Genetics

Hank and his brother John discuss heredity via the gross example of relative ear wax moistness.

Hank brings us the story of Gregor Mendel, the Austrian monk who, with the help of a garden full of pea plants, discovered the fundamental properties of inheritance and paved the way for modern genetics. He also gives us the dirt on a scientific scandal that has followed Mendel beyond the grave.

you'll learn about the basics of cells, chromosomes, and the genes contained in your DNA.

you'll learn about the variations in human DNA called SNPs, and how they can be used to understand relationships between people.

learn how chromosomes and genes are passed down from parent to child.

Discover how your observable traits, or phenotypes, are the result of interactions between your genes and environment.

In this video collaboration from Khan Academy and 23andMe, you'll find out why women don't have a Y chromosome. Even with no Y, women can still learn about their paternal ancestry with genetic testing from services like 23andMe

Ever wish you could see the strands of genetic material that make you...you? You can, and there's no fancy lab equipment required. In this NOVA video short, learn how to extract your own DNA using just a few common household items.

Hank introduces us to that wondrous molecule deoxyribonucleic acid - also known as DNA - and explains how it replicates itself in our cells.

Hank imagines himself breaking into the Hot Pockets factory to steal their secret recipes and instruction manuals in order to help us understand how the processes known as DNA transcription and translation allow our cells to build proteins.

Hank discusses some of the recent developments in synthetic biology, and why some advocacy groups are calling for a moratorium on those developments.

Hank talks about chimeras, and why Venus the cat probably isn't one - but your mom might be!