Whales are expert divers, and scientists continue searching for the secrets behind their remarkable diving abilities. Whale behavior and anatomy are exquisitely adapted to long breath holds, but there’s more to the puzzle. If you zoom in on their cells, numerous molecular adaptations distinguish whales from humans, many of which explain their resilience to low oxygen. Since medical innovation can come from the most unexpected places, could whales hold the key to novel human health solutions? Join us to get a look into the adventure of finding deep-diving whales and getting their cells from the ocean to the laboratory.
Join us in-person in the Daily Planet Cafe or watch the livestream on YouTube.
Our Guest Expert
Dr. Jillian Wisse, postdoctoral researcher at Duke University
Dr. Wisse has studied dolphins in Australia, seals in Scotland, and whales in North Carolina, from shore to the open ocean. Her work investigates the remarkable adaptations of marine mammals to the challenges of ocean life and asks what we can learn from whales about human health. She grew up in Raleigh, received a B.S. in Biology from UNC-Chapel Hill (2011), and earned a PhD in Ecology from Duke University (2023).
Grab a bite from the Daily Planet Café and join host Chris Smith for our monthly Science Café. Gather with other curious minds at this after-hours event for an informal presentation and conversation about current science topics with guest experts. The Daily Planet Café is open 5–8pm with a full menu during the Science Café.