Richard Lenski, Hannah Distinguished Professor, Michigan State University, will speak at the Geological Lecture Hall, 24 Oxford Street, Cambridge, as part of the Harvard Museum of Natural History’s Evolution Matters Lecture Series on Wednesday, February 12, beginning at 6 pm. Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a common form of intestinal bacteria that reproduces and mutates with incredible speed. This trait, along with scientists’ ability to freeze and revive organisms, makes E. coli an ideal organism for studying the evolutionary process (a form of “time travelâ€). Microbiologist Richard Lenski has carried out a 25-year study of E. coli, propagating over 50,000 generations, and has discovered new insights into natural selection, adaptation, and genetic evolution.
The Evolution Matters Lecture Series is supported by a generous gift from Drs. Herman and Joan Suit. Free and open to the public. Free event parking is available in the 52 Oxford Street Garage.
