The Department of Mathematics welcomes École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne professor Maryna Viazovska to our annual Simons Lecture Series.She will give three lectures April 29-May 1The Sphere Packing Problem Lecture 1: General overview. Lecture 2: Random sphere packings with symmetries Lecture 3: Ideal lattice packings and subconvexity bounds IIEach day, a reception will be held at 4pm in Room 2-290, followed by the 4:30pm lecture in Room 2-190.This annual lecture series features presentations by top mathematicians. Many thanks to the late Jim Simons and his wife, Marilyn Simons, for their continued financial support of these lectures.

Date: Thursday, May 1 Time: 4:00pm Location: 46-3002, Singleton Auditorium (Third floor of MIT Building 46)​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89238458002Talk Title: Results from a Genome-Wide Association Study of the Externalizing Spectrum in ~4 Million PeopleAbstract: The externalizing spectrum encompasses psychiatric disorders and health risk behaviors characterized by disinhibition (acting without regard to future negative consequences) and antagonism (acting without regard to other people’s rights and feelings). Externalizing disorders and behaviors are highly comorbid and have overlapping genetic etiologies. In this presentation, I will describe results from a multivariate genome-wide association study of ~4 million people with European-like and African-like genetic ancestry that leveraged genetic sharing among 7 externalizing behaviors. A general Externalizing factor (EXT) was highly genetically correlated with antisocial behavior, Opioid Use Disorder, and suicide attempt. In a multi-ancestry meta-analysis, we identified >1,000 genome-wide significant loci. Bioannotation analyses implicate early prenatal neurodevelopment, particularly in GABAergic and dopaminergic systems. Across multiple independent cohorts, a polygenic index (PGI) for Externalizing significantly predicted alcohol and illicit drug use, aggression, rule-breaking, school suspension and expulsion, job termination, and criminal arrest and incarceration, as well as myriad diseases affecting every bodily system, including pregnancy complications, viral infections, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, and pain. Analyses of family data indicate that PGI associations largely capture direct genetic effects. Overall, our study provides novel insights into the development of a constellation of stigmatized psychiatric disorders that impose a profound burden on human health and well-being.Bio: Kathryn Paige Harden, Ph.D., is Professor of Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin, where she directs the Developmental Behavior Genetics lab, co-directs the Texas Twin Project, and is the Director of Clinical Training for the Clinical Psychology graduate program. She is a graduate of Furman University and the University of Virginia. Her research uses genetic and epigenetic research methods to understand why people’s lives turn out differently. She is particularly interested in adolescence, a period of rapid and formative change that helps shape health and well-being for the rest of the life course. In addition to research, Paige teaches “Introduction to Psychology” as a synchronous massive online class to thousands of UT undergraduate students every year. Her first book, The Genetic Lottery: Why DNA Matters for Social Equality (Princeton), was named one of the “Best books of 2021” by The Economist and has been translated into 10 languages. She is currently working on a new book, Original Sin, to be published by Random House. Read her profile in The New Yorker here.

Our next Design Redefined explores how empathy-driven AI can positively impact society. Through a panel discussion and hands-on activities, participants will discover how designing AI with compassion can support mental well-being, enhance social connections, and address real-world challenges. By focusing on the human side of technology, this event aims to show how AI solutions, designed with empathy at their core, can empower communities and transform lives.Free with museum admission. Free for teens.

Organic Chemistry Seminar Series featuring Prof. Andrew G. Myers (Harvard University)Talk Title: TBAhttps://myers.faculty.chemistry.harvard.edu/home

A conversation between artist and designer Es Devlin and architect and curator Paola Antonelli about Devlin’s wide-ranging artistic practice.Free and open to the public, but registration is required due to space limitations.

Iyengar yoga is Hatha yoga as taught by BKS Iyengar and develops strength, coordination, and flexibility of the body and mind. Participants learn how to use their embodiment as an anchor - a way to find peace and inner strength during busy and difficult times.Every class is different with a unique sequence based on the theme of the class and the needs of the students. Using physical alignment as a starting point, Iyengar yoga encourages the spread of intelligence throughout the body, the growth of self awareness and asana as a form of meditation.As a Certified Iyengar Teacher (CIYT) who has studied with renown teachers Patricia Walden and Jarvis Chen for over 16 years, Ashley uses individual pose modifications, props, and hands-on adjustments to support participants of all body types, ages and abilities.Iyengar yoga is truly for everyone - stiff bodies welcome!Registration is required on our wellness class website. If you do not already have an account on this website, you'll need to create one. This is fee-based class and open to the entire MIT community.