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As of November, 2003, this page is no longer being maintained. For a current list of video suppliers, see our Video Suppliers page. For online audio and video, see our Webcasts page.

Prior to November 2003, Genome Management Information System (GMIS) maintained the following list of videos related to genetics, the Human Genome Project (HGP), the Microbial Genome Program (MGP), and issues surrounding the availability of genetic information. The list is not comprehensive, and GMIS does not endorse any particular product. For additional information, including prices, please contact the responsible organization included in each listing. Organizations may have other videos, and some are offered for rent as well as for sale. Some distributors may not ship outside of North America.

Quick Links to Videos Below:

Basic Genetics and the Human Genome Project
DNA Technology
Genetic Testing
Medicine and Gene Therapy
Ethical, Legal, and Social Issues
Microbial Genomics
Video Suppliers

Note: If you are looking for a particular video, use the FIND function under the EDIT pulldown menu on your browser.

Basic Genetics and the Human Genome Project

Biologists at Work
One video (44 min., 1995). Illustrates how all sciences are intertwined on the frontiers of biology. Consists of two parts. Part one, A Brief History of Biology (18 min.), which also is available separately, takes viewers on a tour of the history of biology with special attention to pioneers such as Darwin, Mendel, Crick, Franklin, and Watson. Part 2 shows some outstanding biologists of today. Secondary, college. [Hawkhill Associates (800/422-4295 or 608/251-3934, hawkhill@home.com)]

The Gene
One video (38 min., updated 1998). Basic information and new computer animations explain one of the most important concepts in modern science. Consists of two parts, each available separately. Part 1: How the Gene was Discovered dramatizes the history of genetics from Mendel to Watson and Crick. Part 2: What is a Gene? outlines the basics of what a gene is and how it functions. Includes new material on cloning and the Human Genome Project. Secondary, college. [Hawkhill Associates (800/422-4295 or 608/251-3934, hawkhill@home.com)]

Genetics and Heredity: The Blueprint of Life
One video (22 min., 1996). Deals with the structure of DNA, life process, inheritance, hybrid traits, recessive and dominant genes, and common genetic disorders. The importance of genetics in medicine and biotechnology also is discussed. For grades 6–12. [Carolina Biological Supply Company (800/334-5551 or 336/584-0381, carolina@carolina.com)]

Genome: Solving the Code of Life (New Medicine Series)
One video (30 min., 1995). Leading experts in genetics describe how they and other scientists are unlocking the secrets of life by studying the genomes of different organisms. They also discuss the Human Genome Project, the effort to map and sequence all the genes in the human body and find answers to many of the mysteries of human existence. Grade 9–college. [Carolina Biological Supply Company (800/334-5551 or 336/584-0381, carolina@carolina.com)]

The Human Genome Project
One video (29 min., 1999). Takes viewers inside an automated gene-sequencing laboratory where human genes are isolated and fragmented and DNA base sequences are determined. Examines why this project is so revolutionary and what it might mean to all mankind in the 21st century. Risks and benefits are discussed. Secondary, college. [Hawkhill Associates (800/422-4295 or 608/251-3934, hawkhill@home.com)]

Map of Life: Science, Society, and the Human Genome Project (New Medicine Series)
One video (46 min., 1992). Explains Human Genome Project goals, some of the science behind mapping and sequencing genes, and why the project will revolutionize medicine. Also deals with some ethical and legal issues surrounding the project. Grade 9–college. [Carolina Biological Supply Company (800/334-5551 or 336/584-0381, carolina@carolina.com)]

Patterns of Inheritance: Understanding Genetics
One video (30 min., 1994). Demonstrates Mendel's laws of dominance, segregation, and independent assortment. Shows how the environment interacts with the genotype to produce the phenotype. Teaches use of Punnett squares. Grade 6–college. [Carolina Biological Supply Company (800/334-5551 or 336/584-0381, carolina@carolina.com)]

Heredity and Mutation
One video (20 min., 1988). Introduces the concept of mutation as the source of genetic variation. Examines naturally occurring mutation and the activity of radiation and chemicals as mutagens. Grade 9–college. [Carolina Biological Supply Company (800/334-5551 or 336/584-0381, carolina@carolina.com)]

On Becoming a Scientist
One video (19 min., 1995). A "day in the life" of three graduate students and a laboratory manager involved in genetic research. The video seeks to dispel stereotypes about scientists; show them as well-rounded, diverse people who lead interesting lives; and provide role models for women and minorities underrepresented in science. [Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press (800/843-4388 or 516/349-1930, cshpress@cshl.org), Pyramid Media (800/421-2304 or 310/828-7577, info@pyramidmedia.com)]

