Name: Sampling the ocean's DNA
Uploaded: 2007-04-05T00:11:00Z
Duration: 16 min 32 s
Description: Genomics pioneer Craig Venter takes a break from his epic round-the-world expedition to talk about the millions of genes his team has discovered so far in its quest to map the ocean's biodiversity.

Genomics pioneer Craig Venter takes a break from his epic round-the-world expedition to talk about the millions of genes his team has discovered so far in its quest to map the ocean's biodiversity.

Sampling the ocean's DNA

Scientists have shifted from decoding the genetic instructions of life to actively rewriting them. Sampling just one barrel of seawater revealed over a million new genes and up to 50,000 unknown species, showing how little of Earth’s biodiversity has been explored. Synthetic biology now allows for the design and assembly of artificial genomes, offering potential to create organisms that capture carbon, produce clean energy, and revolutionize industries. This frontier brings both vast promise and deep ethical questions about engineering life.