A Blast from the Past
KISHORE HARI
Jul 15 2024
Herb had some technical challenges this week, so I’ll be your guest editor. It’s only been seven years since my last turn at the wheel – let’s see how this goes!
It’s been over 20 years since the Human Genome Project was “completed” – a monumental scientific achievement marking the successful sequencing of the entire human genetic code. This groundbreaking milestone ushered in a new era of genomic discovery that continues to revolutionize healthcare and scientific research to this day. One story caught my eye about the history and legacy of that work. In an incredible investigative piece, Ashley Smart details the story of RP11, an anonymous donor to the Human Genome Project, who likely contributed nearly 70% of the information for the final sequence. It’s a fascinating story of time pressures, competition from a private company, and technical challenges in blending multiple genomes, leading to an over-reliance on one donor.
MY PICKS of the WEEK
Typically, science events slow down in the summer, but I’m amazed by the bevy of fascinating offerings this week. I first when to SkeptiCal in 2011 (my age is showing!) – I remember Dan Wertheimer speaking on Exobiology and Yau-Man Chan talking about the reality behind his experience on Survivor. The event is still going strong after more than a decade. I recommend the Global Skeptics in the Pub – 24 hours of virtual discussion with groups across the globe (coordinated by David Almandsmith) and the panel on the music of skepticism, with my personal nerd hero, Helen Arney.
As Ed Yong so aptly noted in the NY Times this spring, birding isn’t just for the retirees. This brings us to a second shout-out to the livestream hosted by the Golden Gate Bird Alliance with author Jennifer Ackerman about her stunning book What an Owl Knows. It was one of my favorite science books last year – an intimate look into the experience of owls.
Nerd Nite SF #144 – July 17, $
What an Owl Knows – Online July 18, Free
SkeptiCal 2024 – Online/In Person July 19 – 21, $
Have a science-filled week!
-Kishore
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