Stories from the Scientists
One video (30 min., 1995). Describes two of the most famous collaborations in biology between (1) James Watson and Francis Crick, who together discovered the structure of DNA and (2) Herbert Boyer and Stanley Cohen, who developed methods for combining DNA molecules and cloning genes. For high school and college levels. [Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press (800/843-4388 or 516/349-1930, cshpress@cshl.org), Pyramid Media (800/421-2304 or 310/828-7577, info@pyramidmedia.com)]

The Story of the Gene
One video (19 min., updated 1998). Introduction to the gene explains how DNA was discovered and how it works in all human cells. Upper elementary, junior high. [Hawkhill Associates (800/422-4295 or 608/251-3934, hawkhill@home.com)]

DNA Technology

Biotechnology—On the Cutting Edge
One video (33 min., 1995). Richard Burgess defends his science against critics and makes the case for the 21st century being the century of biotechnology. [Hawkhill Associates (800/422-4295 or 608/251-3934, hawkhill@home.com)]

Cloning: How and Why
One video (31 min., 1998). Takes viewers to cloning laboratories. Covers some details of how cloning is done and challenges students to consider the implications of cloning for life in the 21st century. Secondary, college. [Hawkhill Associates (800/422-4295 or 608/251-3934, hawkhill@home.com)]

Genetic Engineering
One video (34 min., updated 1998). Brave new world of cloning, gene splicing, in vitro fertilization, including interviews with leading environmentalists and biologists. Secondary, college. [Hawkhill Associates (800/422-4295 or 608/251-3934, hawkhill@home.com)]

Winding Your Way Through DNA
Set of six videos (8½ hours total, 1993). This series was recorded at a 1992 San Francisco symposium and public forum on molecular biology and its applications for high school teachers and students. Eminent scientists and biotechnology experts speak on various aspects of DNA technology, followed by questions from a panel of science writers. [Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press (800/843-4388 or 516/349-1930, cshpress@cshl.org), Pyramid Media (800/421-2304 or 310/828-7577, info@pyramidmedia.com)]

The Biological Revolution: 100 Years of Science at Cold Spring Harbor
One video (30 min., 1986). Explains the origins of the DNA revolution to nonscientists. Through events at Cold Spring Harbor, the video documents the quest to understand the nature of the genetic code from Darwin to the 20th century. For junior and senior high classes. [Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press (800/843-4388 or 516/349-1930, cshpress@cshl.org)]

DNA in Practice Series
Set of four videos (13 min. each, 1993). Programs show the basic techniques of DNA manipulation: extraction, electrophoresis, southern blotting, and hybridization. Viewers are taken through the complete sequence involved in extracting DNA from cells and producing an autoradiograph. Grade 9–college. [Carolina Biological Supply Company (800/334-5551 or 336/584-0381, carolina@carolina.com)]

Genetic Testing

A Question of Genes: Inherited Risks
One video (120 min., 1998). Seven case studies explore situations of individuals and families who confront questions about genetic testing. Without narration, patients, families, and physicians speak directly to the viewer about the profound personal and emotional effects of learning genetic information. The 2-hour program was shown September 16, 1997, on PBS. The related Web site includes downloadable discussion guides and other resources. [Oregon Public Broadcasting (800/440-2651)]

The Burden of Knowledge
One video (54 min., 1994). Explores difficult ethical issues arising from advances in biotechnology that make it possible to identify genetic defects during pregnancy. Seven couples who were offered prenatal testing, along with caregivers and people with disabilities, are interviewed. [Fanlight Productions (800/937-4113 or 617/469-4999, fanlight@fanlight.com)]

Deadly Inheritance
One video (44 min., 1997). A woman who has elected to take the test for Huntington's disease, which has affected her mother and others in her family, is followed over the months between her initial blood test and the moment when she is told her results. [Fanlight Productions (800/937-4113 or 617/469-4999, fanlight@fanlight.com)]

Gene Blues: Dilemmas of DNA Testing
One video (30 min., 1997). Examines problems and issues surrounding DNA testing and ramifications of human gene technology. Issues, which are approached from the point of view of individuals facing testing, include discrimination in employment and insurance; DNA data banks, privacy, and forensics; prenatal genetic testing and its implications; and the trend toward seeking genetic indicators for everything from obesity to homosexuality. For grade 9 through adults. [Bullfrog Films (800/543-3764, bullfrog@igc.org)]

Promise & Perils of Biotechnology: Genetic Testing
One video (25 min., 1996). Explores the benefits and drawbacks of genetic testing from the viewpoint of three individuals who make a decision to be (or not to be) tested for an inherited disorder. For all levels. [Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press (800/843-4388 or 516/349-1930, cshpress@cshl.org), Pyramid Media (800/421-2304 or 310/828-7577, info@pyramidmedia.com)]

Medicine and Gene Therapy

TheNew Medicine Series
Three videos, available separately or as a set. Grade 9–college. [Carolina Biological Supply Company (800/334-5551 or 336/584-0381, carolina@carolina.com)]

• Genome: Solving the Code of Life (30 min., 1995) Leading experts in genetics describe how they and other scientists are unlocking the secrets of life by studying the genomes of different organisms. They also discuss the Human Genome Project, the effort to map and sequence all the genes in the human body and find answers to many of the mysteries of human existence.

