The Royal Institution Christmas Lectures

Walter Bodmer: The Message of the Genes

New developments in genetics have made it possible to study the chemistry of the genes to an extent that could hardly even have been imagined previously. Now we are beginning to see what it might be that turns a normal cell into a cancer cell, and why the body sometimes attacks itself to produce diseases such as diabetes in children or rheumatoid arthritis. When will the new genetics tell us why, or whether, one person may become a gifted painter, another a musician, another an athlete and another a mathematician? How far can we go in explaining the infinite variety of mankind?

Where to Watch The Royal Institution Christmas Lectures • Walter Bodmer: The Message of the Genes

6 Episodes

  • We Are All Different
    E1
    We Are All DifferentEverybody looks different, apart from identical twins, and many of the differences are inherited.
  • The Spice of Life
    E2
    The Spice of LifeLiving matter is made from a complex mixture of chemicals, some small like salts, sugars and fats and others large and complicated such as protein and DNA.
  • Genetic Engineering
    E3
    Genetic EngineeringHow can we isolate and study genes one at a time?
  • Bodies and Antibodies
    E4
    Bodies and AntibodiesThe body protects itself against infection by bacteria, viruses, molds and parasites by having a system for recognising these invading organisms as foreign.
  • Normal Cells and Cancer Cells
    E5
    Normal Cells and Cancer CellsCancer can occur when the regulation of cells in the body goes astray. Any tissue can be affected but some are more likely to become cancerous than others.
  • When Will Pigs have Wings?
    E6
    When Will Pigs have Wings?Genetics will eventually identify all the human genes and their functions. How far will this take us in explaining the infinite variety of mankind?

 

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