How Cavefish "Evolve" Blindness: A Molecular Study in Convergent Evolution

Presented by returning speaker, biophysical cellular biologist Dr. Jay Unruh!

How do animals lose something as complex as an eye?
In the darkness of caves, evolution sometimes takes a surprising path: fish that once had eyes become blind. But how does that actually happen at the genetic level?
Join Dr. Jay Unruh, Director of Scientific Data at the Stowers Institute for Medical Research and Research Professor at the Graduate School of the Stowers Institute, for a look at new research on Mexican cavefish, eye loss, and convergent evolution. Scientists studying a rare cave population found a specific mutation tied to eye degeneration — and evidence that evolution may target the same gene again and again across different cave-dwelling animals.
It’s a story about darkness, adaptation, genetics, and whether evolution sometimes repeats itself.
No biology background required. Curiosity strongly encouraged.

When and Where = 7:00PM Fri. June 12th 2026 - Price Chopper, Lenexa, Kansas.

See you Friday!
-Will Fletcher
Afterwards: We'll continue our conversations over drinks and food at the Blue Moose.
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Come early between 6:45 and 6:55 p.m. to chat and make new friends before we get started. But be sure to join us by 6:55, if you can, so we can start right at 7:00.
All attendees are expected to follow the P&P Code of Conduct, so all can feel safe while we have a great time.

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