• Map of Life: Science, Society, and the Human Genome Project (46 min., 1992) Explains Human Genome Project goals and some of the science behind mapping and sequencing genes. Discusses how scientists are using this information to study gene function and why this will revolutionize medicine. Also deals with some ethical and legal issues surrounding the project.

• Molecular Medicine: Human Gene Therapy and the Future of Modern Medicine (47 min., 1993) Leading gene therapy researchers describe events leading to the first human gene therapy treatments in 1990. They discuss techniques; government regulation; and the social, ethical, and legal consideration of this emerging science.

Our Genes/Our Choices

Three videos, 57-min. each (2002). Available separately or as a set. Grade 9 and up. Related resources available at www.films.com. Videos show panelists discussing the following subjects:

•Who Gets to Know? Genetics and Privacy. Far-reaching ethical, legal, and social implications of genetic testing.

•Making Better Babies: Genetics and Reproduction. Individual and societal dilemmas caused by prenatal testing.

•Genes on Trial: Genetics, Behavior, and the Law. Issues involving genetic research and undesirable traits such as alcohol addiction and the relationship between addiction’s genetic basis and personal responsibility. [Films for the Humanities and Sciences (800/257-5126, ext. 8039 or 6132, sales@film.com)]

Banking Our Genes
One video (33 min., 1995). Examines the ethical and legal consequences, public policy, and privacy issues involved in DNA banking and databanking, which is becoming widespread in such settings as healthcare organizations, the criminal justice system, and the military. [Fanlight Productions (800/937-4113 or 617/469-4999, fanlight@fanlight.com)]

Microbial Genomics

The focus of the DOE Microbial Genome Program (MGP), a 1994 spinoff from the Human Genome Program, is to sequence the genetic material of microbial organisms that are important to carrying out DOE's missions in toxic waste cleanup, energy production, global climate change, and biotechnology. For more information, see the DOE MGP Web site.

Life's Three Branches: Archaea, Bacteria, and Eucarya
One video (20 min., 1998). Evolution of self-replicating molecules and the first cells, the rise of bacteria and how they shaped the biosphere. Beginnings of the domain eucarya, cyanobacteria, and oxygen and the acquisition of mitochondria by endosymbiosis. [Carolina Biological Supply Company (800/334-5551 or 336/584-0381, carolina@carolina.com)]

Unseen Life on Earth: A Telecourse
Twelve videos (30 min. each, 1999). Programs cover the microbial universe; the unity of living systems; metabolism; the central role of DNA; genetic transfer; microbial evolution, diversity, ecology, control, and interactions; human defenses; and microbes and human diseases. [Annenberg/CPB Projects (800/532-7637 or 202/879-9600, info@learner.org)]

Intimate Strangers: Unseen Life on Earth
Four videos (Total 4 hours, 1999). Programs shown on PBS in 1999 cover the relationships among all living things, evolution of microbial life, role of microbes, microbial communities that live in and on humans, factors that contribute to the emergence of new infectious diseases, and possible uses of microbes to repair the environment and feed the planet's population. Series is free with purchase of Unseen Life on Earth: A Telecourse. [Annenberg/CPB Projects (800/532-7637 or 202/879-9600, pdoyle@mlcworld.com)]

Contact Information for Video Suppliers

Films for the Humanities, P.O. Box 2053, Princeton, NJ 08543-2053, 800/257-5126, ext 8039 or 6132; sales@film.com

Hawkhill Associates (800/422-4295 or 608/251-3934, hawkhill@home.com)

Bullfrog Films (800/543-3764, bullfrog@igc.org)

Carolina Biological Supply Company (800/334-5551 or 336/584-0381, carolina@carolina.com)

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press (800/843-4388 or 516/349-1930, cshpress@cshl.org)

Fanlight Productions (800/937-4113 or 617/469-4999, fanlight@fanlight.com)

Annenberg/CPB Projects (800/532-7637 or 202/879-9600, info@learner.org)

Oregon Public Broadcasting (800/440-2651)

PBS Home Videos (800/344-3337, shopeducation@pbs.org)

Pyramid Media (800/421-2304 or 310/828-7577, info@pyramidmedia.com)

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