Lecture: Translational evolutionary research - application of evolutionary principles in medicine, environment and agriculture (part 2)
Copyright: Hinrich Schulenburg
Translational evolutionary research to solve social problems - this is the goal of the Kiel Evolution Center (KEC) at Kiel University. Even if - at first glance - the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, the use of dwindling fish stocks, or yield losses in agriculture due to plant pests do not seem to have much in common, these problems share a common cause: through its actions, mankind interferes in natural selection, usually with the best of intentions, and thus influences evolutionary processes.
This human-determined selection often results in severely negative long-term consequences, such as the spread of antibiotic resistance. The KEC focusses on bridging evolutionary biological fundamental research and the application of evolutionary principles, to help find solutions to these kinds of social challenges. The Kiel experts Dr. Olivia Roth (GEOMAR) and Professor Hinrich Schulenburg (CAU) present the KEC and its translational evolutionary research, using the two exciting examples of "convergent evolution of male and female pregnancy" and the "evolution of antibiotic resistance", and invite everyone to join in the discussion!