Brains Matter Episode 104 - Hox Genes and Evolutionary Developmental Genetics

In todays episode, I talk to Dr Kristen Panfilio who is a Developmental Geneticist from the University of Cologne, in Germany. We talk about Evolutionary Developmental Genetics, or Evo Devo as it is sometimes known. Topics we cover include:

- What is evolutionary developmental genetics?
- Why is it useful?
- How do genes help us understand evolution?
- What is a Hox gene?
- What are the different types of Hox genes?
- What do they do?
- What has been observed with Hox genes in research on insects?
- The Zen gene
- How the RNA interference technique is used
- An example of the technique can plants and animals use to get rid of viruses
- How do these genes affect the development of embryos?
- Where is the foundation or blueprint of the body made?
- What are some of the causes of embryos not developing properly?

… and a whole lot more! Listen in to find out.

Also featured in episode 104 are listener feedback, and a listener question answered by Monash University postdoc Dr Richard Stancliffe.

Listen in and find out more.

Brains Matter is a podcast out of Australia, which features stories on science, curiosities and general knowledge. It also features interviews with various experts in science and other interesting areas.

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