Copy Number Variation and the Secret of Life

Explore the fascinating world of copy number variation in this 54-minute lecture from The Royal Institution. Delve into how differences in DNA sequences power evolution, with a focus on gene duplication and deletion between generations. Discover how copy number variations have contributed to human traits like color vision, sense of smell, and hemoglobin production. Examine the role these variations play in diseases such as cancer, autism, and schizophrenia. Learn from Aoife McLysaght of the University of Dublin as she unravels the complexities of genetic variation and its impact on life. This talk, part of an all-women lineup for Friday Evening Discourses in 2014, celebrates women in science and offers valuable insights into the genetic foundations of life and disease.