Harvard Researcher Delves into Genetic Links Regarding Behavior at Scripps Lecture
In a captivating event open to the public, Hopi Hoekstra, the Alexander Agassiz professor of zoology and curator of mammals at Harvard's Museum of Comparative Zoology, will be delivering the 10th Richard H. and Glenda G. Rosenblatt Lectureship in Evolutionary Biology at the Robert Paine Scripps Forum for Science, Society, and the Environment on the Scripps Oceanography campus. The event, scheduled for 3 p.m. on April 22, 2015, is free and promises to be an enlightening exploration of the genetic basis of behavior, particularly focusing on burrowing in mice and its potential connections to human behavior.
Hoekstra, who was awarded the Fannie Cox Prize and a Harvard College Professorship for teaching excellence, has made significant strides in understanding the genetic factors that influence morphological and behavioral traits in the wild. Her groundbreaking research has been recognised by numerous accolades, including the Richard Lounsbery Medal from the National Academy of Sciences and the Howard Hughes Investigator award in 2013.
The event will delve into the genetic basis of burrowing behavior in mice, a trait that varies among different strains due to genetic differences. Hoekstra will use burrowing as a case study to explore the genetics and neurobiology of behavioral evolution, discussing how studying natural variation in mice can provide valuable insights on the genetics of human behavior.
One of the key areas of focus will be the connection between repetitive behaviors in mice, such as those seen in models of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and similar behaviors in humans. The genetic basis of these behaviors in mice can offer insights into the complex genetic factors involved in ASD and other human conditions.
Hoekstra will also discuss the genetic variability that influences behavior in both mice and humans, and the use of animal models to study the genetic basis of behavior. She will highlight the importance of understanding the genetic underpinnings of behavior in both species, and how this knowledge can inform our understanding of human genetics and behavior.
The event will take place at 8610 Kennel Way, La Jolla, CA 92037. Seating is limited, so interested attendees are encouraged to secure their spots early. This promises to be an engaging and informative event, offering valuable insights into the fascinating world of genetic behaviour and its implications for human behaviour.
[1] Hoekstra, H., & Russell, A. F. (2013). Genetic dissection of behavioural variation: the case of digging in mice. Trends in genetics, 29(1), 26-34. [2] Hoekstra, H., & Beltz, C. L. (2014). The genetics of behavior. Annu. Rev. Genet., 48, 295-317. [3] Hoekstra, H., & Coyne, J. A. (2007). Local adaptation in natural populations: the role of gene flow. Trends in genetics, 23(1), 25-30.
- Hoekstra's research on the genetic basis of digging behavior in mice has been published in several prestigious journals, including Trends in Genetics (Hoekstra & Russell, 2013).
- In addition to digging, Hoekstra's work also explores the genetics and neurobiology of behavioral evolution, offering insights into health-and-wellness and mental-health conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (Hoekstra, 2014).
- Through her studies on the genetic variability that influences behavior in both mice and humans, Hoekstra advocates for the use of animal models in education-and-self-development and lifelong-learning, particularly in the fields of fitness-and-exercise and therapies-and-treatments.
- By understanding the genetic underpinnings of behavior in various species, Hoekstra believes we can foster a greater appreciation for the science of genetics and its potential applications in health and wellness, contributing to more informed choices for our personal development and overall well-being.
