Science History Institute Launches New Season of ‘Distillations’ Podcast
Take a deep dive into the fascinating history of genetic engineering and the birth of the biotech industry with weekly episodes starting August 5.
The Science History Institute is pleased to announce the launch of a new season of Distillations, our critically acclaimed flagship podcast. New episodes will drop weekly on Tuesdays starting August 5, 2025. You can subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
With a nod to science fiction movies like The Andromeda Strain and Jurassic Park, this season explores the fascinating—and controversial—history of genetic engineering and the birth of the biotechnology industry. Eight new episodes will dive deep into the innovations and the breakthroughs, the dreams and the nightmares that have shaped the field from its beginnings.
We kicked off the season early with a two-part story on the 1975 Asilomar Conference on Recombinant DNA, a historic and pivotal meeting that brought scientists together to consider the ramifications of their work and the ethical dilemmas it created.
Listen to “Science, Interrupted” now!
Other episodes cover such topics as gene therapy, in vitro fertilization, and CRISPR, highlighting moments in history where even the scientists themselves asked: just because we can do something, should we?
Learn more about biotech and DNA manipulation at First Friday: Gene-ius Quizzo, taking place on Friday, August 1. This free event features a preview of the new season of Distillations and a lively round of trivia inspired by your favorite science fiction films and genetically modified villains and superheroes.
About Distillations Podcast
Distillations is the Science History Institute’s critically acclaimed flagship podcast. We take deep dives into stories that range from the serious to the eccentric, all to help listeners better understand the surprising science that is all around us. Hear about everything from the crisis in Alzheimer’s research to New England’s 19th-century vampire panic in compelling, sometimes-funny, documentary-style audio stories.
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