Genetics podcasts

Sarah Crespi and Tim Appenzeller discuss a resurfaced Rosalind Franklin X-ray photograph and its implications for the history of DNA structure. Elah Feder then speaks with Andreas Nieder about experiments comparing the speed of decisions in crows and primates, considering neural mechanisms and evolutionary advantages. Phil Levin and David Hassler discuss collaboration between ecological research and poetry, with a reading by Lara Volski.

Hosted by Sarah Crespi

This Briefing Chat examines a tattoo ink that becomes visible under ultraviolet light and then fades, before discussing whether epigenetic changes and jumping genes help explain why larger dogs age more quickly.

The episode connects historical evidence and modern biological methods. Meagan Cantwell and Christie Wilcox discuss nuclear history, a gene associated with hair graying and old Swiss cheese. Lizzie Wade explains how radiocarbon evidence is changing the chronology of the Inca empire. Nicholas Bush then describes neuronal recordings and computational approaches to understanding the circuits that generate rhythmic breathing.

Hosted by Sarah Crespi

Torrey Rhyne-Carrigg discusses DNA initiators and how models help investigate the molecular processes controlling gene activity. The conversation also follows her research training through the Graduate Research Fellowship Program, connecting fundamental biology with the development of scientific methods and a research career.

Saloni Dattani and Jacob Trefethen discuss siRNA medicines that suppress production of harmful proteins without changing DNA. They examine the long path from discovery to treatment, why existing drugs concentrate on liver diseases, programmable and long-lasting effects, and prospects and limitations for treating infection, cardiovascular disease, rare disorders and cancer.

Hosted by Saloni Dattani, Jacob Trefethen

This episode examines the history of genetics and the Genetics Society’s relationship with the eugenics movement. The discussion draws on an article investigating how ideas about heredity became entangled with the discredited programme of applying selective breeding to human populations. It invites listeners to consider the scientific community’s own history and the responsibilities attached to genetic research.

Hosted by Mike Pointer

Vincent Racaniello, Alan Dove and Brianne Barker discuss a newly identified mechanism for RNA-guided DNA recognition and genetic control that may predate CRISPR pathways. They also examine research proposing that features of Alzheimer’s disease neuropathology could have originated as a host response to infection in the brain, including evidence concerning phosphorylated tau and herpesvirus activity. The episode connects ancient molecular recognition mechanisms with questions about antiviral defence.

Hosted by Vincent Racaniello, Alan Dove

Neurobiologist Tom Clandinin joins Nicholas Weiler to explore how interacting genetic, cellular and metabolic systems maintain brain health over a lifetime, and how their breakdown contributes to neurodegeneration. The discussion moves beyond single explanations such as inflammation or waste clearance to a systems-level study of brain resilience. Clandinin describes a collaborative programme combining large-scale genetic perturbations in flies and mice with molecular, circuit and behavioural measurements. Computational models will connect these observations across cell types, predict interactions and guide experiments toward potential ways to strengthen the aging brain’s maintenance systems.

Hosted by Nicholas Weiler

Chris Smith presents research on individual differences in fruit flies, colour-linked pupil responses in synaesthesia, and how mating patterns broaden cognitive variation in chickadees. The episode also examines which species succeed in cities and how DNA organisation changes in cancer. The publisher provides a full episode player and individual interview transcripts.

Hosted by Chris Smith

Chris Smith presents a science-news episode examining how artificial intelligence could be misused to develop biological weapons and how researchers and regulators are responding. The programme also covers long-lasting genetic scars after childhood chemotherapy, ultra-strong ice as a possible construction material, and methods for tracking weather patterns on distant planets.

Hosted by Chris Smith

Paul Bieniasz joins Vincent Racaniello, Alan Dove and Kathy Spindler to discuss his laboratory’s research on coronavirus genetic variation. The conversation examines how the NSP15 nuclease cuts viral RNA into short pieces that can be reinserted elsewhere, producing insertion mutations and new furin-cleavage sites at the spike S1/S2 boundary. The episode links the underlying preprint and includes listener correspondence and weekly selections.

Hosted by Vincent Racaniello, Alan Dove

Nature staff discuss an AI tool for assessing the effects of nine billion human genetic mutations, followed by research challenging assumptions about Bunsen burners and contamination near laboratory work areas. This episode is part of Nature Podcast’s Briefing Chat series and is available from the publisher on Acast.

An audio feature examining research on DNA damage, repair and ageing. The episode explores evidence that inadequate repair contributes to age-related biological changes, and scientific efforts to test whether improving repair can extend healthy life. Nature published this episode on 2 September 2026.

Clio Karageorgiou discusses structural variation and the research brought together in a Heredity special issue. The episode provides a focused introduction to changes in genome structure and their importance for understanding genetic diversity.

Scientific American's Science Quickly examines new recommendations highlighting sperm DNA damage as an underrecognized contributor to recurrent miscarriage. Rachel Feltman and Sarah Elizabeth Richards discuss why conventional sperm tests can miss pregnancy-relevant problems and how broader assessment could change fertility care.

Recorded live in Gothenburg, the discussion examines barriers to genetics professions and ways to design inclusive education, research and clinical services. Hosts Mariangels Ferrer Duch and Ramona Moldovan join Lucinda Freeman, Sasha Henriques, Lili Milani and Jerome del Picchia to explore equitable participation in genomics, patient and community involvement, and professional organisations’ role in widening access.

Hosted by Mariangels Ferrer Duch, Ramona Moldovan

Nature staff discuss evidence from whales and mole rats suggesting that DNA repair may contribute to longevity, and how COVID-19 can reactivate dormant viruses.

Nature staff revisit the landmark cloning of Dolly the sheep from an adult cell and discuss the first direct observation of ocean-floor crust being created.

Portia Wong and Paolo Momigliano discuss population-genetic research on pangolins and its relevance to the illegal wildlife trade. The episode connects genomic evidence with conservation questions and the challenges of tracing threatened wildlife populations.

Oded Rechavi discusses scientific peer review, grant assessment and the possibilities and limitations of AI-assisted research validation. Drawing on his work with C. elegans, he explains research into how experiences can influence descendants through RNA-mediated inheritance. The conversation also covers ancient DNA and the Dead Sea Scrolls, automation in biology and the distinction between supporting researchers and replacing scientific judgment.