Time Travel in Experimental Evolution

Evolution Matters Lecture Series - Richard Lenski, Hannah Distinguished Professor, Michigan State University
Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a common form of intestinal bacteria that reproduces and mutates with incredible speed. This trait, along with scientists’ ability to freeze and revive organisms, makes E. coli an ideal organism for studying the evolutionary process (a form of “time travel”). Microbiologist Richard Lenski has carried out a 25-year study of E. coli, propagating over 50,000 generations, and has discovered new insights into natural selection, adaptation, and genetic evolution - 02/12/14
The Evolution Matters Lecture Series is supported by a generous gift from Drs. Herman and Joan Suit.