New York Times science journalist Carl Zimmer sees the study of evolution as a way to learn more about our current world.

On Saturday, Zimmer gave a lecture in honor of the opening celebration for the "Explore Evolution" exhibit in the University's Exhibit Museum of Natural History. The exhibit highlights the recent evolutionary discoveries of scientists regarding whales that walked, Galapagos finches and the HIV virus.

Each display features panels of text written by Zimmer, who focuses most of his writing on evolution and also regularly contributes to National Geographic, Science and Newsweek magazines.

At the lecture, Zimmer discussed the ways evolution is applicable in the world and talked about the newest developments in evolutionary biology.

"By asking an evolutionary question, you find out something new," Zimmer said.

Zimmer explained that in the case of Australian biologist Bryan Fry, an evolutionary question was the origin of snake venom.

Because many drugs manufactured by pharmaceutical companies use venom to treat stroke and to lower an elevated blood pressure, Zimmer said an understanding of venom could aid the development of more effective medications.

Through his research, Fry found that venom is composed of many diverse molecules. Each molecule acts differently on prey, inducing paralysis, muscle decay or unconsciousness. By pinpointing the genes in the venom molecules, Fry compared the similarities between venom genes in different snake species and then constructed a genealogy of the genes.

Zimmer said Fry looked at various versions of one venom molecule, called chrotamine, and found that the gene that produces the molecule is closely related to a gene found in the snake's pancreas which produces a digestive enzyme.

"Snakes have been borrowing genes from all over their body to put in their venom," Zimmer said. He explained that a random genetic mutation led to the enzyme being sent to the snake's venom gland instead of the pancreas.

Over generations, the enzyme mutated further, becoming more potent and resulting in the venom present in modern day snakes.

The discovery of venom's genealogy has led to the realization that many snakes previously thought to be non-poisonous actually make venom. Garter snakes, for example, produce potent venom, but only in miniscule amounts.

Most importantly, Fry's research revealed that lizards - close ancestral relatives of snakes - possess some of the same venom molecules as their legless counterparts.

Fry hypothesizes that snake venom evolved tens of millions of years before snakes existed, which is why lizards such as Komodo dragons and iguanas possess some of the same venom molecules.

Although the finds are interesting from an academic standpoint, Zimmer said a greater understanding of the origins of venom has led to a new biotechnology front, which looks at the medicinal potential of lizard venom.

And while the origins of snake venom have unlocked doors for medicine, studying the evolution of mankind is aiming to do the same against cancer.

Zimmer explained that scientists have recently taken a closer look at chromosome inversions, which are mutations that cause part of a chromosome to be flipped when replicated.

Scientists have long known that inversions are a source of mutation, which promotes evolution. But they have only recently been examining flipped chromosome chunks to try and piece together how the chromosomes of closely related species - such as chimpanzees and humans - are altered, Zimmer said.

"It's as if evolution has been flipping chromosomes like flipping pancakes," Zimmer added.

Zimmer said scientists have found that certain sections of the chromosomes are particularly vulnerable to inversion and so mutations tend to occur in the same spots.

This understanding of chromosomal inversion becomes important in the fight against cancer, because in cancer cells, the chromosomes flip in certain places repeatedly.

"If you want to understand cancer, you're going to have to deal with this evolutionary heritage of ours," he said.

LSA junior Sarah Romito said she enjoyed Zimmer's approach to evolution that separated theology and science.

"I liked his idea that in evolution, the ideas are still evolving," Romito added.