Dna: The Story of the Pioneers Who Changed the World

Synopsis

A double DVD consisting of five programmes (four of them broadcast on Channel 4) tracing the history of one of the greatest scientific discoveries of the 20th century - the double-helix structure of DNA.

Language

English

Country

Great Britain

Year of release

2004

Year of production

2003

Notes

The first four programmes were broadcast weekly on Channel 4, beginning on 8/3/03

Subjects

Biology; Medical sciences

Keywords

cancer; DNA; genetic code; genetic disorders; genetic engineering; Human Genome Project; medical research; Watson, James D

Distribution Formats

Type

DVD

Price

£24.95

Availability

Sale

Duration/Size

300 minutes

Year

2004

Sections

Title

Secret of Life, The

Synopsis

Broadcast under the title THE STORY OF LIFE. 50 years ago, two unknown scientists burst into a pub in Cambridge declaring they had found the secret of life. This was a momentous discovery, not just for the human race but for the people involved as it was one of the most heated scientific races the world had ever seen.

Dr Watson talks about the events that led to a double helix model being built by Dr Francis Crick and himself. Others who were involved with the DNA story talk about what they did and why Watson and Crick beat all the odds to find the double helix first and win the noble prize. The story begins in Cambridge 50 years ago when Jim Watson and Francis Crick ran into a pub claiming to have discovered the secret of life. Later on, they received the Nobel prize for their work which triggered a race to discover its structure

Duration

60 mins

Title

Playing God

Synopsis

Following on from the discovery of the double helix, this programme moves into the world of genetics. Scientists in the 70’s were leaping into the highly controversial area of genetic engineering and an entire industry was built on genetically modified plants, drugs and food. Talks to some of the people involved with setting up some of the first major corporations and how another race was to grip the world of science and business. As well as food and plants being manufactured in a laboratory, the search was on for cures for diseases, including the controversial human insulin reproduction.

Duration

60 mins

Title

Human Race, The

Synopsis

Part three looks at how, in 1990, it was decided to compile a complete DNA instruction manual for the human body. Named the Human Genome Project, it looked set to be scuppered by intense rivalry between scientific factions. On one side the Watson-initiated public project would make all information on the genome free tot he general population, and ont he other the privately owned research project that was going to charge scientists and companies around the world to look at and use any genes from a human. Former President Bill Clinton recalls the tense situation and how he helped to resolve it.

Duration

60 mins

Title

Future. The

Synopsis

Programme 4 tells the story of how the discovery of DNA is being turned into something useful: a cure for cancer. It begins with a young woman’s epic search for the breast cancer gene. Her 20 year quest ends with the genetic test for breast cancer she had dreamed of falling into the hands of a private company. The second half of the film reveals how finding cancer genes is the key to 21st century cancer medicine. American railwayman Bud Romine is the living proof.

Duration

60 mins

Title

Mortal Coil, The

Synopsis

The final part focuses on the controversial work and opinions of Jim Watson - a co-discoverer of the double-helix structure of DNA. He believes that scientists should be allowed research into creating a superior race - a view which has allowed his critics to draw comparisons with the Nazi’s programme of eugenics. This programme follows him to Berlin where he strives daily to get genetic engineering accepted in a country so tainted by its past. He also gives his views on what he calls life’s "genetic lottery" and we see some of the people it affects. Shows how genetic diseases affect the lives of children and their families.

Duration

60 mins

Production Company

Name

Channel Four Television

Phone

071-396 4444

Address

LONDON
SW1P 2TX

Name

Windfall Films Ltd

Web

http://www.windfallfilms.com/ External site opens in new window

Phone

020 7637 2666

Fax

020 7637 2612

Address

22-24 Torrington Place
WC1E 7HJ

Notes

Contact: T J Bezant (7/99)