ABOUT THE PROGRAMS

Genetic science affects us every day: our health, our food, our families. The DNA Files explains how.

The shows are anchored by Peabody- and Emmy-winning correspondent John Hockenberry, whose engaging presence and quirky humor have helped define the series.

Guided by an outstanding panel of advisors, the series is produced by SoundVision Productions in Berkeley, California.

Fall 2007 Series

The DNA Files programs explore not only the science of genetics, but its ethical, social, and legal implications. Here are descriptions of the five new episodes, along with their working titles:

GxE: Genes and Environment
Producers:  John Rieger, Vicki Monks, Jon Kalish

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 variation among people influence why some are more sensitive to air pollution or react badly to some medications and also how the variations in our living conditions can change health on a molecular level.

Minding the Brain
Producer: Larry Massett

This program may change the way you think about memory and learning.  And it won't just affect your mind, either — it'll change your brain. Literally. Right down at the level of your DNA.   Researchers today are grappling with the interplay between the inner mind and the outer world and looking at how the brain we are born with changes in response to the cultural, social, personal, and physical environment we live in.


Comparative Genomics: What Do Animals Tell Us About Ourselves?
Producer: Barrett Golding

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.
 
The Heat Is On: Evolution in Action
Producer: Adam Burke

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.

Designing the Garden: Food in the Age of Biotechnology
Producers: Julie Grant & Elizabeth Culotta

Genetically modified food. Some say manipulating genes in plants is the solution to world hunger; others say it’s not safe to eat or grow.  Delivering a vaccine in a banana is the hope of some researchers, but altered genes have accidentally shown up in regular food crops, creating controversy across the globe.

Hand in hand with the radio programming, SoundVision is supporting the development of community outreach projects to help foster education and dialog at the community level.

Awards

• George Foster Peabody Award
• Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Award
• American Association for the Advancement of Science Journalism Award
• Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Award
• Society of Professional Journalists Excellence in Journalism Public Service Broadcast Award
• American Institute of Biological Sciences Media Award for Broadcast Journalism
• Association of Women in Communications Clarion Award

2001 Series

• Genetics & Applied Ecology. DNA: Code of the Wild
• Genetics of Infectious Disease. Planet of the Bugs: The Never-Ending Tale
• Genetics of Aging & Longevity. Search for the Fountain of Youth
• Genetic Medicine. Prescription for Conflict
• Genetics & Astrobiology. Life: How to Make a Cosmic Omelet

1998 Series

• The Human Genome Project. Mapping the Future
• Gene Therapy. Medicine for Your Genes
• DNA & Behavior. Is Our Fate in Our Genes?
• Genetics & Biotechnology. DNA in the Marketplace
• Prenatal Genetic Testing. Do You Really Want to Know Your Baby's Future?
• Predictive Genetic Testing. Do You Really Want to Know Your Future?
• Law & the Genetics of Identity. The Science of DNA Fingerprinting
• DNA & Evolution. Where Did We Come From? Where Did We Go?
• Plants, Animals & Transgenics. A Tomato By Any Other Name