46. DNA: replication, cancer, and aging.

Why are some cancer cells immortal? What can we learn about aging from a lobster? Why does a gene from a human work in a bacteria? The answers lies in genetics. In this episode I explain how understanding the basics of DNA replication, the genetic code, and mutations improves our lives from treating cancer, slowing aging, to making medicines.

Chapters

• 0:00 Introduction
• 4:06 DNA Replication
• 14:21 Telomeres and immortal cancers
• 22:40 Lobsters that don't age
• 26:08 The Genetic Code
• 36:50 Mutations create diversity