Matthew Cobb is Professor of Zoology at Manchester University, and author of several popular science books. He has produced a terrific three-part documentary Genetic Dreams, Genetic Nightmares on the potential and the risks of Genetic Modification (GM).
Each thirty minute episode takes us through a different phase in the first fifty years since the development of “genetic engineering”. Below I will give links to the episodes on BoB. Since, at the time of writing, they are also available on BBC Sounds I shall also cite those.
Episode 1 focuses on the origins of what became known as “recombinant DNA technology” and includes discussion of the famous 1974 conference in Asilomar, that introduced guidelines on safe research
Available on BoB: https://learningonscreen.ac.uk/ondemand/index.php/clip/201952
Also on BBC Sounds: https://tinyurl.com/GDGNe1
In Episode 2, attention turns to commercial uses of GM and the role of venture capitalists in starting the world of biotechnology. The controversy of GM crops is discussed.
Available on BoB: https://learningonscreen.ac.uk/ondemand/index.php/clip/201953
Also on BBC Sounds: https://tinyurl.com/GDGNe2
In Episode 3, Cobb considers the new potential for genome editing, including the ability to alter the human genome.
Available on BoB: https://learningonscreen.ac.uk/ondemand/index.php/clip/201954
Also on BBC Sounds: https://tinyurl.com/GDGNe3
Biology on the Box 