Randy Jirtle

Charles Darwin famously reasoned that genetic traits change over many generations through natural selection, but the new field of "epigenetics" is finding that nurture can change nature more directly. Duke Professor Randy Jirtle will discuss epigenetics and answer viewers' questions during a live "Office Hours" webcast interview at noon Friday, Jan. 22, on Duke's Ustream channel.

To ask a question of Jirtle in advance or during the session, send an email to live@duke.edu, post a comment on the Duke University Live Ustream page on Facebook or tweet with the tag #dukelive.

The science of epigenetics explores the molecular activity that influences the expression of genes. Jirtle emerged as a pioneer in the field with a 2003 study in which he showed how the genetic expression of a baby mouse's fur color could be altered by changing its mother's diet during pregnancy. Recent stories on epigenetics by NOVA, Time and the Washington Post have cited his research. Jirtle's lab chronicles developments in the field on the Geneimprint website.

Office hours at a university are the times when professors leave their doors open for people to wander in and converse, whether it be about current events, the meaning of life or developments in their fields. Duke's Office Hours series aims to bring the expansiveness and sparkle of these conversations to anyone with an Internet connection and an interest in the ideas bubbling up at Duke. To date, topics have ranged from the war in Afghanistan to the New Testament, World Cup soccer and the state of Muslim Americans since 9/11. You are invited to join the conversation.