Come meet your friendly neighborhood scientists! Two researchers from Weill Cornell Medicine will discuss what they are doing in the lab to advance the scientific frontier in sperm migration and social dominance research.
Up first, Katherine Lopez will present "Top Mouse: The Development of Social Dominance". Social dominance is an essential component of social behavior across a multitude of species, from insects to primates. The emergence of a dominant individual can be linked to genetics; however, this behavior develops even in genetically identical individuals in controlled laboratory settings. So, what makes an individual dominant? Is it nature (innate) or nurture (learned)? Are all socially dominant individuals alike (e.g., are all dominant individuals aggressive/bullies?). These are a few of the questions that will be discussed.
Next, Melanie Balbach will present “Survival of the Fittest: A Sperm's Journey to Fertilization”. The sperm overcomes a number of barriers on its way from ejaculation to an oocyte. Melanie will discuss how the physiology of the sperm adapts to overcome these barriers on it’s journey to fertilization as well as how the uterus and the oocyte provide assistance to help the sperm reach its destination. Her research into how the sperm fuels it’s engine to reach the egg can be used to develop male contraceptives and treat reproductive diseases.
Monday, June 24, 2019 at 7:30pm to 10:00pm
Nisi Kitchen 549 Main St., New York, NY 10044
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