Uploaded December 2020 | Updated September 2026, 2 days ago
DNA is the blueprint of life that makes us what we are, but how much do we really know about it? If you were to look at science fiction, you would think we could make all sorts of monsters and superhumans. The reality is that these feats are definitely possible, but we still need to learn more about our blueprint and how to manipulate it! In this talk, we will explore the topic of genetic engineering with Zack as we talk about the science behind gene modifications, what we're able to do right now, and how our current understanding of genetics compares with what we see in science fiction movies like Jurassic Park and Gattaca. Could we ever bring back the dinosaurs, or at least make animals that look like them? We'll also talk about the ethics of genetically modifying humans and how things like socioeconomics play a crucial role in that decision. Join us as we make science fact out of science fiction!
Zachary Root is a PhD candidate at CU Boulder in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, and he studies evolution and development in lamprey, sharks, and other fish. Zack currently has a BS / BA degree from the University of Idaho, where he graduated with a double-major in Biology and Spanish in 2016. Outside of the lab, Zack is a huge nerd for cooking, cheese-making, linguistics, and video games.
Find Zack on Twitter: @Root_zack
Check out his website here: medeiroslab.weebly.com/zachary-root.html
If you have any additional questions, comments, or want to find out more about upcoming talks, contact us at: scienceunderthedome@colorado.edu
We would like to acknowledge:
University of Colorado Boulder, APS Department
SkySkan Inc. and their amazing software DigitalSky2 that made this possible.
This virtual series made possible with the support from the CU Office of Outreach and Engagement.
Fiske is one of the largest planetariums in the US, having served CU Boulder & the local community since 1975. We offer a diverse range of fulldome films, live talks, laser and liquid sky shows, as well as public gatherings for astronomical and NASA-related events.
Follow Fiske Planetarium:
Website | https://www.colorado.edu/fiske
Instagram | instagram.com/fiskeplanet
Facebook | facebook.com/teamfiske
DNA is the blueprint of life that makes us what we are, but how much do we really know about it? If you were to look at science fiction, you would think we could make all sorts of monsters and superhumans. The reality is that these feats are definitely possible, but we still need to learn more about our blueprint and how to manipulate it! In this talk, we will explore the topic of genetic engineering with Zack as we talk about the science behind gene modifications, what we're able to do right now, and how our current understanding of genetics compares with what we see in science fiction movies like Jurassic Park and Gattaca. Could we ever bring back the dinosaurs, or at least make animals that look like them? We'll also talk about the ethics of genetically modifying humans and how things like socioeconomics play a crucial role in that decision. Join us as we make science fact out of science fiction!
Zachary Root is a PhD candidate at CU Boulder in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, and he studies evolution and development in lamprey, sharks, and other fish. Zack currently has a BS / BA degree from the University of Idaho, where he graduated with a double-major in Biology and Spanish in 2016. Outside of the lab, Zack is a huge nerd for cooking, cheese-making, linguistics, and video games.
Find Zack on Twitter: @Root_zack
Check out his website here: medeiroslab.weebly.com/zachary-root.html
If you have any additional questions, comments, or want to find out more about upcoming talks, contact us at: scienceunderthedome@colorado.edu
We would like to acknowledge:
University of Colorado Boulder, APS Department
SkySkan Inc. and their amazing software DigitalSky2 that made this possible.
This virtual series made possible with the support from the CU Office of Outreach and Engagement.
Fiske is one of the largest planetariums in the US, having served CU Boulder & the local community since 1975. We offer a diverse range of fulldome films, live talks, laser and liquid sky shows, as well as public gatherings for astronomical and NASA-related events.
Follow Fiske Planetarium:
Website | https://www.colorado.edu/fiske
Instagram | instagram.com/fiskeplanet
Facebook | facebook.com/teamfiske
