Unlocking the Dark Genome

Half of every new genome we read looks like an unlabeled street map—blocks and alleyways with no names and no clues about what happens behind each door. Yet DNA is the master instruction book for building every living thing: first its code is copied into RNA, then read out as proteins that do the real work inside cells (the classic DNA → RNA → Protein “central dogma”).

In this talk we’ll start opening those unnamed doors. Prof. Tzfadia will show how today’s scientists turn billions of DNA “street signs” from plants, bacteria, and even ancient fossils into a living, searchable map that finally tells us what those mystery genes do.

You’ll understand:

* how computers spot hidden patterns in huge DNA databases the way Google Maps finds traffic shortcuts;

* real-world surprises—like a brand-new protein that lets ordinary soil microbes make a natural antibiotic;

* why filling in these blank spots matters for fighting diseases, growing drought-proof crops, and even brewing better beer.

No biology background needed: we’ll use everyday metaphors, quick demos, and plenty of time for questions. Come curious—leave with a mental GPS that can navigate the wild frontier of “dark” DNA.

Prof. Oren Tzfadia is a bioinformatician at the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp. His work combines computational biology, multi-omics, and AI to tackle drug resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. With over 40 peer-reviewed publications, he brings a clear, data-driven approach to some of the most urgent questions in global health.

The bar is open from 17:00 – Arrive early, grab a seat, and settle in.

Talk starts at 19:30 and runs until around 21:00.

Stick around afterward —good conversations don’t have closing times.