Library to Host Community Read DNA Workshop

Tompkins County Public Library and Cornell University’s Genetically Engineered Machines (CU iGEM) team will host “The Answer is in the DNA,” a presentation on the use of DNA in forensic investigations, August 13 at 6 p.m. in the Library’s BorgWarner Community Room.

Held in conjunction with the 2014 Community Read  of “Clash of Civilization Over an Elevator in Piazza Vittorio” by Amara Lakhous, this program will explore how criminal investigators use DNA to identify suspects.  Participants will learn about the structure of DNA, its relation to genetic diversity and Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP), a technigue which allows scientists to narrow suspect lists by comparing elements of potential suspect’s DNA.  Following a short presentation, attendees will have an opportunity to use the information presented to solve a fictitious crime.

Winner of Italy’s prestigious Flaiano Prize, “Clash of Civilizations” uses social satire and murder mystery to tell the story of a mixed community thrown into chaos as police investigate the murder of a neighbor.

The Cornell University Genetically Engineered Machines (CU iGEM) team is a student-run, international award-winning biology-inspired project team with a vision of creating synthetic biology tools and processes that will offer breakthrough answers to the many needs of industry and the economy.

This program is free and open to an all-ages audience, but it is most appropriate for adults and children 11 and older. 

Now in its 13^th year, the Community Read encourages community members to experience the bond of literature by reading and discussing the same title. 

For more information, or to request free copies of the book for a book group or community agency, contact Community Read Coordinator Teresa Vadakin at (607) 272-4557 extension 272 or tvadakin@tcpl.org.