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| DNA,
a Nobel Prize, and Asking the Great Question
by Lainey S. Cronk |
 “People
say the Nobel Prize is the stamp of achievement in the science
world,” said Sydney Brenner. “But I don’t think
it’s the prize that really counts; it’s what we do
in our scientific lives.”
Brenner, presenting
a lively sense of humor in his gruff British accent, gave a lecture
on How to Win a Nobel Prize at Pacific Union College on Monday
night, January 30. He was the 8th scientist to present for the
Breakthroughs in Science lecture series, coordinated by the biology
department. Brenner, age 75, won the Nobel Prize in 2002 for his
work on genetic regulation of organ development and programmed
cell death, and he has a long history of highly influential research,
including pioneer work in genetics and molecular biology and discoveries
that have been significant for medical research.
In a lecture
that included scientific references but was also peppered with
humorous anecdotes and illustrations to keep the broad range of
attendees engaged, Brenner talked about the discovery and exploration
of DNA, the issue of contemporary people’s “misplaced
sense that we can achieve everything by high technology when we actually just
need to think practically,” and the importance of realizing that “you
are much more than your genome—you are people with emotions and memories.”
During a question-and-answer
session at the end, Brenner also touched on some controversial
subjects such as stem cell research and intelligent design.
But what Brenner seemed most intent on conveying to the many
students, faculty, staff and community members present was a challenge
to the young generation to be realistic, practical and to ask great
questions. He explained that finding relevant scientific answers
depends on identifying the problems that are within the reach of
this generation, asking the great questions, placing proper value
on knowledge, and putting in lots of hard work.
Terry Trivett, chair of the PUC biology department and coordinator
of the Breakthroughs in Science series, is grateful for the insights
Brenner and other eminent scientists have brought to the campus.
There are “both scientific and cultural benefits
to this lecture series that make it compelling,” he explains. “The
value of the series is in being able to listen to the scientists themselves,
not as reported by someone else. We have found a fresh vigor in hearing a scientist
present a great idea or problem that is relentlessly pursued.”
Pacific
Union College began the Breakthroughs in Science lectures in 1997,
inviting eminent, world-class scientists to present a synopsis
of their research. Most of these scientists have been Nobel Prize
recipients, receiving international recognition and widespread
acclaim for their work. Presenters are selected because their discovery
is not only outstanding in its own field, but also because it has
proven to be a significant influence on other scientific disciplines. The
Breakthroughs in Science lectures are underwritten in their entirety
by John G. Jacobson, M.D., an alumnus of Pacific Union College
(1967, chemistry) and resident of the Napa Valley.
Photo: Brenner far right |
