PULLMAN Jurassic Park may not have been far-fetched after all.
Using modern DNA laboratory techniques, scientists have been able to identify the genetic code of life from extinct species such as the Ice Age wooly mammoth and ground sloth. Prof. Hendrik Poinar of Canada’s McMaster University is a world-famous researcher in this field who will explain his work and its possible implications in a talk titled “Ancient DNA and the Benefits of Time Travel” at 7 p.m. Monday, March 31, in Todd Auditoriumon.Poinar’s talk will include a discussion of whether we should attempt to recreate extinct species from their ancient DNA the scenario explored years ago in the fictional Jurassic Park.
Poinar became interested in ancient DNA as a child. His parents, both scientific researchers at the University of California at Berkeley, worked to identify the DNA of ancient insects trapped in amber. Their work inspired Michael Crichton’s Jurassic Park.
For generations geologists and biologists have debated the rate of evolutionary change in Earth history. Poinar’s work gives a new type of evidence from which scientists can determine the tempo of evolution and the origin of new species. Poinar’s work complements several research projects underway at WSU.
“”Dr. Poinar’s visit is an exciting opportunity to hear about cutting edge research with ancient DNA, including work that is being conducted right here at WSU”,” said School of Biological Sciences Professor Michael Webster, who is the director of the Conner Museum.
A public reception will follow the talk in the exhibit area of the Conner Museum in Abelson Hall, next door to Heald Auditorium.
Both the lecture and the reception are free and open to the public.
