Understanding Heredity – June 19

Through years of scientific and technological advance, we’ve learned that heredity is as complex as it is important. Consider the seemingly simple trait of height. We now know that at least 800 distinct genes influence height in humans. Further, collectively, those genes explain only about one-quarter of the heritability of height! The subtitle of science writer Carl Zimmer's new book is The Powers, Perversions, and Potential of Heredity. In this Wonderfest collaboration with the Commonwealth Club, Zimmer will exhibit the depth of his research and the clarity of his discourse. He will help us to understand how humans have become who we are.

Carl Zimmer's journalistic "beat" is the science of life. He has written 13 books (including two biology textbooks), numerous essays (for The New York Times, Discover, National Geographic, and more), and he is an adjunct professor in Yale University's Department of Molecular Biophysics & Biochemistry.

Carl Zimmer