#31 - Gene Robinson: Sequencing Genomes, Bees, and Evolution

Gene Robinson is the Director of the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology and Entomology professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. His research uses bees to understand the mechanisms governing social behavior.   In this episode, we dive into the exciting world of genomics and discuss the Earth BioGenome Project, which aims to sequence and catalog every genome on the planet. We also talk about the potential privacy implications of personal genome sequencing.   We explore how efficiently bee colonies are organized and the insights Dr. Robinson's research group has gained over the years with regard to the division of labor and intrinsic motives. Along the way, we explore why humans see a duality in everything and touch upon the nature vs. nurture debate.   Watch this buzzing episode to learn more about social behavior, bees, and the future of biology.   EPISODE LINKS:  Gene Robinson's UIUC Website: https://mcb.illinois.edu/directory/profile/generobi Gene Robinson's Lab: https://lab.igb.illinois.edu/robinson/  OUTLINE: 0:00 - Introduction 0:34 - Aligning incentives to change the world 8:52 - Division of Labor in Civilizations 15:12 - Can chemicals affect human behavior? 17:01 - Steady State in Evolution 20:08 - Is there a Golden Number for Dysfunctional Colonies? 21:40 - Earth BioGenome Project - The Ultimate Genome Library 29:33 - Climate Change and an accelerated adaptation 31:58 - Sequencing genomes: The answer to all problems? 36:43 - The Duality of Man 40:14 - Machine Learning to understand Biology 42:19 - Personal Genome and Privacy 44:51 - "Gene" and his childhood 47:22 - Nature or Nurture? Both 52:43 - Creating a Deterministic society using Sociogenomics 58:52 - Singularity of Knowledge 1:00:54 - Advice for Young People 🚥Overrated or Underrated Section 🚥 1:03:22 -  🧫 Monetary cost of Sequencing Genomes 1:05:53 - ⚪ Cocaine for research   1:14:23 - 🧬 23andMe   1:16:20 - 🐝 The Bee Movie   1:18:53 - Closing Words    SOCIAL: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uiuctalkshow Twitter: https://twitter.com/uiuctalkshow TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uiuctalkshow Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3ezoc4xJa4DrGq7N4lhqQn Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-uiuc-talkshow/id1611427075 Full episodes playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1H9UJqXvJXr3qlx9c89Rv76c6IpnwGeC Clips playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1H9UJqXvJXqdyEq7fuyUz9cmpdfqN1Rb What is the UIUC Talkshow? Our goal with this show is to introduce you to the most interesting people with the most interesting ideas from the UIUC campus.   Learn more about Juan David & Aaryaman:   Aaryaman LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaryaman-patel/ Website: https://www.aaryamanpatel.com/    Juan David Website: https://www.juandavidcampolargo.com/   Twitter: https://twitter.com/jdcampolargo   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdcampolargo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jdcampolargo/