1105: DNA | Skeptical Sunday

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Jan 19, 2025

Michael Regilio, a skeptic, comedian, and podcaster, dives into the fascinating world of DNA. He reveals mind-blowing facts, like how one person's DNA stretched out could reach the sun 600 times! The conversation tackles the ethical dilemmas surrounding DNA databases and the unintended privacy risks they pose. Regilio and the host explore CRISPR technology's potential to create designer babies while addressing the serious implications of genetic editing. This lively discussion blends humor with crucial insights into our genetic future.

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INSIGHT

DNA's Immensity

DNA is a molecule coiled up in each cell's nucleus, containing the blueprint for the entire body.
If uncoiled and laid end-to-end, all DNA strands in a human body would stretch to the sun 600 times.

ANECDOTE

Discovery of DNA

Friedrich Miescher discovered DNA in 1869 by studying white blood cells from used bandages.
He later transitioned to using salmon sperm for his research, which is arguably less gross.

ANECDOTE

Double Helix Discovery

Rosalind Franklin discovered DNA's double helix structure, but Watson and Crick often get the credit.
This highlights the historical overlooking of women's contributions in science.

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From criminal cases to designer babies, DNA is reshaping humanity's future. Michael Regilio unravels this double helix of discovery on Skeptical Sunday!

Welcome to Skeptical Sunday, a special edition of The Jordan Harbinger Show where Jordan and a guest break down a topic that you may have never thought about, open things up, and debunk common misconceptions. This time around, we’re joined by skeptic, comedian, and podcaster Michael Regilio!

On This Week's Skeptical Sunday, We Discuss:

DNA is simultaneously microscopic and massive in scale — while coiled up tightly in each cell's nucleus, if you unraveled all the DNA in a single human body and laid it end-to-end, it would stretch to the sun not once, but 600 times! This mind-bending fact perfectly illustrates how we're all walking around with an astronomical amount of genetic information packed into our cells.
The ethical implications of DNA databases are more complex than a double helix — even if you never take a genetic test yourself, your relatives' DNA decisions can expose your genetic information. It's like playing genetic poker where someone else can accidentally show your hand. This raises serious concerns about privacy, insurance discrimination, and how genetic information could be weaponized by bad actors.
CRISPR technology has opened Pandora's genetic toolbox — while it offers incredible potential for treating diseases like sickle cell anemia, it also enables the possibility of "designer babies" and genetic enhancements that could create new forms of social inequality. We're essentially writing code for humans now, but without a clear user manual for the consequences.
DNA evidence has revolutionized criminal justice — but it took decades to establish proper standards and protocols. From its first use in catching Colin Pitchfork (whose villainous name seems almost too on-the-nose) to modern genetic genealogy solving cold cases, DNA has become the ultimate witness that never forgets and never lies.
Understanding and working with DNA is becoming increasingly accessible and beneficial — from personalized medicine to ancestry exploration to crop improvements, we all have opportunities to engage with and benefit from DNA science. By staying informed about genetic advances while thoughtfully considering their implications, we can help shape a future where this powerful technology serves humanity's best interests rather than our darker impulses.
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Connect with Michael Regilio at Twitter, Instagram, and

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