K-State Center for Understanding of Origins to sponsor lecture by expert on evo-devo and morphological evolution

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Source: Nidhi Mungali, 785-532-6234, nidhi@phys.k-state.edu
http://www.phys.ksu.edu/origins/
News release prepared by: Erinn Barcomb-Peterson, 785-532-6415, ebarcomb@k-state.edu

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

K-STATE CENTER FOR UNDERSTANDING OF ORIGINS TO SPONSOR LECTURE BY EXPERT ON EVO-DEVO AND MORPHOLOGICAL EVOLUTION

MANHATTAN -- The underlying genetic regulation of morphological evolution and the developmental mechanisms responsible for the diversity of life will be the topic of an upcoming presentation sponsored by Kansas State University's Center for the Understanding of Origins.

Sean Carroll, a professor of molecular biology and genetics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator, will present "The Making of the Fittest" at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 1, in Forum Hall at the K-State Student Union. The event is free and open to the public.

As one of the scientists who originated the burgeoning research area of evolutionary developmental biology, or evo-devo, Carroll's research focuses on genes that control the development of animal body patterns. These patterns play major roles in the evolution of animal diversity and morphological complexity.

Carroll's newest book, "The Making of the Fittest," describes DNA as the ultimate forensic record for understanding evolution and morphological change.

Carroll earned a doctorate in immunology at the Tufts University School of Medicine before shifting his attention to developmental genetics during postdoctoral research at the University of Colorado at Boulder.

K-State's Center for the Understanding of Origins sponsors both academic and public speakers with the intent to foster informed debate among citizens regarding subjects like evolution. More information on the center is available at http://www.phys.ksu.edu/origins