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“The Gene: An Intimate History” brings vividly to life the story of today’s revolution in medical science through present-day tales of patients and doctors at the forefront of the search for genetic treatments, interwoven with a compelling history of the discoveries that made this possible and the ethical challenges raised by the ability to edit DNA with precision.

What goes on in our DNA to make us grow grey hair, wrinkles and less than healthy DNA?
Humans are indeed genetically related to bananas (as well as slugs), but how exactly?
How do viruses work? Sort of like an alien invasion that replaces our cell’s genetic code.
Funding for KEN BURNS PRESENTS THE GENE: AN INTIMATE HISTORY has been provided by Genentech, 23andMe, Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, Gray Foundation, American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) & Conquer Cancer Foundation, Judy and Peter Blum Kovler Foundation, Craig and Susan McCaw Foundation, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. The Outreach and Education Partner is National Institutes of Health, National Human Genome Research Institute. Outreach support is provided by Foundation Medicine.
Episodes
Part One interweaves present-day stories with the discoveries of pioneers in genetics.
Part Two begins with the signature scientific achievement of our time.
Extras
The science, history & personal stories of the human genome.
What terrifying things go on inside of chrysalis, and what dark role do genes play?
In this episode, we delve into the difficulties of resurrecting extinct animals.
The story of a young family with two children who have spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).
Examine what makes up the perfectly symmetrical double helix.
Dive into the difference between dominant and recessive genes.
The human genome and this generations responsibility to protect, understand, and intervene
A peek into the race to sequence the human genome and some of the possible consequences.
Did you know that the DNA can be read whole or in part, producing different results?
How many genes does it take to build an organ as complex as the human brain?