The God Gene

Dr. Dean Hamer
National Cancer Institute
National Institutes of Health

Dr. Dean Hamer is a preeminent geneticist at the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Maryland. He is the author of "The Science of Desire," a New York Times Notable Book of the Year, and "Living With Our Genes." In his latest book, "The God Gene," Hamer reveals that an inclination toward religious faith is in good measure due to our genes and may even offer an evolutionary advantage by helping us get through difficulties, reducing stress, preventing disease, and extending life.

Hamer provided two lectures at Cornell, a community lecture on "The God Gene" at 11:00am in Hedges Conference Room, and a second lecture on his current research interests. While on campus, he spoke with students in the Genetics course, attended lunch with faculty and interested students, and was available for informal socializing at a reception at the end of the day at Brackett House Bed & Breakfast.