How to Protect Blue Whales in the Ocean

Looking back at the publication of the human genome, and how macrophages mend muscle.

In this episode:

00:45 The human genome sequence, 20 years on

This week marks the 20th anniversary of a scientific milestone – the publication of the first draft of the human genome. Magdalena Skipper, Nature’s Editor-in-Chief gives us her recollections of genomics at the turn of the millennium, and the legacy of the achievement.

Editorial: The next 20 years of human genomics must be more equitable and more open

Comment: A wealth of discovery built on the Human Genome Project — by the numbers

Comment: Sequence three million genomes across Africa

Video: How a worm showed us the way to open science

Video: How ancient DNA sequencing changed the game

10:50 Research Highlights

Is there an evolutionary reason why hotter countries have hotter food? Maybe not. And larger groups of giraffe gal pals have better chances of survival.

Research Article: Bromham et al.

Research Highlight: For female giraffes, friends in high places bring towering benefits

12:48 Mending damaged muscles

It’s known that immune cells play an important role in muscle repair. Now though, researchers have isolated the specific molecules involved, and hope that this knowledge could be used in future to create therapies.

Research Article: Ratnayake et al.

19:39 Briefing Chat

We discuss some highlights from the Nature Briefing. This time, a court overrules a Trump administration guideline on how science can be used in environmental policy, and the harrowing lengths that Blue Whales need to take to avoid fishing vessels.

Washington Post: Judge throws out Trump rule limiting what science EPA can use

The Independent: Animation shows week in life of blue whale as it tries to avoid fishing...

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