Boston area events

There are some upcoming events that might interest the true Biology Afficianados in my classes.  Both are at the Harvard Natural History Museum in Cambridge, MA


The first is a talk about a 25 year study of evolution in E. coli.  What happens when you grow a fast reproducing organism in captivity for over 2 decades?  Lots of surprising things!

"Join microbiologist Dr. Richard Lenski at Time Travel in Experimental Evolution, Wednesday, February 12, at 6:00 pm where he will discuss his twenty-five year study of Escherichia coli (or E. coli), a common form of intestinal bacteria that reproduces and mutates with incredible speed, making it an ideal organism for studying the evolutionary process. Lenski will share his discoveries and the new insights into natural selection, adaptation, and genetic evolution that have resulted from his lengthy study. 

Free and open to the public. Geological Lecture Hall, 24 Oxford Street. Free event parking is available in the 52 Oxford Street Garage.

Part of the Evolution Matters lecture series, supported by a generous gift from Drs. Herman and Joan Suit. "

This one is more likely to be interesting to most of my students - how do wild animals adapt to living in and near cities?

"In cities and suburbs around the world, wild creatures such as coyotes, alligators, and mountain lions are showing up where least expected. How can they survive in the contemporary world of concrete, steel, and glass? At Wild Animal Neighbors, on Saturday, February 22, at 2:00 pm, author Ann Downer will discuss the factors that bring these creatures to our backyards and ways to create spaces for people and animals to live side by side.

Regular museum admission rates apply."

Before you ask - no, you don't get extra credit for going to these.