It was 50 years ago this March that science research in the U.S. took a landmark turn. Biologists know the significance of the historic Asilomar Conference, which gathered around 150 scientists in California. They had reached a turning point in research on DNA that would change the science world forever.

Kate Adamala researches genetics and cell biology at the University of Minnesota. Her work to create artificial cells is a direct result of what scientists talked about at their conference 50 years ago. And she was lucky enough to be at the anniversary conference to talk about the state of biotechnology in California last week.

Adamala is back in Minnesota and joined MPR News host Nina Moini to reflect on that experience.