Explore the fascinating science behind reproduction, and the biological systems that created all of our existences.
Check out our speakers:
Pascal Gagneux, PhD
Professor of Pathology and Anthropology, UC San Diego
Talk title: Back when you were a sperm
We each owe our existence to the unlikely encounter between one live sperm and egg, which gave rise to our unique zygote and its trillions of identical descendants (your body cells). I will take you on the perilous journey of the one very lucky sperm and hope to convey a deep appreciation of your existence in the face of unimaginable challenges! You exist thanks to amazing molecular subterfuge on the side of sperm and stringent quality control exerted by mothers along their reproductive tract.
Amanda Lewis, PhD
Professor of Ob/Gyn and Reproductive Sciences, UC San Diego
Talk title: Mysteries of the human vagina and its microbiome
Have you ever pondered the mysteries of the vagina? The patterns of bacteria living in this microbiome are strongly linked with health and diseases, but what do we really know about them? Join us for a stimulating interactive conversation with more than a dozen potential topics to be (privately) ranked by participants for discussion, among them, the vaginal microbiome across the female lifespan and the role of sex acts in microbe-related disturbances of the genital and urinary tracts.