DNA (2003)
DNA
2003 / TV-PGDNA is a 5 part PBS documentary special which presents a comprehensive history of DNA science - from the discovery of the double helix structure to the mapping of the human genome to the latest research in the field of human genetics.
Seasons & Episode
The discovery of the double helix structure of dna is to science what the mona lisa is to painting. It's been called the single biggest discovery of all time. But it wasn't just stumbled upon - it was a race. Specifically, it was a race between two teams of young scientists working in Britain, as well as the esteemed chemist Linus Pauling, based in California.
In 1973, two scientists undertook an experiment that rocked the world. By transfering the DNA from one species to another, Herb Boyer and Stan Cohen became the first genetic enginereers. Their experiment triggered a wave of contriversy about the dangers of genetic manipulation, but it also generated a multi billion dollar industry.
In the 1990's the race to work out the structure of DNA fifty years ago was eclipsed by another race: to catalog all the genes in the human genome. the rivalry became so bitter that presidents and prime ministers had to intervene in an epic endevor that would take over a decade to complete and cost billions of dollars.
DNA is a 5 part PBS documentary special which presents a comprehensive history of DNA science - from the discovery of the double helix structure to the mapping of the human genome to the latest research in the field of human genetics.