Rasmus Nielsen (biologist)

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Rasmus Nielsen
Born (1970-01-27) January 27, 1970 (age 53)
NationalityDanish
Education University of Copenhagen (Cand.scient., 1994) [1]
University of California, Berkeley (Ph.D., 1998) [1]
Known for Evolutionary genetics
Population genetics
Awards Sloan Foundation Research Fellowship (2004) [1]
Scientific career
Fields Evolutionary biology
Statistical genetics
Institutions Cornell University
University of California, Berkeley
Thesis Monte Carlo likelihood methods in population genetics  (1998)
Doctoral advisor Montgomery Slatkin

Rasmus Nielsen (born January 27, 1970) [2] is a Danish biologist and professor in the Department of Integrative Biology at the University of California, Berkeley. His research focuses on statistical genetics and computational genomics as they relate to evolutionary biology. Much of his research has focused on the molecular mechanisms of evolutionary adaptations. [3] For example, in 2010, his research group discovered the variant in the EPAS1 gene that allows Tibetans to live at high altitudes. [4] [5] His research has also identified an evolved genetic adaptation among the Inuit that allows them to metabolize fatty acids. [6]

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References

  1. 1 2 3 Lang, Susan S. (2004-03-23). "Two Cornell University scientists receive Sloan Fellowships". Cornell Chronicle . Retrieved 2018-12-25.
  2. "Nielsen, Rasmus, 1970-". Library of Congress Name Authority File. Retrieved 2018-12-25.
  3. "Rasmus Nielsen". Department of Integrative Biology. University of California, Berkeley. 21 June 2012. Retrieved 2018-12-25.
  4. Rincon, Paul (2014-07-02). "Altitude gene 'from extinct species'". BBC News . Retrieved 2018-12-25.
  5. Wade, Nicholas (2010-07-01). "Scientists Cite Fastest Case of Human Evolution". The New York Times . ISSN   0362-4331 . Retrieved 2018-12-25.
  6. Zimmer, Carl (2015-09-17). "Inuit Study Adds Twist to Omega-3 Fatty Acids' Health Story". The New York Times. ISSN   0362-4331 . Retrieved 2018-12-25.