IbraheemZahid

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  • Allan Drummond on Protein Evolution (and a lot more)

    Allan Drummond on Protein Evolution (and a lot more)

    · Bio Catalyst

    In this episode, I speak with Prof. Allan Drummond. Allan is an associate professor at the University of Chicago in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. We touch on quite a few topics related to evolution, and Allan shares some unique thoughts and perspectives he's gained during his unorthodox career path.

    (00:25) -- biggest misconception about Darwinian evolution

    (03:55) -- neutral theory vs natural selection

    (06:15) -- meaning of randomness in evolution

    (07:58) -- evolvability

    (10:03) -- how proteins evolve

    (15:30) -- factors influencing protein evolution

    (23:10) -- how molecular evolution translates to phenotypic changes

    (26:51) -- cultural evolution

    (28:45) -- overemphasis on molecular mechanisms?

    (39:00) -- role of storytelling in science

    (45:00) -- employee bootcamps

    (54:03) -- Allan’s journey to becoming a professor at UChicago

    (70:03) -- non-traditional paths in science

    (74:30) -- mentorship