Distillations Episode 138: Your Genome
From: Chemical Heritage Foundation
Series: Distillations - The Chemistry Podcast
Length: 13:29
Each of us is made of more than 20,000 genes that determine everything from our tendency towards baldness to our likelihood to suffer from Alzheimer's disease. On this episode ofDistillations we look at how researchers have sought to identify our individual genomes and how they can be interpreted. First, we learn how advances in DNA sequencing technology are increasing the likelihood that soon we will all have our genomes mapped. Then we talk to an expert in personalized medicine about the pros and cons of having such sensitive information available.
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Piece Description
Each of us is made of more than 20,000 genes that determine everything from our tendency towards baldness to our likelihood to suffer from Alzheimer's disease. On this episode ofDistillations we look at how researchers have sought to identify our individual genomes and how they can be interpreted. First, we learn how advances in DNA sequencing technology are increasing the likelihood that soon we will all have our genomes mapped. Then we talk to an expert in personalized medicine about the pros and cons of having such sensitive information available.
Broadcast History
Podcast on January 6, 2012
Timing and Cues
0:00 Opening Credits
0:32 Introduction
1:36 The $1,000 Genome
4:56 Interview: Michael Christman
12:57 Closing Credits
Additional Credits
Special thanks to Jennifer Dionisio for researching this episode.
Our theme music is composed by Dave Kaufman. Music from Music Alley includes "That Spells DNA," by Jonathan Coulton. Music from the Free Music Archive includes "Divider," by Chris Zabriskie, and "II //\\ II," by Discount Fireworks. This episode also features "Terrarium Vacation," by Andrew Chalfen.
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