“There’s more to the complexity of life than DNA, because there are multiple examples of situations where the same DNA sequence can generate many different outcomes.”

So says Nessa Carey, who will be presenting her thoughts at a joint Cambridge AWiSE / Lucy Cavendish College event on 28th February (6-7pm). Nessa is a former academic who has worked for over a decade in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries.  She is the author of the popular science book “The Epigenetics Revolution”, published in 2011.

The new science of epigenetics explains phenomena as diverse as the different cell types in the human body, the colours of tortoiseshell cats, the lifespans of queen bees, the interactions between nature and nurture and exciting new therapies for cancer.  More controversially, it may also underlie adult consequences of childhood trauma, and even lead to Lamarckian inheritance of acquired characteristics.

This promises to be a fascinating talk, so do come and join us. Registration details are here…

“Nessa Carey … writes brightly and humanely and is full of optimism for this exciting new dawn – both for the deep understanding of life and the potential for medical applications.” (The Guardian, 19th August 2011)

Please join us on 8th November for an evening lecture with Professor Margaret Stanley.

“The development of vaccines and immunotherapies against human papillomaviruses, the cause of cervix cancer”

Professor Stanley is Professor of Epithelial Biology in the University of Cambridge.   She was awarded the OBE for services to Virology in 2004 and is a member of the Spongiform Encephalopathies Advisory Committee that advises the UK government on prion diseases.  Her research focuses on mechanisms of host defence and the development of vaccines and immunotherapies against human papillomaviruses, the cause of cervix cancer.  She will also discuss the current vaccination programme for girls.

8th November, Wood Legh Room, Lucy Cavendish College,  6-7pm.  Please arrive early.  The talk is free but please register in advance here.

The event will be followed by formal hall (Science, Engineering, Maths, Computer Science and Geography) at Lucy Cavendish College. 7pm for 7.30pm, £22.05.  Everyone welcome.  Please contact Jenny Koenig (jk111 at cam.ac.uk) if you would like to attend. Please book early as places are limited.