Episodes
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S6.27: Next Generation Sequence: Forging new paths in genetics
Please fill out our listener survey at geneticsunzipped.com/survey before January 31st This episode is all about the next generation, as we meet three up-and-coming scientists who have been supported by the Genetics Society, and learn all about Bermuda skinks, the Black Death and life after a...
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S6.26: The battle for biology: How Mendel came to rule the world
Please take a minute or two to fill out our listener survey and help shape the future of the podcast: https://geneticsunzipped.com/survey In this episode, we talk to Greg Radick from the University of Leeds to explore the impact that Gregor Mendel and his populariser William Bateson have had on…
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S6.25: 2023 Unzipped
Please take a minute or two to fill out our listener survey and help shape the future of the podcast: https://geneticsunzipped.com/survey As 2023 draws to a close, we’re bringing you a smorgasbord of previously unaired clips from some of our favourite interviews this year. Full show notes,...
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S6.24: Genes, junk and the ‘dark genome’
Please take a minute or two to fill out our listener survey and help shape the future of the podcast: https://geneticsunzipped.com/survey We discover how 500,000 whole genome from UK Biobank will help medical research, plumb the depths of the ‘dark genome’ with Nucleome, and Larry Moran tells us...
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S6.23: 40 years of HIV: the disease that broke the rules
Please take a minute or two to fill out our listener survey and help shape the future of the podcast: https://geneticsunzipped.com/survey With 2023 marking 40 years since the discovery of HIV, we're looking back over four decades of AIDS, from the earliest whispers of a mysterious new disease to...
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S6.22: Dumb luck: Amazing adaptations from happy little accidents
Author and science journalist Rebecca Coffey chats with us about some amazing adaptations and Darwinian delights from her book, Beyond Primates. She tells us about wasp facial recognition genes, how yeast epigenetics explain the Dutch Hunger Winter and a dinner party tale of spider cannibalism....
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S6.21: Time of your life: how circadian rhythms shape the world
In this episode we’re clocking in to chat about the genetics of circadian rhythms. How can molecules tell the time, why don’t we have drugs for jet lag yet and could a midnight snack stop malaria in its tracks? Full show notes, transcript and references online at GeneticsUnzipped.com Follow us on...
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S6.20: That’s so extra: Exploring the weird world of extrachromosomal DNA
We explore the weird and wonderful world of extrachromosomal DNA - what it is, what it does, and why it breaks the normal rules of inheritance. Full show notes, transcript and references online at GeneticsUnzipped.com Follow us on Twitter @GeneticsUnzip This episode of Genetics Unzipped was…
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S6.19: Food for the future: Helping plants adapt to a changing world
We’re finding out how plants adapt to a changing environment, and how we might be able to give them a helping hand so that we can keep feeding the world sustainably in the future. Full show notes, transcript and references online at GeneticsUnzipped.com Follow us on Twitter @GeneticsUnzip This...
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BONUS Hormones: The Inside Story - Is my diabetes my fault?
In this bonus episode, we’re bringing you the third instalment of Hormones: The Inside Story, Season 3. This podcast is produced for the Society for Endocrinology by the same team behind Genetics Unzipped. Find it on Podbean, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. In this...
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S6.18: An Evolutionary Revolutionary: Alfred Russel Wallace and the discovery of natural selection
We’re exploring the epic life of Alfred Russel Wallace; adventurer, naturalist and co-discoverer of natural selection. Biologist and author, Jim Costa, recounts the life of this often forgotten founding father of evolution. Full show notes, transcript and references online at GeneticsUnzipped.com...
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S6.17: Vax to the future: The science of DNA and RNA vaccines
We look at the science behind DNA and RNA vaccines - How do they work? What can they do? And how can they be made at scale so that more people around the world can benefit from them? With John Tregoning from Imperial College London, Christian Ottensmeier from the University of Liverpool, and Lisa...
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S6.16 Double helix double crossing? What really happened between Rosalind Franklin, James Watson and Francis Crick?
