Studying evolution of cooperation using synthetic microbial communities

"Studying evolution of cooperation using synthetic microbial communities."

By

Dr Christopher Marx

Associate Professor, Harvard University

Friday, November 23, 2012

at 5:00 p.m.

in Dasheri (Southern Laboratories)
 

ALL ARE WELCOME

Abstract

What forces drive positive acts between individuals, versus selfish exploitation of public resources? This very human concern echoes throughout life, and can be studied at many different scales. We have used synthetic communities of microbes to examine the factors and mechanisms by which they evolve to either cooperate or cheat. Through techniques such as genome sequencing, analytical chemistry and computational modeling, we have further been able to connect the mutations that underlie these changes in strategy to their effects on their constituent communities.

Note: Vehicle leaves for NCBS at 4.15 pm from the parking bay in front of the main library in IISc and at 6.15 pm from NCBS to IISc.

Host: Deepa Agashe (dagashe@ncbs.res.in)

Please join for High Tea and discussions on the lawns outside Dasheri after the talk