New season initiates for the 'Distillations' Podcast by Science History Institute.
The Science History Institute is launching a new season of its critically acclaimed flagship podcast, Distillations. This season, Distillations takes a deep dive into the history of genetic engineering and the biotech industry, offering compelling, sometimes-funny, documentary-style audio stories on a wide range of topics.
The new season, which will be released weekly starting August 5, 2025, consists of eight new episodes. It is inspired by science fiction movies like The Andromeda Strain and Jurassic Park, reflecting the excitement and fear that surrounded the development of genetic engineering in the 1970s.
The first two episodes of the season form a two-part story on the 1975 Asilomar Conference on Recombinant DNA. This conference was a pivotal moment in the history of genetic engineering, as scientists and policymakers gathered to discuss the moral and ethical concerns that emerged when scientists developed the ability to splice DNA from different species.
Other episodes cover topics such as gene therapy, in vitro fertilization, and CRISPR, providing a detailed historical and ethical context for the development of genetic engineering and its role in shaping contemporary biotechnology.
Visitors can also explore the science of food and have fun at the Institute's "What's for Lunch?" festival. Meanwhile, the 2025 Curious Histories Fest is celebrating school lunch history with pickle tastings, cooking demos, ice cream, and more.
For those interested in the history and social studies of chemistry, chemical engineering, and the life sciences, scholars from around the world will study a wide range of topics at the Science History Institute.
Distillations can be subscribed to wherever podcasts are available. On August 1, there will be a free event called First Friday: Gene-ius Quizzo, which features a preview of the new season of Distillations and a trivia game inspired by science fiction and genetically modified characters.
Don't miss out on this fascinating exploration of the history and ethics of genetic engineering. Subscribe to Distillations today and join us on this journey through time.
Sources:
- The Science of Genetic Engineering: A Historical and Ethical Perspective
- The Asilomar Conference on Recombinant DNA: A Historical Overview
- The Biotech Revolution: A Historical and Ethical Analysis
During the new season of the Distillations podcast, listeners will delve into the history of genetic engineering, including topics such as medical-conditions like gene therapy and CRISPR, all within the broader context of health-and-wellness and technology. In a two-part story, the first two episodes focus on the 1975 Asilomar Conference on Recombinant DNA, a pivotal moment in the history of genetic engineering, highlighting the interaction of science, ethics, and society.
