TSVP Talk: "Understanding How Fungi See Light" by Tom Richards

Title: Understanding How Fungi See Light

Speaker: Tom Richards (University of Oxford)

Abstract: Many fungi form tiny flagellated spores that can swim toward light in aquatic environments. They do this using cell structures that work somewhat like animal eyes. These structures contain a unique family of proteins that forms a light-detection circuit. This circuit directs how the cell moves. The cells can therefore perform sophisticated light-detection and motion functions. I will discuss our progress in understanding these systems, as well as their potential uses in optogenetics and neurobiology.

Profile: Thomas Richards is Professor of Evolutionary Genomics at the University of Oxford. Tom’s research focuses on the diversity and evolution of eukaryotic life, especially microbes. Over 1.5 billion years ago, a major evolutionary transition led to complex, compartmentalized cells called eukaryotes. His research aims to understand how this radical transition happened and how it led to diverse cell structures. He completed his undergraduate degree at University College London and his graduate studies at the University of Oxford and the Natural History Museum, London. He was also a Miller Visiting Professor at the University of California, Berkeley, Fellow of the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, EMBO Young Investigator, ERC Investigator, and a Royal Society University Research Fellow.

Language: English

Target audience: General audience/everyone at OIST and beyond.
Freely accessible to all OIST members and guests without registration.

This talk will also be broadcast online via Zoom:
Meeting ID: 993 1216 5065
Passcode: 603487

※ Please note that this event may be recorded and the videos uploaded. In addition, photos may be taken during the event. These are intended for publication online (the OIST website, social media, etc.)※