S5.18 The Genesis Machine

S5.18 The Genesis Machine

Author: The Genetics Society September 8, 2022 Duration: 37:47

We’re exploring the frontiers of genetic engineering and synthetic biology with Amy Webb and Andrew Hessel, authors of the new book The Genesis Machine - taking a look at what’s possible now, what’s coming fast in the future, and what we as individuals and wider society should do about it.

Full show notes, transcript, music credits and references online at GeneticsUnzipped.com 

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This episode of Genetics Unzipped was written and presented by Kat Arney with audio production by Sally Le Page and Emma Werner.


This podcast is produced by First Create the Media for the Genetics Society - one of the oldest learned societies in the world dedicated to supporting and promoting the research, teaching and application of genetics.


Ever wondered how a monk's garden peas changed science, or what your own DNA might reveal about you? Genetics Unzipped, presented by The Genetics Society, explores these questions and countless others, weaving together the past, present, and future of heredity. This isn't a dry lecture series; it's a collection of conversations and narratives that make the complex world of genes feel immediate and fascinating. Each episode delves into a specific story, whether it's a historical breakthrough, a debate in modern medicine, or the surprising genetic connections in nature and our daily lives. You'll hear from researchers, historians, and sometimes the subjects of genetics themselves, all unpacking how DNA shapes health, fitness, evolution, and what it means to be alive. The podcast moves seamlessly from the fundamentals to the frontiers, making the science accessible without oversimplifying the profound implications. Tune in for a thoughtful and engaging exploration that goes far beyond the helix, examining the very code that writes our stories.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 168

Genetics Unzipped
Podcast Episodes
S4.19 Reading the book of life: A brief history of DNA sequencing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:28
We’re taking a look at how we learned to read the book of life, from the earliest days of DNA sequencing to the very latest futuristic technologies.Full show notes, transcript, music credits and references online at Gene…
S4.17 Back to the beginning: Exploring the origins of life [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:24
We discover the origins of DNA, find out where genes come from, and explore what’s next for the genetic code with Hachimoji XNA.Full show notes, transcript, music credits and references online at GeneticsUnzipped.com Fol…
S4.15 Catching cancer: A story of devils, dogs and cannibal hamsters [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:46
We tell the story of transmissible tumours, looking at the history of contagious cancers in dogs, devils, clams and cannibal hamsters. Plus, the man who caught cancer from his tapeworm.Full show notes, music credits and…
S4.13 Six toed cats and cyclops lambs: The story of Sonic Hedgehog [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:54
From six-toed cats to cyclops lambs, Kat Arney and Professor Bob Hill from the Institute of Genetics and Cancer at the University of Edinburgh explore the fascinating story and science behind the Sonic Hedgehog gene. Ful…
S4.10 Creatures of the night: the genetics of bats [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:05
We’re taking to the night skies with a closer look at the genetics of bats and what they can tell us about evolution, longevity and susceptibility to infections like coronaviruses.Full show notes, transcript, music credi…