Kat Arney chats with Professor Matthew Cobb about what really happened between James Watson, Francis Crick and Rosalind Franklin during the discovery of the double helix structure of DNA. Full show notes, transcript and references online at GeneticsUnzipped.com Follow us on Twitter @GeneticsUnzip...
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S6.15: Cordelia Langford: Making Big Science Happen
We’re going behind the scenes at the Sanger Institute with Cordelia Langford, Director of Scientific Operations, to find out what it takes to make Big Science happen, and hear the stories behind the sequencing. Full show notes, transcript and references online at GeneticsUnzipped.com Follow us on...
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S6.14: Tracking COVID and tackling obesity: Meet this year’s Genetics Society award winners
We’re chatting with two of this year’s Genetics Society award winners - Cecilia Lindgren, who’s an expert on the genetics of obesity and metabolic disorders, and Lucy van Dorp, who has spent the past three years tracing the spread of SARS-CoV-2 around the world. Full show notes, transcript and...
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S6.12: Da Vinci’s DNA: What happens when genetics meets art
We’re taking a journey into the world of art and artefacts, unearthing the genetic secrets of long-dead legends like Da Vinci, Van Gogh and Beethoven. Full show notes, transcript and references online at GeneticsUnzipped.com Follow us on Twitter @GeneticsUnzip This episode of Genetics Unzipped…
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S6.11: Meet the DNA Detectives hunting the causes of cancer
We’re chasing down the perpetrator of a scientific Whodunnit, joining the DNA detectives on the hunt for the causes of cancer. Full show notes, transcript and references online at GeneticsUnzipped.com Follow us on Twitter @GeneticsUnzip This episode of Genetics Unzipped was written and presented…
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S6.10: Space invaders: The amazing adaptations of tardigrades
In this episode we’re going microscopic, exploring what tiny tardigrades can teach us about desiccation, vaccine delivery … and even space travel! Full show notes, transcript and references online at GeneticsUnzipped.com Follow us on Twitter @GeneticsUnzip This episode of Genetics Unzipped was...
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S6.09: Raiders of Noah’s Ark: Stealing genetic tricks from the animal kingdom
In this episode we’re becoming chromosomal criminals and learning about how researchers are stealing genes from the animal kingdom and using them to improve human health. From 13-lined ground squirrels teaching us how to recover from heart attacks, to bowhead whales showing us how to avoid…
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BONUS Re-release S3.22 - The Past, Present and Future of the Human Genome Project
To celebrate DNA Day, we are rereleasing an episode from series 3, called The Past, Present, and Future of the Human Genome Project, when Kat interviewed the director of the US National Human Genome Research Institute, Dr Eric Green about his work on the Human Genome Project from its very...
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S6.08: Pop goes the genome! Genetics in popular culture
We take a leftfield look at public communication of genetics, exploring how the science of DNA turns up in popular culture from comics and music to cakes, with Great British Bake Off winner Syabira Yusoff. Full show notes, transcript and references online at GeneticsUnzipped.com Follow us on...
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S6.07: Chris Hemsworth took a genetic test for Alzheimer's. Should you?
We’re discussing Chris Hemsworth’s recent Alzheimer's risk findings and the pros and cons of direct-to-consumer DNA testing with genetic counsellor and host of the podcast DNA Today, Kira Dineen. Full show notes, transcript and references online at GeneticsUnzipped.com Follow us on Twitter...
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S6.06: Bye-bye boys: The genetics behind the extinction of males
We’re saying bye-bye to the boys, and exploring whether new gene technologies and climate change will make males extinct. Full show notes, transcript and references online at GeneticsUnzipped.com Follow us on Twitter @GeneticsUnzip This episode of Genetics Unzipped was written, presented and...
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S6.05: GMO or GM NO? The ethics and realities of genome editing
We're exploring the ethics and regulations of genome editing. What is allowed? What shouldn't be? And who should get to decide? Plus we explore a new exhibit on the topic that lets the public have their say. Full show notes, transcript and references online at GeneticsUnzipped.com Follow us on...
