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cover of episode The Dubious Consent Question At The Heart Of The Human Genome Project

The Dubious Consent Question At The Heart Of The Human Genome Project

2024/7/15
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Short Wave

Shownotes Transcript

The Human Genome Project was a massive undertaking that took more than a decade and billions of dollars to complete. For it, scientists collected DNA samples from anonymous volunteers who were told the final project would be a mosaic of DNA. Instead, over two-thirds of the DNA comes from one person: RP11. No one ever told him. Science journalist Ashley Smart) talks to host Emily Kwong) about his recent investigation into the decision to make RP11 the major donor — and why unearthing this history matters to genetics today.Read Ashley's full article in Undark Magazine here).*Questions or ideas for future episodes? Email us at [email protected]).*Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices)NPR Privacy Policy)