Skip to content
DNA to Z episode artwork

Feb 1, 2017 20 min

DNA to Z

from We Have Concerns Hosted by Jeff Cannata/Anthony Carboni

Scientists have created bacteria that thrive using an expanded "genetic alphabet". The blueprint for all life forms on Earth is written in a code consisting of four "letters": A, T, C and G, which pair up in the DNA double helix. But the lab organism has been modified to use an additional two, giving it a genetic code of six letters. Jeff and Anthony try to figure out why they are doing this, and discuss what this might mean for the future. GET BONUS EPISODES, VIDEO HANGOUTS AND MORE. VISIT: http://patreon.com/wehaveconcerns Get all your sweet We Have Concerns merch by swinging by http://wehaveconcerns.com/shop Hey! If you’re enjoying the show, please take a moment to rate/review it on whatever service you use to listen. Here’s the iTunes link: http://bit.ly/wehaveconcerns And here’s the Stitcher link: http://bit.ly/stitcherwhc Jeff on Twitter: http://twitter.com/jeffcannata Anthony on Twitter: http://twitter.com/acarboni Today’s story was sent in by Matt Ator: http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-38737693#a-46457f06-0c37-442f-84fa-a4415e6757f4 If you’ve seen a story you think belongs on the show, send it to [email protected] or leave it on the subreddit:http://reddit.com/r/wehaveconcern Support the show and get bonus episodes, videos, Discord community access and more! http://patreon.com/wehaveconcerns Jeff on Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/jeffcannata.bsky.social Anthony on Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/acarboni.bsky.social

Episode details come from the podcast's RSS feed.

Embed this episode

Scientists have created bacteria that thrive using an expanded "genetic alphabet". The blueprint for all life forms on Earth is written in a code consisting of four "letters": A, T, C and G, which pair up in the DNA double helix. But the lab organism has been modified to use an additional two, giving it a genetic code of six letters. Jeff and Anthony try to figure out why they are doing this, and discuss what this might mean for the future.

Ready to play

DNA to Z

0:00 20:09

No transcript yet.

Requests help us decide what to transcribe next.

Frequently asked questions

How long is this episode of We Have Concerns?

This episode is 20 minutes long.

When was this We Have Concerns episode published?

This episode was published on February 1, 2017.

Can I download this We Have Concerns episode?

Yes. Use the download control on the episode player to save the publisher-provided media file.