The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) created the Talking Glossary of Genetic Terms to help everyone understand the terms and concepts used in genetic research. In addition to definitions, specialists in the field of genetics share their descriptions of terms, and many terms include images, animation and links to related terms.
Optogenetics Ed Boyden shows how, by inserting genes for light-sensitive proteins into brain cells, he can selectively activate or de-activate specific neurons with fiber-optic implants. With this unprecedented level of control, he's managed to cure mice of analogs of PTSD and certain forms of blindness.
Epigenetics Identically Different: Tim Spector at TEDx KingsCollege London Tim Spector is a Professor of Genetic Epidemiology and Founder of TwinsUK. He has demonstrated the genetic basis of a wide range of common diseases, previously thought to be mainly due to ageing and environment. He has published over 600 research articles in prestigious journals including Science and Nature and is currently at the forefront of research in Epigenetics -- a new exciting research area into how genes can be altered. He is the author of several books for the scientific and public communities, most recently "Identically Different, why you can change your genes", and he also presents regularly in the media. His talk challenges the current genetic dogma explaining why identical twins are far from identical and how environmental factors interplay with our genes to shape our health and identity.
Epigenetics and the influence of our genes, by Courtney Griffins: TEDxOU
Epigenetics, by David Shenk: TEDxLakeGeneva
