Rasmus Nielsen (biologist)

Rasmus Nielsen
Born (1970-01-27) January 27, 1970 (age 54)
Denmark
NationalityDanish
EducationUniversity of Copenhagen (Cand.scient., 1994)[1]
University of California, Berkeley (Ph.D., 1998)[1]
Known forEvolutionary genetics
Population genetics
AwardsSloan Foundation Research Fellowship (2004)[1]
Scientific career
FieldsEvolutionary biology
Statistical genetics
InstitutionsCornell University
University of California, Berkeley
ThesisMonte Carlo likelihood methods in population genetics (1998)
Doctoral advisorMontgomery 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]

  1. ^ a b c 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.