S4.06: Giving nature a helping hand: how humans are shaping species
Hello, and welcome to Genetics Unzipped - the Genetics Society podcast, with me, Dr Kat Arney. In this episode we’re taking a look at how humans have made our mark on the animals we share the planet with, from selective breeding to genetic engineering, and changing habitats and the climate. Plus we find out how researchers are using the power of genetics to save species through conservation projects both at home and abroad, and meet the man who made Dolly the Sheep.
Before we start, a reminder to check out the new science podcast from First Create The Media and the MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences - Suffrage Science: how women are changing science looks at the journeys of women in science and the challenges we still face through conversations with inspirational women scientific leaders. In the latest episode I spoke with the former UK Chief Medical Office Dame Sally Davies, who had some strong advice for how to land your dream job.
Over the coming weeks we’ll be hearing from climate researcher Tamsin Edwards, computing legend Wendy Hall and space scientist Maggie Aderin-Pocock, so subscribe to the Suffrage Science podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts so you don’t miss an episode.
Helen Pilcher: Genetically modified wolves, fainting goats and golden gnus, how humans are shaping species
From driving species to extinction to selectively breeding pets and farm animals to new technologies like genetic engineering and cloning, it’s impossible to ignore the impact that humans are having on life on the planet today. Helen Pilcher is a science writer and comedian whose latest book, Life Changing, explores how humans have shaped the evolutionary trajectories of the species living alongside us on the planet. You might think this is a relatively modern phenomenon but, as Helen discovered while writing the book, our influence on animals goes back a long way. Click here to find out what Helen had to say.
Alex Ball: CSI Bantang - using genetics in conservation
As animals all over the world struggle with the impacts of human activity, such as shrinking habitats, climate change and wildlife trafficking, conservationists are doing their best to save them. To find out more about how genetics is being put to work to understand and preserve species in a changing world, I caught up with Alex Ball from the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s Wild Genes programme, based at Edinburgh Zoo. Click here to listen to Alex and Kat discuss genetics in conservation.
Bill Ritchie: The man who made Dolly the Sheep
While we’ve heard about some of the ways in which humans are shaping species through our actions on their environments and habitats, or through selective breeding, there are ways in which we’re changing life in the laboratory, through technologies like genetic modification and cloning. And when you mention cloning, one of the first animals that comes to mind is Dolly the Sheep. Click here to hear about Dolly from Bill Ritchie first hand.
That’s all for now, thanks to my guests: Helen Pilcher, Alex Ball and Bill Ritchie. We’ll be back next time taking a look at the history of CRISPR.
For more information about this podcast including show notes, transcripts, links, references, music credits and everything else head over to geneticsunzipped.com You can find us on Twitter @geneticsunzip and please do take a moment to rate and review us on Apple podcasts - it really makes a difference and helps more people discover the show.
Genetics Unzipped is written and presented by me, Kat Arney. It is produced by First Create the Media for The Genetics Society - one of the oldest learned societies in the world dedicated to supporting and promoting the research, teaching and application of genetics. You can find out more and apply to join at genetics.org.uk. Our theme music was composed by Dan Pollard, and the logo was designed by James Mayall, and audio production was by Hannah Varrall. Thanks for listening, and until next time, goodbye.
Sound effects licensed from Epidemic Sound
Image credits:
Dolly and Bonnie, Photo courtesy of The Roslin Institute, The University of Edinburgh, UK
Helen Pilcher, Photo courtesy of Helen Pilcher
Alex Ball, Photo courtesy of Alex Ball
Bill Ritchie, Photo courtesy of Bill Ritchie