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S6.04: The diagnostic odyssey: A journey into genetic testing for rare diseases
We’re off on a journey to the world of rare genetic disorders, exploring the diagnostic odyssey that patients go on in search of answers, research into variants of unknown significance and new approaches for treating the rare disease Aicardi-Goutières Syndrome (AGS) Full show notes, transcript…
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S6.03: Confident, competent or confused: What do you think you know about genetics?
How much do you know about genetics? In this episode we’re sharing the results of a large survey asking the UK public what their opinions are, what they know, or more importantly, what they think they know about genetics and what that means for society. Full show notes, transcript and references...
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S6.02: Would you Adam and Eve it? In search of our earliest genetic ancestors
We’re going back to the very genesis of our species in search of the genetic Adam and Eve. Who were they? When and where did they live? Were there really just two of them? And how should we really be referring to these ancient ancestors anyway? Full show notes, transcript and references online at...
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S6.01 Baby brain, baby body: the genetics (and epigenetics) of reproduction
We’re going back to the womb to explore the genetics of how to make babies - from finding out how birthweight is linked to the risk of diabetes to investigating the multifaceted role of the hormone prolactin in pregnancy and the role of epigenetics in the placenta. Full show notes, transcript and...
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S525: 2022 Unzipped
Full show notes, transcript and references online at GeneticsUnzipped.com Follow us on Twitter @GeneticsUnzip This episode of Genetics Unzipped was written, presented and produced by Sally Le Page. This podcast is created by First Create the Media for the Genetics Society - one of the oldest...
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S5.24: Bats, boats and buried bodies: the hidden power of environmental DNA
In this episode we’re testing the air for tigers and digging up dead bodies as we explore the exciting new field of environmental DNA. Dr Sally Le Page chats with Prof. Elizabeth Clare about sampling the DNA of rare species from the air, and Dr Kirstin Meyer-Kaiser and Charles Konsitzke tells us...
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Living with the Eugenic Past: Michele Goodwin
This podcast is part of a miniseries of interviews with speakers from the 2022 annual conference of the Adelphi Genetics Forum - a learned society that aims to promote research and discussion concerning the scientific understanding of human heredity. Formerly known as the Galton Institute, and...
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Living with the Eugenic Past: Joe Cain
This podcast is part of a miniseries of interviews with speakers from the 2022 annual conference of the Adelphi Genetics Forum - a learned society that aims to promote research and discussion concerning the scientific understanding of human heredity. Formerly known as the Galton Institute, and...
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Living with the Eugenic Past: Anneke Lucassen
This podcast is part of a miniseries of interviews with speakers from the 2022 annual conference of the Adelphi Genetics Forum - a learned society that aims to promote research and discussion concerning the scientific understanding of human heredity. Formerly known as the Galton Institute, and...
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Living with the Eugenic Past: Brian Donovan
This podcast is part of a miniseries of interviews with speakers from the 2022 annual conference of the Adelphi Genetics Forum - a learned society that aims to promote research and discussion concerning the scientific understanding of human heredity. Formerly known as the Galton Institute, and...
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Living with the Eugenic Past: Adam Rutherford
This podcast is part of a miniseries of interviews with speakers from the 2022 annual conference of the Adelphi Genetics Forum - a learned society that aims to promote research and discussion concerning the scientific understanding of human heredity. Formerly known as the Galton Institute, and...
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Living with the Eugenic Past: Elaine Riddick
CONTENT NOTE: This interview includes discussion of rape, forced sterilisation and first-hand experience of state-sanctioned eugenic policies. This podcast is part of a miniseries of interviews with speakers from the 2022 annual conference of the Adelphi Genetics Forum - a learned society that…
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Living with the Eugenic Past: Turi King
This podcast is part of a miniseries of interviews with speakers from the 2022 annual conference of the Adelphi Genetics Forum - a learned society that aims to promote research and discussion concerning the scientific understanding of human heredity. Formerly known as the Galton Institute, and...
