you can now obtain a read-out of millions of secret histories embedded in your DNA. Thanks to a growing volume of data on the genetics of human populations, the budding field of “deep ancestry” promises to take your family tree to a whole new level. Could a quick peek at your personal genome reveal that you’re a descendant of Marie Antoinette? Genghis Khan? Charles Darwin? Turn the clock back even further, and you might be able to learn what path your ancient ancestors took as Homo sapiens migrated out of Africa.
Molecular biologist and biotechnology expert Lee Silver reveals the surprising tales hidden in his own genome. (For example, did his maternal ancestor really get hot and heavy with a man from another species? Shwing!) And he explores the ethics and anxieties society faces as science makes increasingly dramatic advances in personal genomics.
A professor of molecular biology and public policy at Princeton University, Lee Silver is the author of over 180 scientific papers and two popular books, Challenging Nature and Remaking Eden. The recipient of the MERIT award from the National Institutes of Health for outstanding research in genetics, he has appeared as a featured scientist on the Colbert Report, Charlie Rose, 60 Minutes, NPR, and Nightline. His research focuses on cloning, advanced reproductive technologies, genetic testing, human stem cells, and genetic engineering.
Before & After
--Groove to genetically altered tunes, plus Zach Charlop-Powers performs his latest science rap LIVE!
--Imbibe our past-life-regenerating cocktail, the Wayback Machine
--Stick around for the mind-blowing Q&A
The “Secret Science Club” meets Tuesday, June 8 @ the Bell House, 149 7th St. (between 2nd and 3rd avenues) in Gowanus, Brooklyn, p: 718.643.6510 Subway: F to 4th Ave; R to 9th St; F or G to Smith/9th
Doors open at 7:15 pm. Please bring ID: 21+. No cover. Just bring your smart self.
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