#110 Gattaca, 22 Years Later
It’s been 22 years since THE genetic thriller was released…. Gattaca.
How has the film aged with society, ethics, genetic technology and more? Find out in this episode!
If it’s been a while since you’ve seen the film, refresh yourself with the plot summary below.
Vincent Freeman (Ethan Hawke) has always fantasized about traveling into outer space, but is grounded by his status as a genetically inferior "in-valid." He decides to fight his fate by purchasing the genes of Jerome Morrow (Jude Law), a laboratory-engineered "valid." He assumes Jerome's DNA identity and joins the Gattaca space program, where he falls in love with Irene (Uma Thurman). An investigation into the death of a Gattaca officer (Gore Vidal) complicates Vincent's plans.
On This Episode We Discuss Ethical Questions Like...
How has our understanding and appreciation of the film changed throughout our careers?
Do you think the way Vincent exfoliates and environment would stand up to our current technology?
How accurate did the film predict fertility technologies like PDG?
What is the true goal of genetic perfection? What is the cost?
What types of polygenic risk scores are being offered today?
How well can laws really prevent genetic discrimination?
How much can you protect your own genetic information?
How accurate is the film in regard to the society effects of the “haves” and “have nots”?
What was the alternative ending of Gattaca? What does it warn society?
Do you have more thoughts about Gattaca? We want to hear from you, tweet @DNApodcast to share your insight! Too long for a tweet? Email in at info@DNApodcast.com.
The Panel:
Alejandra Cantú is from Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico. She completed her medical degree at the Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León in Mexico. She continued her studies as a Medical Genetics resident at Hospital Civil “Fray Antonio Alcalde” in Guadalajara, Mexico. During her years in training, she realized the need to provide patients and their families with well-rounded care and therefore chose to pursue a career in genetic counseling. Alejandra is in her second year as a student in the genetic counseling masters program at Sarah Lawrence College. Her professional areas of interest include prenatal, pediatrics, and oncology. As an international student, she hopes the profession of genetic counseling expands its reach and continues to grow in other countries.
Catherine Mayo is a second year genetic counseling student at Sarah Lawrence College. She is originally from the Bay Area in California and received her Bachelor of Science in Genetics and Genomics from the University of California, Davis. Following graduation, she worked for Genentech (a member of the Roche group) and learned how pharmaceutical and biologic drugs make their way from research labs to patients. She is pursuing a career in genetic counseling to promote social justice, patient autonomy, and universal access to medicine. Her current career interests include prenatal, pediatric, and fertility genetics. She is looking forward to graduating and helping patients of her own this upcoming spring.
Kira Dineen hosts DNA Today: A Genetics Podcast (and radio show). She also hosts three other healthcare podcasts: Advancing Dentistry, Working for Health: A Connecticut Bioscience Podcast and Insight Says: A Mental Health Podcast. Kira is a member of National Society of Genetic Counselors’ Digital Ambassador Program (aka #NSGCGenePool). She received her Bachelor's of Science degree in Diagnostic Genetic Sciences with a concentration in Cytogenetics at the University of Connecticut, and has a certification as a Cytogenetic Technologist. Kira is a student representative in Sarah Lawrence College’s Genetic Counseling Class of 2020.
Stay tuned for the next new episode of DNA Today in early November where I will be be joined by a few guests to discuss the National Society of Genetic Counselors Annual Conference. New episodes are typically released on the first Friday of the month. Often I’ll have a second episode later in the month.
See what else I am up to on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn. Questions/inquiries can be sent to info@DNApodcast.com.
