Brains Matter

In todays episode, I talk to Dr Kristen Panfilio 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. The listeners of the episode are Ed from Melbourne and Sarah from the US.

Promo: ‘The Rise of Atheism – Global Atheist Convention’, Melbourne 2010

Download MP3 of Ep 104

Some further links:

Hox Genes: Descent with modification
Oncopeltus fasciatus zen is essential for serosal tissue function in katatrepsis
Extraembryonic development in insects and the acrobatics of blastokinesis

Please vote for this podcast this month at

You can donate by clicking on the button above, and subscribe by subscribing in iTunes