Although dinosaurs are probably never coming back, the scenes from Jurassic Park are an extrapolation of actual research being performed all over the world. Studies have shown that avian dinosaurs (birds) possess latent genes that can be re-activated to restore forelimbs, hands and teeth.
World-renowned paleontologist and technical consultant on the Jurassic Park films Jack Horner has been involved in the efforts to adjust modern avian traits with genetic engineering, offering new insights into bird evolution. Horner joins University of Florida plant geneticist Kevin Folta at the Brain Bar conference in Budapest, Hungary to discuss how far the research has come, as well as recent efforts to resurrect extinct animals, including the woolly mammoth.
Jack Horner is acclaimed for his fieldwork and research on dinosaur growth and behaviors and his important discoveries. He is a professor of paleontology at Chapman University. Follow him on Twitter @dustydino
Kevin M. Folta is a professor in the Horticultural Sciences Department at the University of Florida. Follow professor Folta on Twitter @kevinfolta and email your questions to [email protected]
The Talking Biotech podcast, produced by Kevin Folta, is available for listening or subscription:
Apple Podcasts | Android | Email | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | RSS | Player FM | Pod Directory | TuneIn