Dive into the fascinating world of human development!
Join us for an eye-opening lecture addressing common myths in reproductive biology. From when life truly begins to the complex story of fertilization, we'll explore the science behind it all. Plus, we'll debunk the idea that DNA is our sole essence. I am delighted to extend an invitation to all of you to an Argumenta Guest Lecture by Professor Scott Gilbert.
The lecture takes place tomorrow, Wednesday 25th of October at 10:15 am in lecture hall F202. https://tiedematka.fi/tapahtumat/lecture-prof-scott-gilbert/
Programme
10.00 Coffee service
10.15 Argumenta lecture by Prof. Scott Gilbert: "Pseudo-embryology: The contest between myth and science in human development."
Abstract: The public is being told several myths about human reproduction and development that pretend to be science. The first myth is that all biologists agree that fertilization is when a separate human life begins. In reality, different groups of scientists have proposed that a separate human life begins at fertilization (acquisition of genome), gastrulation (acquisition of biological identity), EEG patterning (acquisition of the neural requisites for cognition and pain), viability and birth (the anatomical and physiological separation from the mother). And some scientists don't see this as a biological question. The second myth is that fertilization is solely a story of sperm performance. Indeed, the popular view of fertilization is patterned by the classical "myth of the hero." The scientific story of fertilization is one of remarkable interactions between the gametes and between the gametes and the female reproductive system. The third myth is that DNA is our "soul," our essence, and that our physical and behavioral phenotypes are derived almost exclusively from our genome. This has become a very popular view (as in Dawkins' writings), although the science behind it is very weak, and there are numerous counterexamples. These three myths inform and give support for each other's misinformation. The developmental biology concerning fertilization, phenotype production, and birth should be publicized more frequently to prevent the misuse of science for ideological and political concerns.
Scott F. Gilbert is the Howard A. Schneiderman Professor of Biology, emeritus, at Swarthmore College. He is also a Finnish Distinguished Professor at the University of Helsinki. Professor Scott Gilbert is a renowned figure in the field of developmental biology. He has made significant contributions to our understanding of embryonic development and evolutionary biology. Gilbert's research into developmental biology often delves into how organisms adapt to different environments. This understanding is critical in the context of Planetary Health, where the goal is to protect both human and ecosystem health.
In addition to his contributions in the field of developmental biology, Scott Gilbert is also known for his authorship of developmental biology textbooks. His textbooks have become widely recognized and utilized resources, serving as essential educational materials for students, researchers, and professionals interested in the subject.
You can learn more about Professor Gilbert from the following links: Scott Gilbert's Profilehttps://www.swarthmore.edu/profile/scott-gilbert Interview with Scott Gilberthttps://thenode.biologists.com/interview-with-scott-gilbert/interview/
The lecture is part of the Healthy Environment - Healthy People Argumenta project. www.tiedematka.fihttp://www.tiedematka.fi
Warm regards, Susanna Kaisto
Susanna Kaisto, FT Tutkijatohtori, Terve Ympäristö - Terve Ihminen Argumenta hankkeen koordinaattori Kvantum Instituutti | Oulun Yliopisto PL 5000, 90014 Oulun Yliopisto | Käyntiosoite: Aapistie 5A, 90220 Oulu +358-(0)50 3442882 | susanna.kaisto(at)oulu.fi
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