Nova Season 39 Episode 15 - Cracking Your Genetic Code

Airdate: 2012-Mar-28

Episode summary:

What will it mean when most of us can afford to have the information in our DNA--all three billion chemical letters of it--read, stored and available for analysis? In "Cracking Your Genetic Code," NOVA reveals that we stand on the verge of a revolution. Meet cancer patients returned to robust health and a cystic fibrosis sufferer breathing easily because scientists have been able to pinpoint and neutralize the genetic abnormalities underlying their conditions. What are the moral dilemmas raised by the new technology? Will it help or hurt us to know our genetic destiny? What if such information falls into the hands of insurance companies, employers and prospective mates? One thing is certain: the new era of personalized, gene-based medicine is relevant to everyone. Soon, all of us may be deciding whether to join the ranks of the DNA generation.

About Nova series:

A weekly documentary series, each episode providing an in-depth look at a different subject of scientific research. Subjects examined by this show ...Show more >