Genetics as Revolution
By Professor Alison Woollard. It is an everyday observation that the offspring of elephants are elephants and the offspring of humans are humans. Our biology is, quite literally, written in our DNA, and the copying and transmission of this genetic information is the most extraordinary process on earth.
The ideas of genetics are revolutionary, from Mendel's perfect 19th century description of the mechanism of heredity, through the molecular revolutions of the 20th century to the present day. Today, new technologies are galvanising disruptive change, not only in our understanding of biology,
but in our ability to intervene in the very nature of life itself. What can we change? How? Why? And indeed, should we meddle at all?
| Genetics as Revolution |
| Related Links |
| 100 Greatest Discoveries: Genetics This episode recounts thirteen important discoveries related to genetics, including Gregor Mendel's discovery of rules of heredity, and James Watson and Francis Crick's discovery of the structure of the DNA molecule. |
| DNA This is a five-part PBS documentary series that tells a brief history of DNA science - from the discovery of the double helix structure to the mapping of the human genome to the latest research. |
| How (and Why) to Clone a Mammoth Beth Shapiro will discuss the science and ethics of de-extinction, including what is and what is not technically possible today and how scientists might overcome the existing barriers to bringing extinct species back to life. |
| Genetic Engineering in Medicine, Agriculture, & Law This course examines the historical and scientific study of genetic engineering in medicine, agriculture, and law, including examination of social, ethical, and legal issues raised by new technology. |
| Introduction to Biology: Genetics This course focuses on the exploration of current research in cell biology, immunology, neurobiology, genomics, and molecular medicine. |