The Y chromosome, that little chain of genes that determines the sex of humans, is not as tough as you might think.
In fact, if we look at the Y chromosome over the course of our evolution we’ve seen it shrink at an alarming rate.
So will it one day completely disappear? And what happens to the human race if it does? Will new sex-determining genes and chromosomes evolve, leading to the evolution of new hominid species?
Join us at this month’s BrisScience, where famed La Trobe University Distinguished Professor and Vice Chancellor’s Fellow, Professor Jennifer Graves, will deliver this year's Douglas Ormonde Butler Lectureship, exploring the future of humanity through our ever-changing genes.
This prestigious lectureship was established in 1977 with a bequest to the University by Douglas Ormonde Butler. It was formed for the purpose of teaching genetics and disseminating to the public the importance of the field of genetics.
Watch the recording
Meet the presenter
Professor Jenny Graves is an evolutionary geneticist who exploits our distant relationship to Australian animals to discover how genes and chromosomes evolved, and how they work in all animals including humans. She uses this unique perspective to explore the origin, function and fate of human sex genes and chromosomes, (in)famously predicting the disappearance of the Y chromosome.
About BrisScience
BrisScience is a monthly lecture series that brings science out of the labs and to the people, making it accessible to all – from scientists, to scientists-at-heart.
Run by The University of Queensland, BrisScience has been delivering engaging lectures on diverse topics from local and international scientists for over a decade.
BrisScience speakers are leaders in their given fields and deliver dynamic presentations based on cutting-edge research.
The University of Queensland has been running BrisScience since 2005, bringing the best and brightest scientific minds to the people of Brisbane – from early career researchers to Nobel Laureates!
| Time | 6:30pm to 7:30pm (light refreshments 7:30-8pm) |
|---|---|
| Venue | The Edge, State Library of Queensland, Stanley Place, South Bank |
| Cost | Free - Eventbrite ticket required |
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