Publisher's Synopsis
The Biological Revolution: 100 Years of Science at Cold Spring Harbor, a 30-minute video documentary providing the nonscientist with a cogent explanation of the origins of the DNA revolution that is now sweeping the country, is invaluable teaching material for junior and senior high school classes. Using Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory as a case study, the video shows the parallel development of American science and society, while providing a first-hand account of the development of modern genetics. Through events that have occurred at Cold Spring Harbor, the video documents the quest to understand the nature of the genetic code, beginning with Darwin's theory of evolution and culminating with powerful techniques to precisely manipulate the DNA molecule. Laboratory Director James Watson, who shared the Nobel Prize for elucidating the double-helix structure of DNA, serves as on-site host. He and four other Nobel laureates-Alfred Hershey, Salvador Luria, Barbara McClintock, and Walter Gilbert-lend their own insights on the genetic revolution they helped launch. Viewers are brought up-to-the-minute on how recombinant DNA techniques are being employed in the wars against cancer and world hunger. Included is stunning footage which shows cancer-causing proteins being injected directly into living cells using a needle with a tip 1/100th the diameter of a human hair.
