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The Life Scientific

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The Life Scientific: Episode 53: Ewan Birney

Discussion & Talk

Factual: Science & Nature

Factual: Science & Nature: Science & Technology

Ewan Birney

Episode 53

Episode 53: Ewan Birney

BBC Radio 4 - The Life Scientific, Ewan Birney

Ewan Birney talks to Jim Al-Khalili about deciphering the human genome and junk DNA.

Ewan Birney talks to Jim Al-Khalili about deciphering the human genome, recent controversy over the demise of 'junk' DNA, and whether the future of digital storage lies in our DNA.

Ewan Birney talks to Jim Al-Khalili about his work on deciphering the human genome and the race to come up with the right number of genes that make us human. Ewan explains why he started a sweepstake to get fellow scientists to estimate the final number and why numbers were wildly wrong. He explains his role in the recent controversy over claims about the demise of 'Junk' DNA. He also talks about artificial DNA and whether it could be the future for information storage? With a colleague, he has already used a small speck of artificial DNA to store Shakespeare's sonnets. In theory, all of the world's information could be held on DNA in a space the size of a small room. If kept cold, dry and dark, DNA lasts for thousands of years so could it be the archive medium of the future?

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

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Factual: Life Stories

Professor Jim Al-Khalili talks to leading scientists about their life and work.

Professor Jim Al-Khalili talks to leading scientists about their life and work, finding out what inspires them and asking what their discoveries might do for us in the future.

Professor Jim Al-Khalili talks to leading scientists about their life and work, finding out what inspires and motivates them and asking what their discoveries might do for us in the future

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The Life Scientific

Episode 53: Ewan Birney

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