Just 60 years ago, the initials DNA were unknown to the public. A handful of scientists were in a race to discover the structure of this complex molecule which possibly held the secret of life. Today, DNA is a crucial part of our knowledge about health, identity and our whole world.
In April 1953, James Watson and Francis Crick published their conclusion that the structure of DNA was a double helix. In this programme Robert Winston traces the ways in which DNA has entered our lives, including a new interview with the 85 year old James Watson, who reflects on the consequences of his pioneering work with Crick.
Listen to the clip: Francis Crick and James Watson relive the moment they finally solved the riddle of the structure of DNA, the solution that would open up a new world of scientific research which continues to this day.
Blog Archives
Robert Winston: “Unfair” to deprive older women of IVF
Professor Robert Winston talks to Richard about the benefits of giving women up to the age of 42 IVF on the NHS, as recommended by NICE; and recounts the initial reaction to IVF in the 1980s.
The Science of Music
Robert Winston looks at music with a scientist’s eye, testing the data behind our emotions, in a series that seeks to fully understand our relationship with the power of sound.
Robert Winston’s Musical Analysis
Series in which Robert Winston explores the relationship between the music and the medical conditions of composers who suffered mental and physical illness.
Women’s Hour – Fertility and leukaemia
A report reveals that fertility boosting drugs could more than double the risk of children developing leukaemia. Jane speaks to Robert Winston and Juliet Tizzard, HFEA.
Mad and Bad: 60 Years of Science on TV
This hour-long documentary, narrated by Robert Webb, examined how science on TV has evolved over the last 60 years, from science to science fiction. Influential individuals in science and broadcast media, including Robert Winston, contributed their thoughts to the programme, commenting on how science on TV has reflected, or led, to our collective image of science and the scientist.
Jamie’s Dream School
In this 7 part series celebrity chef Jamie Oliver brought together some of the UK’s most inspirational individuals to see if they could inspire 20 young people to give education a second chance. Robert Winston featured in 3 episodes, where he brought a unique twist to teaching science in the classroom.
How Science Changed Our World
Robert Winston presented his top ten scientific breakthroughs from the last 50 years. On his journey, he explored subjects from the origins of the universe to probing the inner workings of the human mind, and even met some of his early IVF patients.
The Life Scientific
Jim Al-Khaili talks to Professor Robert Winston about IVF, designer babies and why scientists must take ethical responsibilty for the work they do.
Genius of Britain: The Scientists Who Changed the World
In this 5 part series, some of the UK’s leading scientific figures explored the stories, and introduced the people, behind the British innovations that contributed to the creation of the modern world from the steam engine to the worldwide web. Robert Winston contributed to two episodes.