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S5.23: Birds and bees… and sardines: the genetics of animal behaviour
In this episode we’re taking a look at the birds and the bees - not like that! - from the unusual migratory habits of European blackcaps and the ‘greatest shoal on earth’ to the division of labour in a beehive, we’ll be exploring the role that genetics plays in shaping animal behaviours. Full…
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S5.22 Little Shop of Genetic Horrors: the evolution of carnivorous plants
There’s something unnatural about carnivorous plants. We’re so used to plants being at the bottom of the food chain, that to see them trapping, killing and eating animals seems to go against the laws of nature. But of course, carnivory in plants is very real and has evolved multiple times in...
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S5.21 Past to present: Searching for evolutionary stories in ancient DNA
We’re exploring what we can discover about our evolution from our DNA, and what evolutionary secrets might be contained in the ancient DNA of our ancestors. Kat Arney looks at why this year’s Nobel Prize awarded for the genomics of ancient humans, how genetic mutations allow Tibetans and their…
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BONUS! Big Biology: food for thought - plant domestication and the promise of green super rice
It’s a special bonus episode this week, as we wanted to showcase another podcast we think you’ll like, Big Biology, and featuring their discussion about the domestication and genetic modification of rice. If you’re enjoying it, you can find more about them at bigbiology.org and on Twitter...
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S5.20 Bread and fishes: the future of food in a changing climate
In this episode we’re looking at the future of food. With climate change making crop harvests more unpredictable and fresh water becoming a more scarce resource, what are geneticists doing to make sure we will still have food on our plates? Dr Kat Arney chats with Dr Hannah Rees about giving…
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S5.19 Let there be light: the origins of photosynthesis
We’re turning the lights on, looking back at the origins of photosynthesis and the mysteries of the chloroplast genome. From The King James Bible to The Great Oxygen Catastrophe, every lungful of air you breathe has a remarkable story. Full show notes, transcript, music credits and references...
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S5.18 The Genesis Machine
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...
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S5.17 Genetics of Society: How to be a queen bee
As we always say, this is the podcast from the Genetics Society, but that’s more true than ever as today we’re looking at the genetics of societies. How can you find your place within a rigid social structure, and is it possible to rise up the ranks and become queen? Full show notes, transcript,...
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S5.16 Hap-pea 200th birthday, Mendel!
We celebrate the 200th birthday of Gregor Mendel and learn about the latest genetics research that would have blown his mind. Full show notes, transcript, music credits and references online at GeneticsUnzipped.com Follow us on Twitter @GeneticsUnzip This episode of Genetics Unzipped was written...
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S5.15 Does size matter when it comes to your genes?
In this episode we’re discovering whether size really does matter - when it comes to your genes and genome, that is. Dr Kat Arney gets to grips with why the human genome has so few genes, why some species have more junk DNA than others, and whether you should avoid eating anything with more genes...
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S5.14 Genes, brains and the mind: How much of your personality is encoded in your DNA?
In this episode we’re exploring genes, brains and the mind, as we ask how much of our personality is innate, and whether anything we do as adults can change who we fundamentally are. Presenter, Dr Sally Le Page, sits down with Kevin Mitchell, an Associate Professor of Genetics and Neuroscience at...
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S5.13 Genetics at your fingertips: stories from the science of identity
We’re looking at the stories at your fingertips. Dr Sally Le Page uncovers how excrement espionage could bring down a superpower, and unearths a 100 year old family secret. But it’s not just genetic fingerprinting we’re interested in. We also grasp the genetics of fingerprints, and what they tell...
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S5.12 In the blood: using circulating DNA to detect and monitor cancer
We’re taking a closer look at the red stuff, finding out what a few millilitres of blood can reveal about the development, progression and treatment of cancer within the body. Rather than painful surgical biopsies, expensive scans or complicated screening tests, what if we could simply take a…
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