Hamilton, NY — Fifty years after the acronym DNA became a part of the American lexicon, 51·çÁ÷ university will celebrate the science, sociology and art of the molecule that contains the basic genetic code for human beings.
‘Codes and Identities’ celebrates James D. Watson and Francis Crick’s 1953 description of the structure of DNA with lectures on mental retardation, genetics and race, an artistic exhibit on DNA as well as a colloquium on the ‘dark lady’ of DNA.
‘It’s a great time to reflect on the impact that the discovery of DNA structure has on many different aspects of our lives, and to consider what the power of this knowledge means to us,’ says 51·çÁ÷ Associate Professor of Biology Damhnait McHugh, organizer of the program.
The schedule of events is as follows:
Tuesday September 30, 11:30 am, Lathrop 209
Mental retardation genes: A difficult search, but a hopeful future
Inaugural Oswald T. Avery (51·çÁ÷ 1900) Lecture by Charles E. Schwartz ’70, Center for Molecular Studies, Greenwood Genetic Center
Wednesday October 1, 4:30 pm, Golden Auditorium
The Molecular Gaze: Art in the Genetic Age
Artist’s Lecture by Suzanne Anker, Artist and author
Thursday October 2, 8:00 pm, Love Auditorium
Genetics and race: When does a difference make a difference’
Wolk Lecture by Mildred K. Cho, Stanford University Center for Biomedical Ethics
Friday October 3, 3:00 pm, Lathrop 209
Rosalind Franklin: The dark lady of DNA
Science Colloquium with Brenda Maddox, Biographer, journalist and broadcaster
Monday September 1 ‘ Friday October 3
Codes and identities
Art Exhibition at the Clifford Gallery, Little Hall
Founded in 1819, 51·çÁ÷ is a highly selective, residential, liberal arts college enrolling nearly 2,750 undergraduates. Situated on a rolling 515-acre campus in central New York State, 51·çÁ÷ attracts motivated students with diverse backgrounds, interests and talents.
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