DNA

Nanocrafter

Nanocrafter is a recently launched game about building nanoscale devices using small pieces of DNA. In the last decade, synthetic biologists have begun using the DNA mechanism of strand displacement, a predictable reaction occurring between three or more pieces of DNA, to produce everything from nanoscale computational circuits to mobile walkers capable of transporting payloads over DNA tracks

Journey of a Man (2003)

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Journey of a Man answers the question, "Where do we all come from?" Today, some six billion people are spread across the planet. But there was a time-not so long ago-when the human species numbered only a few thousand and their world was a single continent: Africa.

Grade Level:

Middle

High

Length:

2:00

Stronger than Steel

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Copies: 7

They have a touch so feather-light, it can barely be felt on human skin. The vividly gold and black colored golden orb weaver spider is the largest web-making spider on the planet. These elegant and efficient arachnids can weave impressive webs up to three feet wide in less than an hour. And these spiders' silk-spinning abilities could have far-reaching implications for science and medicine.

Author:

Bridget Heos

Lexile:

860L

Double Helix (2004)

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Stars actor Jeff Goldblum and dramatizes the race to solve the structure of DNA. It is the story of the diligent research and perseverance of James Watson and Francis Crick that led to the discovery. Students of biology and genetics will benefit from the process of problem-solving used to identify the structure of DNA, as well as the clear, concise summary of research evidence.

Grade Level:

Middle

High

Length:

01:48

DNA: Secret of Photo 51 (2003)

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On April 25, 1953, James Watson and Francis Crick published their groundbreaking discovery of the double helix structure of DNA, the molecule essential for passing on our genes and the ''secret of life.'' But their crucial breakthrough depended on the pioneering work of another biologist–Rosalind Franklin.

Grade Level:

Middle

High

Length:

00:56

DNA: Pandora's Box (2003)

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Nobel Laureate Jim Watson gives a guided tour of the future of genetic engineering. Looks at the eugenics movement and genetic selection for families with children that have disabilities. Discusses scientists that speak out in favor of to the manipulation of DNA to benefit humans, and those scientists who fear the risks of losing genetic variation and "playing God."

Grade Level:

High

Length:

00:57

DNA: Curing Cancer (2003)

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Tells the story of how a small group of scientists have developed radical new ways of treating cancer on the genetic level. Focuses on two pioneering efforts: one that isolated the gene linked to breast cancer, and the other which eventually lead to the anti-cancer drug Gleevec, used in the treatment of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia.

Grade Level:

High

Length:

00:57

DNA: The Human Race (2003)

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Examines the Human Genome Project and tracks the progress, including the scientific innovations which lead to its completion. Includes a discussion of its political and economic impact of the project. Includes interviews with scientists involved with the project.

Grade Level:

High

Length:

00:57

DNA: Playing God (2003)

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This program tells the story of genetic engineering's pioneers and the controversy surrounding it. Focuses on the race to synthesize insulin and genetically modified crops. Includes interviews with leading biochemists and molecular biologists.

Grade Level:

High

Length:

00:57

DNA: The Secret of Life (2003)

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Fifty years ago, two unknown scientists ran into an English pub shouting that they had found the secret of life. Jim Watson and Francis Crick were not exaggerating. Narrated by Jeff Goldblum, this series looks back on the achievements that launched a new era in biology and human life itself.

Grade Level:

High

Length:

00:57