February 7, 9, & 10, 2026
The Significance of ORFan and Taxonomically Restricted Genes
Dr. Paul Nelson from Biola University
See details (below) of where and when in the flyer .
South – Monee, IL – February 7th Flyer
North – Antioch, IL – February 9th Flyer
West – Carol Stream, IL – February 10th Flyer
ORFan genes were discovered in the mid-90s as automated DNA sequencing became a practical technology. ORFans are defined as genes found in a species or genus which have no matching sequences in other species. ORFans are now considered a world-class biological puzzle found all throughout the Tree of Life.
Dr. Nelson, who has published in this area, will discuss how ORFans are detected, their astonishing numbers, and their significance for origins.