In this episode of Genetics Unzipped, Dr Sally Le Page is delving into the seemingly science fiction world of xenotransplantation, that is, taking organs from animals and using them as organ transplants for humans. We chat with cardiologist Rohin Francis about the groundbreaking operation this year transplanting a genetically modified pig heart into a human, and we chat with Professor Angelika Schneike about how we can avoid getting more than we bargained for from pigs.

S5.08 Have a heart: the science of xenotransplantation

From Mendel's peas to personal genome sequencing, Genetics Unzipped brings you stories from the world of genes, genomes and DNA. In association with The Genetics Society.

Natural Sciences

Science & Medicine

Medicine

Science

Health & Fitness

Life Sciences

Please fill out our listener survey at geneticsunzipped.com/survey before January 31st

This episode is all about the next generation, as we meet three up-and-coming scientists who have been supported by the Genetics Society, and learn all about Bermuda skinks, the Black Death and life after a genetics PhD.

S6.27: Next Generation Sequence: Forging new paths in genetics

We explore the impact that Gregor Mendel and his populariser William Bateson have had on the past century of genetics, and ask whether there could have been a more Weldonian view of the world.

S6.26: The battle for biology: How Mendel came to rule the world

As 2023 draws to a close, we’re bringing you a smorgasbord of previously unaired clips from some of our favourite interviews this year.

S6.25: 2023 Unzipped

We discover how 500,000 whole genomes will help medical research, plumb the depths of the ‘dark genome’, and ponder how much of our DNA is just junk.

S6.24: Genes, junk and the ‘dark genome’

With 2023 marking 40 years since the discovery of HIV, we're looking back over four decades of AIDS, from the earliest whispers of a mysterious new disease to fighting back against this deadly virus

S5.08 Have a heart: the science of xenotransplantation

Download our free app to listen on your phone