The DNA Files, the award-winning NPR-distributed series that explores the intriguing world of genetics and its impact on life in the 21st century, returns to public radio this fall with five new one-hour documentaries. Produced by Berkeley, California-based SoundVision Productions®, the shows are anchored by Peabody- and Emmy-winning correspondent John Hockenberry.
The new lineup brings tales of food in the age of biotechnology; how environment works in concert with genetics; the interplay between the inner mind and the outer world; comparative genomics (what do animals tell us about ourselves?); and the pressure of climate change on the species of our planet. The DNA Files will ai
r on WSKG Public Radio on Thursdays at 1 and 7pm beginning November 8
th.
WSKG expands the national broadcast of The DNA Files with five locally-produced feature pieces that will air Thursdays during Morning Edition and All Things Considered. Topics include a look at research on tree swallows and climate change; biofilms and the discovery of a molecule that may help disperse biofilm colonies; and a visit to a DNA science camp for kids.
This series is produced by Crystal Sarakas, and is made possible with support from The DNA Files, a project of SoundVision Productions.
Documentaries:
Beyond Human
November 8th at 1 and 7 pm
We humans think we are pretty special creatures within the animal kingdom, but as scientists try to understand what makes us different from other animals, they keep running into what makes us the same. We share most of our DNA with chimps, nearly as much with mice, and a good proportion with non-mammals such as bees and birds. Researchers examine these similarities and differences to learn more about the human race.
For more information: Beyond Human
Rewriting Heredity: Environment and the Genome
November 15th at 1 & 7 p.m.
At first, geneticists thought studies of genes and inheritance held the answers to both the cause and treatment of disease. Now they realize that genes do not act alone and that environment — from our cells to our neighborhoods — works in concert with our genetics. Researchers are connecting just how the minute genetic variations among people influence why some are more sensitive to air pollution or react badly to some medications, or — as producer Vicki Monks finds in her travels between Arizona and Mexico to compare obesity rates of Pima Indian communities — how the variations in our living conditions can change health on a molecular level.
For more information: Rewriting Heredity: Environment and the Genome
The Heat Is On: Evolution in Action
November 29
th at 1 and 7 p.m.
Evolution is an ongoing process and as the Earth becomes warmer, we are seeing changes in migration patterns of birds, insects and even in the microbial life of the oceans. Here we look at how scientists track these changes, how organisms can adapt or not, and what this means for the health of the planet. Producer Adam Burke journeys to Hawaii and through Australia — the jungles to the Great Barrier Reef — to find out how living things are affected by warming trends.
For more information: The Heat Is On: Evolution in Action
Designing the Garden: Food in the Age of Biotechnology
December 6 at 1 and 7 p.m.
This program looks at the debates surrounding genetically modified food. Some say manipulating genes in plants and animals is the solution to world hunger; others say it's not safe to eat or grow. The Enviropig, for example developed by researchers in Guelph, Ontario. The pig is genetically modified to produce less phosphorus, and might one day make pig farming less harmful to the environment. The program also travels to India to explore rice genetically fortified with beta-carotene to ward off diseases that come from Vitamin A deficiency. Producers: Julie Grant and Elizabeth Culotta.
For more information: Designing the Garden: Food in the Age of Biotechnology
Minding the Brain
December 13 at 1 and 7 p.m.
This program may just change the way you think about memory and learning. And it won't just affect your mind; it'll change your brain — literally. Researchers today are grappling with the interplay between the inner mind and the outer world and looking at how the brain a person is born with changes in response to the cultural, social, personal and physical environments we live in. Producer: Larry Massett
For more information: Minding the Brain
