A geneticist makes a DNA-shaped lollipop. Then helix (he licks) it. The iconic structure of DNA was first discovered by Rosaland Franklin using X-ray crystallography. Dr. Arun Richard Chandrasekaran, a researcher at the RNA institute in Albany, takes it a step further and folds these DNA molecules into complex structures using a technique called DNA origami. His DNA contraptions come in all shapes and sizes, and they can do a lot more than just make proteins and pass down genes.

Tune in to learn more about what these in-gene-ious (ingenious) DNA contraptions can do!

This episode is produced by Isaac Chang. Background music is from Blue dot sessions. Episode art is by Ben Mansky. You can follow Arun on Twitter @arunrichardc