Lecture Series History: 2014
In 2023, the Natural History Museum of Utah's annual Lecture Series explored the theme of Pushing the Boundaries of Life. Read on to learn more about the theme and speakers.
About the 2014 Lecture Series
The tools of genetic engineering give us the power to manipulate life at the most fundamental level. In this year's Lecture Series, join the Natural History Museum of Utah for an exploration of how the genomics revolution is reshaping our understanding of life and the transformative impact it is projected to have on society.
Over the course of four lectures, we’ll hear from a genomics pioneer pursuing the creation of synthetic life, a science journalist investigating the re-engineering of animals for purposes from trivial to profound, a cardiologist exploring how the information in our individual genomes will change the way doctors diagnose and treat our illnesses, and a medical ethicist researching the ethical, social, and legal implications of genetic technology.
2014 Speakers
The Future of Genomic Medicine: From Pre-Womb to Tomb
Lecture by Dr. Eric Topol
New research on the genetic variants associated with a wide range of chronic diseases, as well as those that impart good health, will allow physicians to decipher the information in our individual genomes and replace the status-quo of one-size-fits-all-medicine with individualized health care. Utilizing this information and a host of new digital technologies, doctors will be able to identify our risk of disease and tailor treatments to our individual genomic signatures.
Listen to Dr. Topol's lecture for an exploration of the research and technological frontiers that will one day make individualized medicine routine clinical practice and change every facet of medicine from pre-womb to tomb.
Frankenstein's Cat: Genetic Engineering, Ethics, and Biotech's Brave New Beasts
Lecture by Emily Anthes
Biotechnology has given us a whole new toolbox for tinkering with life and the power to modify animals in profound new ways. Scientists have already created all sorts of new creatures, including glow-in-the-dark dogs, cloned cats, flu-free chickens, and super-smart mice.
In Anthes' lecture, she takes you on a journey from petri dish to pet store as she explores how and why scientists are re-engineering animals and the ethical implications of our new scientific superpowers.
Exploring Your Genome: How Much Would You Like to Know?
Lecture by Dr. Jeffrey Botkin
Do you have gene variants associated with heart disease, cancer, or Alzheimer’s? Advances in genetic technologies will allow us to explore our personal genetic make-up in great detail, understand risks to our health, and provide new opportunities to improve our health. However, interpreting the results of genetic tests and knowing how to act on them remains difficult. Our society also has a dark history of stigma and discrimination from the misunderstanding and misuse of genetic information.
Join Dr. Jeffrey Botkin for an interactive exploration of ethical, legal, and social questions surrounding the new field of genomic medicine.
Life at the Speed of Light
Lecture by J. Craig Venter, Ph.D.
In 2010, Dr. Venter and his team at the J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI) successfully constructed the first "synthetic bacterial cell" putting humankind at the threshold of a new phase of biological research, one that is enabling us to go from reading the genetic code (sequencing genomes) to now writing the genetic code for designing new species. The science of synthetic genomics will have a profound impact on society, including new methods for chemical and energy production, human health and medical advances, clean water, and new food and nutritional products.
Dr. Venter, regarded as one of the leading scientists of the 21st century for his numerous pioneering advances in genomics, guided the 2014 lecture audience through this emerging field, detailing its origins, current challenges, and the potential positive advances.
Lecture recording unavailable.
2014 Series Sponsors
Founding Underwriter
R. Harold Burton Foundation
Underwriter
Cultural Vision Fund
Presenting Partner
J.P. Morgan
CHASE
Gold Sponsors
Rio Tinto Kennecott
University of Utah School of Medicine
Silver Sponsors
The Clark Foundation
Myriad Genetics
Media Partner
KCPW 88.3 FM Public Radio
Community Partners
The City Library
Kingsbury Hall
Liberty Heights Fresh
Viridian Center
Additional Support
The Salt Lake County Zoo, Arts and Parks Fund