Jasper Rine

We are at the beginning of an amazing period in understanding biology. Within our lifetimes we can expect to have a complete genetics parts list of the majority of all well described plants, animals and microbes; the sequence of our personal genomes, and the ability to surgically edit the genomes of practically any organism in any way. At the same time, biology is clearly in the cross hairs of climate change with global food security hanging in the balance. The history of famine goes hand in hand with the history of revolution, so geopolitical stability will rest, in part, in the hands of biologists. In our discussion, I will talk about the impact that the ability to sequence genomes is having on understanding our individual genetic make ups, and how genetic variation is the "next big thing" in biology. I will then develop a set of ideas about how genetic variation can provide solutions to the serious impact that climate change will have on biology and food security. This will spur discussion of important issues and give us the opportunity to talk about matters ranging from the impact of genes on behavior to the proper role of transgenic plants and animals in the biosphere.