A Genetic Approach to Improving Hop Varieties

Broadcaster: BBC One
Year: 2024
Genre: News package
Duration: 3 minutes
URL: https://learningonscreen.ac.uk/ondemand/index.php/clip/251624

This is a short piece from BBC news presented by veteran science reporter Pallab Ghosh, in which we investigates the state of play in the brewing industry. Specifically, Pallab discusses the ways that climate change is causing issues with the growth of hops, a crucial component in the manufacture of a pint of bitter. Interviews are conducted with scientists who are seeking to use molecular genetics to identify strains that will be good to cross-breed with existing varieties in order to hit the sweet spot of a hop that will grow well in warmer and dryer weather whilst delivering a great taste to the beer.

The clip might be useful for student of genetics and/or plant science.

A transcript of the package is available here.

At the time of writing, this story is also being reported on the BBC website: Fears for the future of the great British pint of beer.

The Gift: Getting more than you bargained from a genetic test?

Broadcaster: BBC Radio4
Year: 2023-24
Genre: Documentary, Factual
Duration: Seven 28 minutes episodes

Personal genetic tests have become a popular present to give to relatives. These are often taken quite lightheartedly – a chance to see how “Viking you are” or to investigate geographical origins. As this series researched and presented by Jenny Kleeman demonstrates, however, there can be rather more at stake than meets the eye.

The original series of six episodes was broadcast in 2023. A seventh episode was added in February 2024, after it had been revealed that popular service 23andMe had experienced a very significant data breach.

Episode 1: Fraud https://learningonscreen.ac.uk/ondemand/index.php/clip/241406
A DNA test given as a present reveals a scandal

Episode 2: Justice https://learningonscreen.ac.uk/ondemand/index.php/clip/251663
A son’s quest to find out more about his late father leads to information about a shocking crime

Episode 3: Mistakes https://learningonscreen.ac.uk/ondemand/index.php/clip/251664
Did a fertility clinic accidentally muddle up samples from two couples?

Episode 4: Race https://learningonscreen.ac.uk/ondemand/index.php/clip/251665
A home genetic test user discovers their racial identity isn’t what they thought

Episode 5: Health https://learningonscreen.ac.uk/ondemand/index.php/clip/251666
What happens if a genetic test reveals some unwelcome news about your future health?

Episode 6: Secrets https://learningonscreen.ac.uk/ondemand/index.php/clip/251667
A genetic test brings family relationships into doubt

Episode 7: Hacked https://learningonscreen.ac.uk/ondemand/index.php/clip/251668
A bonus episode, triggered by the news that 23andMe had been hacked and genetic data about millions of customers made available on the dark web.

At the time of writing, all episodes are available on BBC Sounds.