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The Gene: An Intimate History

Science, social history and personal stories weave together a historical biography of the human genome while also exploring the stunning breakthroughs in understanding the impact genes play on heredity, disease and behavior.

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The National Human Genome Research Institute is proud to help support the PBS documentary, “Ken Burns presents The Gene: An Intimate History,” based on the book by Siddhartha Mukherjee, M.D. The Gene aired April 7 and 14 at 8:00 p.m. ET. The series, based on Mukherjee’s best-selling 2016 book, took a journey through key genetics discoveries that are some of the greatest achievements in the history of science.

Featured Videos

The Double Helix
Promotional Video Clip
The Double Helix
Dominant vs. Recessive Traits
Promotional Video Clip
Dominant vs. Recessive Traits
Race to sequence the human genome
Promotional Video Clip
The Race to Sequence the Human Genome
Siddhartha Mukherjee
2019 NHGRI Symposium Keynote
From Genes to Cancer and Back - Siddhartha Mukherjee

The Gene: Explained

In this fun animated series, the gene’s complex mechanisms are explored in simple ways. 

Genome: Unlocking Life’s Code Do-It-Yourself Exhibit

This free, print-on-demand exhibit consists of graphic panels and interactive media. It can be adapted to a variety of venues, including community centers, libraries, coffee shops, hospitals, transit hubs, museums and science centers.

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Woman made of ACTGs

pgEd Lesson Plans for the Classroom

Connect your lesson plans to the new PBS documentary with companion resources courtesy of pgEd and WETA. Available from PBS LearningMedia, these resources can be paired with short clips from the film. 

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DNA

Partnership

As a partner, NHGRI will help PBS stations across the country connect with local and regional scientists or researchers to serve as subject matter experts at community panels and screenings. By including these experts in engagement activities, NHGRI hopes to increase genomic literacy and understanding of both current and historical milestones as well as concepts and technologies discussed in the film.

  • Partnership

    As a partner, NHGRI will help PBS stations across the country connect with local and regional scientists or researchers to serve as subject matter experts at community panels and screenings. By including these experts in engagement activities, NHGRI hopes to increase genomic literacy and understanding of both current and historical milestones as well as concepts and technologies discussed in the film.

News

From Columbia News
Siddhartha Mukherjee and Ken Burns Present PBS Premiere of ‘The Gene: An Intimate History’
April 3, 2020

From WETA
PBS announces "Ken Burns Presents The Gene: An Intimate History," new collaboration with Siddhartha Mukherjee, M.D., three-hour documentary to premiere spring 2020 on PBS
July 30, 2018

 

Last updated: August 28, 2022